2026 International Symposium on High-Quality Development of National Parks And Protected Areas was held at Beijing Forestry University (BFU) on October 10. Jointly organized by College of National Parks and the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), the event brought together experts from international organizations, universities and conservation agencies in China, the United States, New Zealand, Spain and other countries to discuss conservation, community development and international cooperation.

In the opening remarks, BFU Vice President Cheng Wu noted that this year marks the fifth anniversary of China’s first national parks, and that the university would build on its academic strengths to advance research, talent development and international cooperation. Emma J. Stewart of Lincoln University called for stronger cross-border and interdisciplinary collaboration to address global challenges such as climate change and biodiversity loss.

Seven experts from China and abroad shared the international experience and practical approaches to national park management. Their topics covered the collaborative governance of transboundary protected areas, the integration of nature conservation and community development, and interdisciplinary management through the One Health approach. Other topics included grassroots talent development, global change monitoring, and ways to make local community participate more meaningfully in plannig, management, and decision-making of national park.

A roundtable brought together experts and representatives from five national parks of Sanjiangyuan, Wuyi Mountain, Northeast Tiger and Leopard, Giant Panda, and Hainan Tropical Rainforest to discuss community engagement, cross-border governance, talent development, and research-management coordination for conservation and sustainable development.

This international symposium served as a platform for knowledge exchange and practical collaboration, offering valuable insights into improving protected area management and strengthening global cooperation on biodiversity conservation.

Written by Yang Jun, Li Jiang
Translated by Chen Ruirui
Edited by Liu Sitong
Reviewed by Yu Yangyang