The 5th World Congress of Biosphere Reserves (WCBR) was held in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, from September 22 to 25, 2025, marking the first time the event has been staged in Asia. Chinese Vice Premier DING Xuexiang, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, addresses the opening ceremony.
The side meeting of “International Seminar on Nature Education Stories in Protected Areas” during the 5th World Congress of Biosphere Reserves
On September 23, 2025, the International Seminar on Nature Education Stories in Protected Areas, a side event of the Fifth World Congress of Biosphere Reserves was held in Hangzhou, China. The seminar was jointly hosted by the Alliance of National and International Science Organizations for the Belt and Road Regions (ANSO), the China National Committee for UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere Programme (MAB China), and the International Society of Zoological Sciences (ISZS). Themed with “sharing nature education stories in protected areas,” it aimed to promote the international exchange of practices and enhance international cooperation in nature education, thus contributing to building a community that supports all life on Earth.
More than 150 representatives from over 20 countries—including Cameroon, Indonesia, Kenya, Malaysia, Nepal, Russia, Senegal, Kazakhstan, and Austria—as well as international organizations, including Prof. HE Hongping, Vice-president of CAS and Prof. Lidia Brito, Assistant Director-General for Natural Sciences of UNESCO attended the side meeting.
During the story sharing session, female representatives from protected areas in Belt and Road Partner Countries, the CBRN and IAPA members shared their front-line stories of practice in nature education. They demonstrated unique perspectives and resilient strength of women in promoting harmonious coexistence between humans and nature, based on their roles as protected area managers, researchers, educators, leaders of social organizations, and community residents.
Receive certificates of the “Good Practices on Women’s Contributions to Nature Education in Protected Areas” from Prof. LIU Weidong, Executive Director of ANSO
To enhance interaction and experience, an interactive exhibition themed on “Nature Education Stories in Protected Areas” was held from September 22 to 25 at the international exhibition area of the 5th World Congress of Biosphere Reserves. A total of 30 protected areas from 9 countries set up special zones, presenting their practices through video loops, themed panels, interpretations, and interactions with visitors. The immersive exhibition attracted numerous international guests, captivating them with the charm of nature education and sparking enthusiastic responses.
The International Society of Zoological Sciences (ISZS), through its International Alliance of Protected Areas (IAPA) established by the Changbaishan National Nature Reserve in 2014, has long been committed to advancing global exchange and collaboration in protected area management organizations. The initiative to summarize and showcase outstanding cases emerged as a natural extension of IAPA’s mission.
Since May 2025, with the joint support of ANSO, China MAB, and ISZS this time, IAPA disseminated the call for submissions for the "Good Practices on Women's Contributions to Nature Education in Protected Areas" to all its members through its network. The call for submissions attracted applications from protected areas in 8 countries across four continents—Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas. Each application told a unique story of women breaking barriers, driving change, and inspiring communities through nature education.
The selection process, though challenging, highlighted the richness and diversity of these contributions. From managers and rangers to interpreters, NGO leaders, and local community residents, these women have demonstrated how passion and professionalism can merge to create lasting impact.
Throughout this process, IAPA played a central organizing and bridging role. Its well-established international network and coordination mechanisms ensured both broad outreach and efficient advancement of the collection effort. Adhering to its philosophy of “promoting collaboration, sharing, and mutual benefit,” IAPA provided equal opportunities for protected area practitioners from different countries and backgrounds to showcase their work. This case collection initiative itself stands as a vivid microcosm of IAPA’s efforts to promote practical cooperation and the sharing of best practices among protected area management institutions worldwide.
In front of the booth of the “Nature Education in Protected Areas” sponsored by ANSO, MAB China and ISZS
