On May 16, ahead of International Biodiversity Day, the China-Netherlands Biodiversity seminar took place. Themed “Conservation Practice and Action Outlook after COP16", the seminar brought together policymakers, scientist, business representatives, and international organizations to engage in in-depth discussions on biodiversity conservation practices and global cooperation.
In his opening remarks, Marten van den Berg, Vice Minister of the Dutch Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality, shared the Dutch vision and approach to biodiversity conservation. He stated:
The Netherlands has integrated biodiversity into all policy areas, with key actions including promoting nature-inclusive agriculture, halting deforestation, strengthening marine and terrestrial ecosystem protection, and encouraging the private sector to incorporate biodiversity into their development strategies.
Liu Ning, First-Level Council of the Department of Nature and Ecology Conservation at China’s Ministry of Ecology and Environment, highlighted China’s national biodiversity strategy, emphasizing that China is enhancing monitoring systems, strengthening policy coordination, and deepening the integration of biodiversity conservation with socio-economic development.
The seminar also included government representatives from both countries who shared their National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs). Experts from Wageningen University & Research, the Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Leiden University and the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences presented and discussed research advancements in biodiversity. Additionally, representatives from the Policy Research Center for Environment and Economy (PRCEE) and the Foreign Environmental Cooperation Center (FECO) under China’s Ministry of Ecology and Environment, alongside agri-food industry leaders from both nations, shared local conservation practices and private-sector engagement in biodiversity protection.
International organizations, including the FAO, the UN Environment Program’s International Ecosystem Management Partnership (UNEP-IEMP), WWF, and the World Resources Institute (WRI), gave insight into global biodiversity conservation experiences.
The seminar demonstrated the shared commitment of China and the Netherlands to advance global biodiversity governance, linking governments, research institutions, international organizations, and private enterprises, fostering dynamic discussions on translating conservation concepts into actions. The event also explored innovative, cooperative approaches to accelerate the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Framework.
More information
For more information, you can reach out to the Netherlands Agricultural Network team in China via PEK-LVVN@minbuza.nl.