More than 700 scientists, conservation practitioners, and early-career researchers from over 60 countries and regions have gathered in Xishuangbanna, China, on June 28, for the 62nd Annual Meeting of the Association for Tropical Biology and Conservation (ATBC). The five-day conference, hosted by the Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden (XTBG) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), focuses on critical strategies for safeguarding tropical biodiversity.

Under the theme "Achieving a Shared Ecological Civilization for Long-Term Resilience," the meeting emphasizes the harmonious coexistence of humans and nature. This framework, central to China's environmental policy, guides discussions on identifying actionable pathways to protect tropical ecosystems and advance global biodiversity targets.

CAS Member ZHANG Yaping underscored the profound importance of this work in his opening address, noting, "The future of tropical biodiversity, in a profound way, determines the future of human civilization." He urged the scientific community to leverage research for effective tropical protection, support decisions with robust data, and inspire young scholars to become stewards of biodiversity.

"This meeting is a vital opportunity for XTBG to deepen its contribution to worldwide conservation efforts," stated XING Yaowu, director of XTBG. He anticipates the gathering will foster deeper international collaboration.

Dr. Catherine Cardelús, executive director of ATBC, expressed optimism about the meeting. “We hope this conference will become a landmark in tropical conservation, fostering interdisciplinary and cross-border partnerships that translate into on-the-ground action,” she said.

The conference program features over 560 oral presentations addressing diverse topics, including tropical forest ecosystem services, sustainable ecotourism, transboundary conservation cooperation, forest ecology, and carbon sink dynamics. Special sessions will also explore the integration of indigenous knowledge and strengthening the science-policy interface.

The ATBC, founded in 1963, is the world's largest academic organization dedicated to tropical ecology. Its annual meeting is a leading forum for the field. The 2026 meeting, which runs until July 2, represents one of the largest international conservation conferences held in southwestern China, underscoring the region's commitment to balancing ecological integrity with societal resilience.