Empowering young scientists for conservation and green development

Dr. Jayaraman Durai, Director of INBAR’s Global Programme, presented on bamboo resources and bamboo species identification. Credit: XTBG.

Training in southwest China helps equip the next generation of young scientists with the skills, knowledge and connections to safeguard biodiversity and sustainable development in the region.

The Regional Training on Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Development in Tropical Asia was successfully held in Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden (XTBG), Yunnan, China from June 14 to 20. Over the seven-day agenda, the training featured both indoor lectures and outdoor field visits, imparting a diverse range of skills and knowledge to the young scientists participating in the event, while also promoting exchange and network-building with other experts and colleagues in related fields.

Mr. Cao Jinghua, Executive Director of the Alliance of International Science Organizations (ANSO), Dr. Pema Gyamtsho, Director General of the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), and Dr. Jayaraman Durai, Director of INBAR’s Global Programme attended the opening ceremony and delivered remarks. Later, Dr. Richard Corlett, internationally renowned tropical biologist, and Dr. Jayaraman Durai delivered lectures on “Biodiversity Research and Conservation in Tropical East Asia” and “Inventory of Bamboo Resources with Remote Sensing Technology, and Mobile-Based Measures for Identification of Bamboo Species,” respectively.

Field visits were an important part of the hybrid course. Credit: XTBG.

The hybrid classroom/field training course was carefully prepared by experienced experts from XTBG, also combining on-site and online participatory formats. The training included technical reports delivered by specialists, theoretical lectures, field practices, discussions, case studies and more. Topics encompassed biodiversity research and conservation, biodiversity investigation technologies, ecological system services, community-based protection and sustainable development projects. According to Prof. Chen Jin, former Director of XTBG and Chief Expert of the training course, the main goal of the program was not only the sharing and exchanging of information as well as fostering critical thinking and deep-diving tools for key related issues, but also for establishing linkages and helping build new networks for young researchers.

In total, 25 on-site participants benefited from and completed the full course, and 30 participants completed the theoretical study portion online. Prof. Yang Yongping, Director of XTBG, awarded certificates to the participants and personally congratulated each of them. He also welcomed those in attendance as well as other partners and collaborative organizations to carry forward the torch of joint research and exchange, encouraging more stakeholders to join hands in promoting cooperation on the urgent issue of biodiversity conservation across the threatened landscapes of tropical Asia.

Closing ceremony of the training. Credit: XTBG.

Through regional trainings like this and more, INBAR seeks to leverage its institutional expertise and extensive network to amplify its message of sustainable development, particularly focusing on the numerous beneficial applications of bamboo and rattan for achieving humankind’s sustainable development goals.

The event was sponsored by ANSO and co-organized by XTBG, the Southeast Asia Biodiversity Research Institute (SEABRI), Initiative for Collective Conservation in Chinese Botanical Garden (ICCBG) and INBAR.

This article is a repost of the original posted on the XTBG website.