2026 Tropical Rainforest Ecosystem Partners Conference: Global Gathering to Protect Earth's Green Lungs

From the vast Amazon rainforest to the dense forests of the Congo Basin and the diverse landscapes of the Malay Archipelago, representative rainforests from around the world will come together with the National Park of Hainan Tropical Rainforest for dialogue and exchange. Under the theme "Global Treasures · Shared Future," the conference embodies humanity's shared commitment to protecting rainforests and pursuing sustainable development.

Tropical rainforests cover less than one-tenth of the Earth's land area, yet they are home to more than half of the world's plant and animal species. Hainan, China's only tropical island province, is home to the country's largest, most concentrated and best-preserved contiguous tropical rainforest on a continental island. Established in 2021, the National Park of Hainan Tropical Rainforest covers more than 4,269 square kilometers and protects over 95 percent of Hainan Island's primary forests. Its forest coverage rate remains stable at 95.9 percent, while both its water and air quality excellence rates stand at 100 percent.

Over the past five years, this rainforest has continued to witness remarkable ecological achievements. The Hainan gibbon population has grown to 44 individuals across seven groups, making it the only gibbon population in the world to have shown sustained growth.

In addition, 91 previously undocumented wild plant and animal species have been recorded in the park. An integrated space-air-ground ecological monitoring system now provides round-the-clock, comprehensive monitoring and protection of the rainforest ecosystem. The "Bawangling Model" for Hainan gibbon conservation has also been recognized by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) as a global model for protecting rare species.

The conference will explore how forests can serve as reservoirs of water, sources of food, generators of economic value and carbon sinks. Two keynote forums and four parallel forums will be held, bringing together participants for in-depth discussions on key topics, including water conservation and aquatic ecological security, the sustainable use of forest food resources, ways to unlock the value of ecological products, and carbon management in rainforests. The discussions will foster exchanges of ideas and the sharing of experience.

The conference will also focus on Hainan's efforts to seek dual World Heritage recognition for its natural and cultural heritage. It will bring together global expertise to support the nomination of the Hainan Tropical Rainforest and the Traditional Settlement of Li Ethnic Group for inscription on the UNESCO World Heritage List as a mixed natural and cultural heritage property. The initiative will explore new approaches to rainforest governance that uphold ecological protection as a firm priority while bringing tangible benefits to local communities.

In addition to the conference sessions, a series of supporting events will be held. "Rainforest Night," a showcase of Hainan's intangible cultural heritage, will offer an immersive audiovisual experience showcasing the distinctive traditions of the Li and Miao ethnic groups. The "Hidden Realms · Shared Life" Hainan Tropical Rainforest Photography Exhibition and the "Gifts of Nature" Ecological Products Market will showcase the rainforest's natural beauty and innovative ways of turning ecological resources into tangible benefits. Field expeditions into the Hainan Tropical Rainforest, media tours, and the public-interest initiative "Breathe Deep in the Rainforest · Protect Our Shared Habitat" will take participants deep into the rainforest to experience the vitality of its ecosystems.

As the Hainan Free Trade Port approaches the first anniversary of the launch of island-wide special customs operations and the National Park of Hainan Tropical Rainforest marks its fifth anniversary, this conference will serve as China's green calling card to the world and provide a platform for international dialogue and cooperation on rainforest conservation.

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