Sino-European Climate and Biodiversity Program Launches First Field Research in Fujian

A joint program between China and Europe to tackle climate change and biodiversity loss launched its first field research phase in Nanping City, Fujian Province on March 25–28, 2025. Led by the Aerospace Information Research Institute (AIR) under the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the program brings together satellite, drone, and ground-based technologies to build a cross-border environmental monitoring network.

The program kicked off with a workshop focused on two core objectives: creating an integrated air-space-ground biodiversity monitoring system and developing a framework for assessing ecosystem risks. Project leader Professor LIU Yalan highlighted the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to analyze environmental data and support international collaboration. Sub-project leaders MEI Linlu and YAO Xiaojing introduced plans to unify monitoring standards and enhance data-sharing protocols.

More than 40 experts from universities and research institutions attended the workshop, emphasizing the importance of optimizing current ecological networks and ensuring data security.

Following the workshop, field visits were conducted in Wuyishan National Park and Mangdangshan Nature Reserve. Researchers focused on setting up monitoring stations to track changes in subtropical forest ecosystems and evaluate the risks posed by invasive species. At the same time, Chinese and European teams held virtual meetings to align technical protocols for joint data analysis.

The project is being carried out in partnership with the Fujian Aerospace Carbon Technology Group and local governments. It will incorporate edge computing and AI-powered tools to improve the efficiency of environmental monitoring. A shared data platform is being developed to support progress tracking under the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.

Nanping has been designated as a pilot zone for testing strategies that integrate ecological conservation with carbon neutrality goals, with the aim of creating replicable models for sustainable development worldwide.

With observation networks in demonstration areas expected to be completed by the end of 2025, this initiative marks a major milestone in Sino-European cooperation. It offers a science-based approach to tackling the interconnected challenges of climate change and biodiversity loss.