Recently, a delegation from the East Asian-Australasian Flyway Partnership (EAAFP) Secretariat, led by Chief Executive Officer Jennifer George and including Project Officer Kyle Esperanza Zuleta and Vice-Chair of the Technical Committee Dr. Taej Mundkur, visited Beijing Forestry University for discussions and exchange. The meetings were attended by Wang Hongyuan, Chairman of University Council, and An Lizhe, President of BFU.

Wang Hongyuan emphasized that climate change is a significant challenge facing all of humanity, and the fates of all nations are intertwined. As a result, effective responses require extensive cooperation. Beijing Forestry University has consistently dedicated itself to becoming a world-class university that serves ecological civilization. The university leverages its disciplinary strengths, expertise, and talent pool to continuously enhance its interactions and collaboration with the global community. So far it has established partnerships with nearly 70 international organizations, higher education institutions, and research institutes, including the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the EAAFP.Wang highlighted that addressing climate change and protecting and restoring biodiversity require advancements in science and technology, as well as a substantial influx of young talent, with universities playing a crucial role in this endeavor. He expressed his hope that both parties would further refine their cooperation mechanisms, take the lead in establishing a Flyway University Alliance, and collaboratively engage in the creation and sharing of knowledge in ecology, environmental science, and biodiversity conservation within the flyway region, with the shared aim of nurturing young leaders in global ecological governance and conservation efforts.

An Lizhe extended a warm welcome to the delegation and highlighted BFU's strong capabilities in terrestrial ecosystem research. He specifically noted its leading role in drafting China's law on wetlands protection, which was ratified by the National People's Congress, and its efforts in developing the Yancheng Yellow Sea Wetlands into a World Natural Heritage site. He underscored the significant impact of hosting the migratory area scientific conference for both parties. An Lizhe also affirmed that BFU will further refine its approach to ecological civilization education and global outreach, aiming to contribute broadly to sustainable development worldwide and collaborate on building a global ecological civilization.

Ms. Jennifer George expressed her heartfelt gratitude for BFU's long-term support of the EAAFP Secretariat and Science Department, particularly for sending outstanding young students for internships at the Secretariat. She endorsed the collaborative cross-regional research and actions between the two parties, emphasizing that building an ecological civilization is a responsibility that extends beyond China to the entire world. With the support of Beijing Forestry University. With the support of Beijing Forestry University, she is confident in the successful co-organization of the Flyway Science Conference and in expanding the influence of both parties.

The two sides also exchanged ideas and discussed topics such as promoting shared human values and conducting internationally impactful activities. They reached a consensus on co-hosting the Flyway Science Conference with EAAFP later this year and preparing for the establishment of the Flyway University Alliance.

After the meeting, Ms. Jennifer George and her delegation visited the university’s History Museum, the Museum, the East Asian-Australasian Migratory Bird Research Center, and an alumni enterprise for exchanges and discussions. They also engaged in discussions with faculty and students from the Science Department to advance EAAFP initiatives.

Representatives from the Office for International Relations, EAAFP and its interns from BFU participated in the activity.

Written by Zeng Qing and Fu Yizhong
Translated and edited by Song He
Reviewed by Yu Yangyang