EABRN Members Identify Priorities for Stronger Regional Cooperation at 17th Meeting in China

Dinghushan, China | 19–23 October 2026

The 17th Meeting of the East Asian Biosphere Reserve Network (EABRN) brought together more than 30 participants from six member states at Dinghushan Biosphere Reserve in Guangdong Province, China, to share experiences, identify common priorities and explore new opportunities after 31 years of regional cooperation under UNESCO's Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme.

The meeting placed particular emphasis on understanding the needs and expectations of EABRN members, especially youth representatives, and identifying practical activities to strengthen cooperation across the Network.

National reports highlighted recent developments in biosphere reserves, key challenges and opportunities, as well as members' expectations of EABRN and proposals for future joint activities. The meeting also reviewed the EABRN External Evaluation for 2016–2025. Professor Qunli Han, former MAB Secretary, who conducted the evaluation, emphasized the importance of strengthening the Network's scientific agenda, building capacity in emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, and creating more opportunities for young scientists and biosphere reserve managers.

During group discussions, participants shared experiences and explored opportunities for cooperation in three key areas: the use of big data and emerging technologies in biosphere reserve management, youth engagement within EABRN, and regional and thematic networking.

Practical training and exchange opportunities emerged as a common priority. Participants expressed interest in regional training programmes and study visits, particularly in sustainable ecotourism and biosphere reserve management. Other suggestions included strengthening joint scientific research and environmental monitoring, improving data and knowledge sharing, and developing partnerships among biosphere reserves.

Youth engagement was another important focus, with participants exploring opportunities for young professionals to participate in training, research and biosphere reserve management. One initiative discussed was the possible establishment of an EABRN Young Scientist Award to recognize and encourage young researchers.

The meeting also included discussions on the 2019 draft EABRN Ecotourism Guidelines and a joint project proposal development session, during which participants outlined eight preliminary project ideas. These included collaborative research, environmental monitoring, youth initiatives and sustainable livelihoods, reflecting participants’ interest in more practical cooperation among EABRN members.

A field visit to Dinghushan Biosphere Reserve’s core zone and newly approved extension area in the buffer zone offered participants first-hand insights into biodiversity conservation, 70 years of long-term ecological monitoring and 47 years of biosphere reserve management.

The priorities and proposals identified during the meeting will help inform future EABRN activities, including capacity building, scientific cooperation, knowledge exchange and joint projects. The meeting reaffirmed EABRN's role as a platform for connecting biosphere reserves, sharing experiences and developing practical partnerships across the region.