Xi’anApril 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — On the 57th World Earth Day, the “2026 World Earth Day – Symposium on Nature Education in China’s Western Flagship Species Protected Areas,” hosted by the World Wide Fund for Nature (Switzerland) Beijing Representative Office (hereinafter referred to as “WWF Beijing Representative Office”), was successfully held in Xi’an. The symposium brought together representatives from government departments, research institutions, nature reserves, and public welfare organizations from four provinces—Shaanxi, Sichuan, Yunnan, and Gansu—to explore new pathways for the coordinated development of flagship species conservation and nature education in western China.
Scene of the Symposium on Nature Education in China’s Western Flagship Species Protected Areas
At the meeting, Xu Qiang, Director of the WWF Chengdu Regional Program, stated that flagship species and habitat conservation have always been key priorities for WWF’s work in China, as protecting flagship species means safeguarding the biodiversity they represent, which holds significant importance. Enhancing public conservation awareness and support for protection efforts are crucial foundations for achieving conservation goals, while nature education serves as an important bridge connecting the public with conservation work.
Xu Qiang, Director of the WWF Chengdu Regional Program, delivers a speech
During the thematic sharing session, 13 experts, including representatives from the Southwest Survey and Planning Institute of the National Forestry and Grassland Administration (Asian Elephant Research Center), shared insights on flagship species conservation and nature education, engaging in in-depth discussions with attendees. They explored how nature education can connect communities with conservation goals, enhance the appeal and reach of nature education, and achieve a win-win coexistence between humans and nature.
13 experts, including representatives from the Southwest Survey and Planning Institute of the National Forestry and Grassland Administration (Asian Elephant Research Center), share their insights
After the meeting, attendees visited the “China Western Wildlife Flagship Species Science Popularization Exhibition,” immersing themselves in the survival stories and conservation achievements of species such as giant pandas, snow leopards, and Asian elephants in the context of climate change.
Attendees visit the “China Western Wildlife Flagship Species Science Popularization Exhibition”
This dialogue, originating from Xi’an, continues to expand. Nature education is a key pathway for flagship species protected areas to practice the concept of “shared by all.” Participants at the meeting reached a consensus: various western flagship species protected areas will establish a regular exchange mechanism to jointly advance nature education efforts, transforming simple ecological protection zones into “nature classrooms” shared by all, contributing to ecological conservation goals. In the future, WWF will continue to collaborate with partners to promote deep cooperation and resource sharing among protected areas, injecting sustained momentum into ecological protection.
Group photo of attendees
Contact Information: