The 2026 “Two Mountains and Four Reservoirs” Academic Forum, based on the Chinese ecological development philosophy that lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets and forests function as carbon, water, food and economic reservoirs, was held in Beijing on Aug 21, bringing together leading researchers to discuss advances in sustainable forest management and ecological conservation.

The forum was jointly organized by the Institute of Applied Ecology (IAE) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) and the Chinese Academy of Forestry, the two institutions jointly developing the Key Laboratory of Forest Ecology and Conservation. More than 40 participants, including laboratory members, scientific researchers, graduate students and research management personnel from both institutions, attended the event.

The event was attended by ZHU Jiaojun, director of IAE, WANG Xugao and SUN Tao, deputy directors of the institute, as well as WANG Yangdong, president of the Chinese Academy of Forestry, and WANG Junhui, vice-president of the academy. Sun Tao chaired the opening ceremony.

WANG Yangdong said in his opening remarks that amid intensifying climate change and increasingly frequent extreme disasters, strengthening forest resilience, optimizing forest structures and improving forests’ ability to withstand pests and diseases have become urgent priorities. He noted that growing public demand for forests’ recreational, health and ecological service values requires the discipline to expand its research scope and capabilities. He expressed the hope that the laboratory would develop into a world-class research platform and provide stronger scientific support for ecological conservation and sustainable development.

ZHU Jiaojun emphasized that the laboratory aims to become a national key laboratory and continue providing scientific and technological support for the conservation of forest ecosystems and the high-quality development of forestry. He said the laboratory had strengthened cooperation between the two institutions through joint research projects, coordinated funding arrangements and collaborative talent development. “The forum is an important step in strengthening the foundation of the laboratory and improving academic exchanges,” ZHU said, encouraging researchers to exchange ideas, build consensus and jointly accelerate the laboratory’s advancement.

During the expert presentation sessions, researchers shared their latest findings in forest ecology, carbon cycling, artificial intelligence applications and sustainable forest management. Dr. WANG Hui delivered a presentation titled “Mechanisms Underlying the Effects of Tree Species Diversity Assembly on Soil Carbon Sequestration and Stability,” explaining how different tree species compositions influence soil carbon storage capacity and carbon stability. HAO Guangyou, a researcher at IAE, discussed “The Effects and Mechanisms of Hydraulic Traits on Tree Productivity and Stress Resistance — Physiological and Ecological Foundations for Forest Tree Breeding.” He highlighted the potential of hydraulic traits as key indicators for selecting tree varieties with stronger resilience in afforestation projects. Dr. ZHANG Huaiqing introduced advances in the application of artificial intelligence in ecological monitoring and assessment.

Young researchers from both institutions also presented their work, covering topics including soil organic carbon accumulation mechanisms, degradation processes in shelterbelt forests, biodiversity conservation strategies in mountainous ecosystems, pest control technologies, pine wilt disease prevention systems and digital twin technologies for forest management. Additional presentations examined biodiversity impacts on soil organic carbon, sustainable management of vegetation for wind and sand control, microbial resource utilization, soil microbial responses to warming and soil micro-food web structures.

Experts and participants engaged in extensive discussions following the presentations, creating an active atmosphere of scientific exchange. Organizers said the successful forum provided a high-level platform for researchers to share achievements and strengthen collaboration, while promoting interdisciplinary innovation in forest ecosystem functions and sustainable development.