The 5th World Congress of Biosphere Reserves (WCBR) and the 37th session of the International Coordinating Council of UNESCO's Man and the Biosphere Programme (MAB) will be held in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China, from September 22 to 27, 2025. This marks the first time the conference will be held outside of Europe and the Americas, marking a significant milestone in the global efforts for the sustainable use and conservation of biosphere resources.

The Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), in collaboration with other organizing committee members, is diligently advancing conference preparations.

The MAB Programme is committed to the scientific promotion of harmonious coexistence between man and nature, a philosophy that aligns closely with President Xi Jinping's vision of an ecological civilization. As the largest and most influential international conference within the MAB framework, the upcoming congress in China is of great significance.

China joined the UNESCO MAB Programme in 1973. Five years later, the State Council authorized CAS to establish the Chinese National Committee for Man and the Biosphere Programme, ensuring the effective implementation of the programme throughout the country.

Over the past five decades, CAS has provided consistent institutional support for the committee's stable operations. With a steadfast commitment to ecological sustainability, CAS will showcase scientific research and practical achievements that align with the objectives of the MAB Programme.

Through this grand event, China aims to foster broader international cooperation, working hand in hand with global counterparts to safeguard the Earth's biosphere. This collective endeavor aims to preserve the planet's natural treasures for future generations while balancing ecological protection with sustainable development.