Yvon Le Maho, an emeritus research director at the French National Centre for Scientific Research, project manager at the Monaco Scientific Center and member of the French Academy of Sciences, expressed his admiration for China's achievements in ecological conservation, scientific research and international cooperation, during a recent exclusive interview with Science and Technology Daily.

The esteemed scholar, who has called on China and France to strengthen their cooperation in biodiversity, was invited to attend the 2025 World Science and Technology Development Forum (WSTDF) held in Beijing recently, where he emphasized the forum's significance in fostering exchanges among global experts and biodiversity industry pioneers.

Significance of biodiversity

Given his training as a biologist and ecologist, Maho has always attached great importance to protecting biodiversity. "Biodiversity is not just about a collection of different species, but rather the whole of their interactions," he said, adding that when in equilibrium, the benefits of rich biodiversity are not always so obvious, as it is only when biodiversity is adversely impacted that people are able to understand the role it plays as a vital component of the ecosystem.

According to Maho, biodiversity serves us in so many ways. Agricultural produce relies heavily on the microbial diversity of soil, on the resistance of crop varieties to pests and weather hazards, and on healthy populations of pollinating insects. More importantly, diversified ecosystems can help alleviate the effects of climate change, as they are more resilient to rising temperatures and extreme events.

"Biodiversity is also a major source for biomedical innovation: lots of pharmaceutical drugs are based on a plant molecule," Maho said. He has been focusing on studying how wild animals cope with climate change, which will inspire biomedical innovation to some extent. An example of this is the antimicrobial molecule the French scientist discovered in penguins, that helps them preserve food stored in their stomachs. This molecule was subsequently used in the development of an antibiotic drug.

China's achievement in ecological conservation

Maho said that he is continuously impressed by China's remarkable achievements in ecological preservation since he began to work with Chinese scientists 15 years ago. He highlighted the advancements seen with the Hainan gibbon, a species under China's highest level of state protection and the rarest primate worldwide, whose numbers have increased from about 13 to 37 in the last 20 years. He also pointed out the crested ibis, whose population in China has risen from only seven in the 1980s to over 9,000 last year, accounting for 90 percent of the species worldwide.

China is one of the top 12 mega-diverse nations in the world because of its enormous size and distinctive ecosystems, which include grasslands, deserts, coral reefs, forests, wetlands, mangroves, and vast rivers. China's method of protecting biodiversity has inspired global efforts by providing feasible ways to strike a balance between economic development and biodiversity conservation.

Maho also commended China's efforts to establish national parks, along with the country's astounding mangrove restoration work, which he claims is the fastest in the world. "Across plateaus, mountains, and rainforests, wildlife is rebounding in China as the country strives to establish the world's largest national park system by 2035," he said, citing the conservation efforts for several wetlands.

International cooperation is key

Deepened international exchange and cooperation, and the promotion of sustainable development through sci-tech innovation are urgently needed to address important global issues, which is a consensus reached at the WSTDF.

Maho applauded the event, as it brings together numerous scientists and facilitates valuable exchanges with Chinese researchers. This year foreign scientists voiced their firm support for openness and cooperation, expressing their willingness to deepen exchanges with China, and produce more innovative results through partnerships.

Maho shared his efforts to establish a network dedicated to biodiversity. With strong support from the leaders of both countries, the Chinese Academy of Sciences and France's primary research organization have agreed to create a network that connects Chinese and French scientists focused on this vital area. "Chinese scientists are able to tour our laboratories and universities. This is a significant step in advancing our collaborative initiatives," he said.

In February 2024, Maho was honored with the 2023 Chinese Government Friendship Award, the highest honor bestowed upon foreigners for their exceptional contributions to international cooperation between China and the world.

He cautioned that biodiversity is under threat, as evidenced by the decline of certain species. "We must recognize the significance of plants and insects in China, as their decline could have serious repercussions for food security," he emphasized, adding that, "Regardless of differences, the international [community] should work together to preserve biodiversity, which is essential for the future of upcoming generations and is a key strategy for tackling climate change."