Plant diversity loss is a global crisis demanding collective action to protect this vital resource and integrate it into sustainable development practices. The urgent need for global collaboration to conserve plant diversity was a central theme at the Parallel Forum on Integrated Conservation of Plant Diversity, held during the 5th World Biosphere Reserve Congress in Hangzhou.

The forum convened over 200 international stakeholders, including researchers, botanical garden directors, protected area managers, community representatives, and leaders from international organizations. Discussions focused on the synergistic roles of botanical gardens (for ex-situ conservation), nature reserves (for in-situ protection), and local communities (as holders of traditional knowledge) in safeguarding plant life. Participants emphasized that aligning these efforts is crucial for effective conservation.

"Plant conservation requires innovative, integrated solutions," said Dr. XING Yaowu, director of the Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden (XTBG) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. "Isolated measures are no longer sufficient to address climate change and biodiversity loss."

Dr. Maximilien Gueze of the UNESCO Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme Secretariat highlighted the fundamental importance of plant diversity. "Plant diversity is the cornerstone of ecosystem health and human well-being. Botanic gardens, with their expertise in integrating in-situ and ex-situ conservation, offer valuable models for global initiatives.”

Dr. REN Hai of the South China Botanical Garden emphasized the need for a coordinated system of protected areas and ex-situ conservation networks to support green development and secure strategic biological resources.

"Plants receive disproportionately low funding compared to other environmental sectors, yet they form the core of ecosystems, providing food, habitat, and essential services," said Dr. Joachim Gratzfeld of Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI), pointing out a critical funding disparity. 

Dr. Chuck Cannon of the Singapore Botanic Gardens shared the city-state's 'City in Nature' vision, highlighting botanic gardens as vital hubs in urban landscapes that support species conservation and foster collaboration.

Forum participants agreed that plant diversity is essential for planetary health, climate resilience, and achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals. China’s approach to ecological governance, particularly its development of a National Botanical Garden system, was recognized as a promising model for integrated conservation.

The forum also emphasized the importance of public education, community engagement, and international knowledge sharing.  XTBG's collaboration with local communities to develop an eco-friendly mosquito repellent from Adenosma buchneroides exemplifies how ethnobotanical research can support both conservation and rural revitalization.

Participants committed to closer cooperation toward establishing a global network for plant conservation, safeguarding the planet’s green gene bank for future generations. The forum concluded with the release of the Plant Diversity Conservation Initiative.

"Collaboration between botanic gardens, protected area authorities, and local communities is vital for biodiversity conservation," said Prof. CHEN Jin of XTBG.

Prof. XING Yaowu delivers an opening speech. (Image by XTBG)

Dr. Maximilien Gueze highlights critical role of plant diversity. (Image by XTBG)

Prof. REN Hai stresses importance of a global plant diversity collaborative network. (Image by XTBG)

Dr. Joachim Gratzfeld points to funding gap in plant conservation. (Image by XTBG)

Dr. Chuck Cannon shares 'City in Nature' vision (Image by XTBG)

Prof. CHEN Jin chairs the forum. (Image by XTBG)