China, France join forces to protect biodiversity

By Cui Jia | China Daily | Updated: 2024-06-26 09:45

Chinese and French scientists say a new research network will help deepen collaboration on the conservation of biodiversity.

To mark the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries, the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the French National Center for Scientific Research established the Sino-French International Research Network on Biodiversity in Beijing on Tuesday.

The network will be dedicated to addressing critical global challenges, including biodiversity loss, disease transmission and ecosystem dysfunction.

On the sidelines of the launch ceremony, leading researchers and experts from China and France also shared insights and discussed collaboration on biodiversity research at the Chinese Academy of Sciences' Institute of Zoology.

Zhu Chaodong, a professor at the institute, said it's important for the world to tackle the issue of biodiversity loss because it's closely linked with climate change and human health issues.

Jerome Chave, a senior scientist at the National Center for Scientific Research and a member of the French Academy of Sciences, said the network can make communication between scientists more convenient.

Chave, who specializes in studies on rainforests, said he is looking forward to working with Chinese scientists to launch studies in Xishuangbanna Dai autonomous prefecture, Yunnan province.

Yvon Le Maho, a professor at the Hubert Curien Multidisciplinary Institute and University of Strasbourg, said scientists need to broaden their perspectives to facilitate their understanding, and the research network will provide such opportunities.

"Biodiversity loss is a very big issue for the young generations in both France and China. You need a very good way to apply research in biodiversity. I think it's essential for the future economy," Maho said.

Chen Jin, a professor at CAS' Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, said the research network can particularly help young researchers and university students from China and France exchange views on biodiversity conservation.

"Different people with different backgrounds will have different views on scientific research, so it's important for young researchers to work together so they can inspire each other," Chen said.

The research network will offer young researchers and university students from China and France opportunities to study and take field trips together during summer schools, Chen said.