On October 23, the International Symposium on Grassland Ecological Conservation and Restoration was held at BFU. Wang Tao, Secretary of the CPC BFU Committee, attended and addressed the event, alongside heads of the College of Grassland Science and other relevant functional departments. The symposium brought together leading scholars and experts from multiple countries, including Academician Hans Lambers from the University of Western Australia (Australia) and Jürgen Heinze from the University of Regensburg (Germany), as well as representatives from the United States, Australia, Germany, Switzerland, France, and New Zealand, as well as representatives from domestic universities and research institutions, for in-depth discussions on grassland ecosystem conservation and restoration.

Wang Tao emphasized the irreplaceable role of grasslands in maintaining biodiversity and regulating climate, noting that climate change continues to impact grassland ecosystem functions. He stated that this symposium provides a high-level platform for global experts and is significant for exploring response mechanisms and adaptation strategies.

The Secretary of the CPC Committee of the College of Grassland Science introduced the college's development history. She stated that the college has formed research teams led by renowned experts and achieving fruitful results through extensive international collaborations, and boosted its global engagement through a full English-taught program in Grassland Science and expanded international student recruitment.

The conference chair, Dean of the College of Grassland Science, presided over the opening and closing ceremonies. He highlighted that approximately 50% of the world's grasslands are degraded, severely affecting their ecosystem services. The conference aimed to establish a high-level international cooperation network to jointly advance scientific development in this field.

The symposium featured 15 thematic reports where global authorities shared cutting-edge findings. Academician Hans Lambers analyzed plant phosphorus acquisition strategies in phosphorus-impoverished soils, while Academician Jürgen Heinze explained mechanisms of resource allocation and competition within insect groups. Scholars from various countries also exchanged insights on topics including herbivore modeling, climate adaptation in mountain ecosystems, and grassland carbon-nitrogen cycling.

The conference provided an exchange platform for participants and promoted international cooperation and collaborative innovation in grassland ecology. Attendees expressed their commitment to enhancing cooperation and jointly exploring effective pathways for grassland conservation and restoration.

Written by Zhang Lezi
Edited by Song He
Reviewed by Yu Yangyang