On June 3 (local time), the 38th Session of the International Coordinating Council (ICC) of the UNESCO Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Program was held in Hernandarias, Paraguay. During the meeting, Academician Ma Keping of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) and a professor at our university was elected Chair of the ICC’s Executive Bureau for the 2026–2028 term. This marks the first time in 36 years that a Chinese scientist has served as Chair of the global MAB Program’s highest decision-making body.

Academician Ma Keping (second from the right) was elected Chair of the Executive Bureau of the newly formed International Coordinating Council. (Photo courtesy of the Office of the Biodiversity Committee of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Chinese National Committee for the MAB Program.)

Academician Ma Keping officially assumed the chairmanship from the outgoing Chair, Ms. Yakubi Latifa. (Photo courtesy of the Office of the Biodiversity Committee of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Chinese National Committee for the MAB Program.)

Academician Ma Keping currently serves as Director of the Northeast Asia Biodiversity Research Center at NEFU and as Vice Chair and Secretary-General of the Biodiversity Committee of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. An internationally renowned expert in biodiversity research, he has devoted decades to advancing biodiversity science, conservation practice, and international cooperation, leading numerous globally significant research initiatives. Previously, at UNESCO’s invitation, Academician Ma led the drafting of the UNESCO Man and the Biosphere Program and the Hangzhou Strategy and Action Plan (2026–2035) for the World Network of Biosphere Reserves, which was unanimously adopted at the Fifth World Congress of Biosphere Reserves. The strategy provides a comprehensive roadmap for global biodiversity conservation and sustainable development over the next decade.

Academician Ma’s election represents not only international recognition of his outstanding personal achievements and the contributions of China’s scientific community, but also a strong endorsement of China’s accomplishments in biodiversity conservation and ecological civilization, as well as its growing leadership in global environmental governance. His appointment marks a significant milestone in strengthening the international academic influence and leadership of Chinese scientists in ecological conservation.

As one of China’s leading institutions in forestry and ecological sciences, our university has consistently prioritized biodiversity conservation and ecological civilization in its educational mission. Leveraging the strengths of its Double First-Class Forestry Discipline, our university has established several high-level research platforms, including the Northeast Asia Biodiversity Research Center, and has cultivated generations of professionals dedicated to ecological conservation. NEFU has also achieved a series of landmark accomplishments in forest ecosystem conservation, biodiversity monitoring, and climate change research.

In recent years, NEFU has continually expanded its international partnerships and actively participated in global ecological governance. It has established long-term partnerships with international organizations such as UNESCO and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF). Academician Ma’s election marks a major milestone in NEFU’s disciplinary development and growing international influence. Building on this achievement, NEFU will further integrate its academic resources, strengthen scientific innovation, and deepen international cooperation, contributing more of its expertise and China’s experience to global biodiversity conservation and to the realization of harmonious coexistence between humanity and nature.