International Symposium on Protected Area Connectivity Conservation and Enhancement

Xi’an, China — May 21st, 2025
Strengthening Ecological Networks through International Dialogue
The International Symposium on Protected Area Connectivity Conservation and Enhancement, held at Chang’an University in Xi’an and co-organized by NatureXpairs and the Institute for National Parks at Tsinghua University, and the China Biodiversity Facility (CBF — a European Union grant managed by Agence Française de Développement (AFD) in close coordination with the relevant Chinese government departments), marked a key step in fostering global cooperation on one of biodiversity conservation’s urgent priorities: ecological connectivity. This hybrid event brought together scientists, policymakers, and institutional representatives from China and Europe.
Bridging Knowledge between China and Europe
As habitat fragmentation and climate change threaten biodiversity worldwide, enhancing connectivity between protected areas has emerged as a critical measure to sustain resilient ecosystems. The symposium highlighted policy innovations, practical tools, and on-the-ground experiences from both Chinese and European partners.
NatureXpairs contributed by engaging European experts, through shedding light on how to design and implement public policies on ecological connectivity on different scales.

Interactive dialogues were facilitated between experts in Europe and China, on the following topics

• Case studies demonstrating successful governance and technical solutions
• Comparative approaches to integrating connectivity into national park systems and land-use frameworks
• International experiences from the Americas—United States, Canada, and Costa Rica—offering valuable benchmarks for China’s evolving strategy

These presentations provided a foundation for deep dialogue on aligning China’s protected area development with global best practices and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
Key Takeaways and Outcomes
The symposium delivered several important insights:

• Shared Vision: A clear view emerged on the vital role of connectivity in achieving the 30×30 target and the need for better policy and legal integration.
• Mutual Learning: Both China and European participants expressed strong interest in continued dialogue and technical collaboration.
• Forward-looking Recommendations: The roundtable discussions offered concrete policy pathways, including enhancing legal frameworks, inter-agency coordination, and science-based planning.
• Foundation for Future Work: Outcomes from the symposium will feed directly into upcoming research, pilot projects, and the next phases of the CBF Policy Dialogue.

Looking Ahead
The symposium reaffirmed the importance of international cooperation and shared learning in tackling connectivity challenges. NatureXpairs remains committed to supporting this process through facilitation, knowledge-sharing, and strategic collaboration across continents.
The discussion will be further enhanced by field trips to French natural protected areas later this year.