With the theme of “Building a Future Together for Diverse Organisms,” the WYSS 2023 Open Forum for Youth (Taishun) was held on November 12 at the Wuyanling National Nature Reserve in Zhejiang. Young participants from around the world gathered in the open field to explore new knowledge about diverse organisms.

Innovative forum seeks answers from Nature

Some questions require conferences to resolve, while some can seek answers from nature.

This innovative forum was held in the open field of the nature reserve. Filled with awe and a sense of protection for the natural ecology, the participants found themselves in harmony with nature. 

Zhou Jianhai, deputy county mayor of Taishun County, highly praised this format.

“This is a significant event for Taishun in promoting biodiversity conservation and supporting sustainable development, as well as a rare opportunity for Taishun to explore green, high-quality, leapfrog development,” said he.

Guests collaborate to shape the future of diverse organisms

This forum brought together global experts, young scientists, Zhihu answerers, and technicians to discuss how to protect biodiversity.

 The conservation experience of endangered species such as the yellow-bellied tragopan in the Wuyanling National Nature Reserve in Zhejiang has become a model for biodiversity conservation worldwide. Liu Xi, head of the Huangqiao Conservation Station of the Nature Reserve Management Center, shared his experience. He believes that nature has its unique rules in succession. “We study biodiversity to get a better understanding of the nature, thus learning to respect and achieve harmonious coexistence with it,” Liu revealed.

In support of Liu Xi’s views, Wang Siyu, a curator in the Life Science Department of the Zhejiang Museum of Natural History, explained the national situation. She stated that an ecosystem can be understood as an extremely complex, multi-level, multidimensional network, with organisms being one of its most important components, requiring great attention.

Doudou, a director of American National Geographic, global explorer, and wildlife photographer, further deepened the perspective with her global insights. She believes that protecting biodiversity is protecting humanity itself.

“I hope we can pave a new path for biodiversity conservation.” Regarding the significance of biodiversity conservation, Li Lei (Zhihu nickname), an annual new knowledge answerer at Zhihu.com, and a Ph.D. in biology from the Chinese Academy of Sciences, emphasized the importance of technology. “Protecting biodiversity is a great cause involving the participation of all, especially with the indispensable support of cutting-edge technology.”

Similarly, Wei Boliang, a post-doctoral researcher at the Wuyanling National Nature Reserve Management Center in Zhejiang, stated: “All species, including humans, are nodes on the vast network of biodiversity. If too many species disappear, this network will collapse.”

How to attract more young people to engage in biodiversity conservation? Su Chengyu, an annual new knowledge answerer at Zhihu.com, and a member of the Shanghai Science Writers Association, advised: “Fun is also a way to make everyone aware of biodiversity.”

International young friends unanimously praised the Chinese model

Apart from forum guests, young audiences from around the world also enjoyed this knowledge feast on biodiversity conservation.

Upon learning that the achievements and experiences of the Wuyanling National Nature Reserve in Zhejiang have been known in the world arena, they all gave a thumbs up.

Iana Kulik from Russia stated: “Protecting biodiversity is to ensure human survival.”