On October 16, the Global Ecological Governance (Nansen) Conference kicked off in Beijing, gathering hundreds of academicians, experts, and renowned scholars to discuss pressing global ecological governance issues. The three-day event showcased a range of cutting-edge technological innovations, presented by international and national alliances that have embraced the Nansen Initiative, and spotlighted topics such as garden city construction, biodiversity preservation, and international flower development.

The conference operates under the theme “Sustainable Development in Ecological Governance,” and has been organized with guidance from various Beijing municipal agencies, including the Beijing Municipal Education Commission and the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Ecology and Environment. Jointly hosted by Beijing Forestry University and the Beijing Forestry Society, the event followed an innovative “1+8+1” format, consisting of an opening ceremony, eight themed sessions, and one extension meeting. These discussions aim to amplify China’s voice in the global ecological governance arena.

Attendees include top experts such as Dr. Riccardo Valentini from Italy’s Tuscia University, Chinese Academy of Sciences member Dr. Cui Peng, and Professor Hans Lambers from the University of Western Australia. Various international organizations and renowned institutions, including the East Asian-Australasia Flyway Partnership (EAAFP) and the International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property (ICCROM), have shown support.

China plays a crucial role in global ecological governance, as evidenced by Beijing’s initiatives to establish the city as a model for harmonious coexistence of people, nature, and urban life. Fengtai District’s “Green City Nine Principles” are designed to solidify the ecological foundation, promoting an integrated approach to production, life, and ecology.

Beijing Forestry University has formed partnerships with nearly 70 international organizations and research institutions, including the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. In August, the university signed a strategic cooperation agreement with Fengtai District, which aims to collaboratively develop a showcase for garden city construction and deepen ecological industry collaboration across eight key areas. This conference serves as a cutting-edge platform for international ecological exchange and cooperation.

At the opening ceremony, the Global Ecological Governance Nansen Initiative was jointly launched by government officials, educators, and scholars. It calls for leveraging a permanent conference mechanism to create an innovative exchange platform, advance a global scientific action plan for migratory birds, enhance policy dialogue, establish joint laboratories and innovation alliances, and deepen scientific and educational cooperation in global ecological governance.

During the conference, two national innovation alliance secretariats, focusing on forest therapy and natural experience industries, officially settled in Nanyuan Forest Wetland Park. These alliances aim to create a specialized, multidisciplinary technology innovation system to support holistic health through forest environments and products while fostering sustainable development across cities.

As part of the initiative, the International Science and Education Alliance for Migratory Bird Corridors was launched, focusing on collaboration among nations and regions to protect and study these migratory paths. Senior leaders and young experts were urged to engage in cross-regional research, co-develop innovative scientific plans, promote collaborative studies, and construct international green corridors.

The conference will continue on October 17 with a scientific symposium on migratory bird pathways, aiming to advance biodiversity conservation on a global scale and establish a cooperative platform for knowledge exchange concerning the East Asia-Australasia Flyway Partnership (EAAFP).