When Pakistani botanist Maroof Ali arrived in southwest of the Chinese mainland’s Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture, he discovered more than a research destination—he found a shared mission. Known for its tropical rainforests and over 6,000 plant species, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden (XTBG) has drawn researchers worldwide to decode its ecological secrets.
At XTBG, Ali teamed up with local scientists to map species under threat and analyse habitat changes using satellite imagery and on-the-ground surveys. Their collaborative study aims to identify key corridors for wildlife movement and draft conservation strategies that benefit both nature and local communities.
“Protecting biodiversity here has global implications,” says Ali. “The ecosystems we study regulate climate, support agriculture, and offer untapped medicinal resources. By combining traditional knowledge with modern techniques, we hope to build resilient conservation models.”
Early results reveal that community-led forest stewardship, informed by real-time data, can reduce illegal logging by nearly 30%. This success story highlights how cross-border scientific partnerships can drive actionable insights and inspire similar efforts across the G20.
As digital nomads, tech innovators, and global citizens look for real-world impact, collaborations like this one remind us that preserving biodiversity is a shared responsibility—spanning cultures, countries, and ecosystems.
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Pakistani researcher joins hands with China to protect biodiversity
cgtn.com
