HAIKOU /China/, Oct. 27. /TASS/. The first part of the 2022 Tropical Rainforest International Conservation Symposium was held in Haikou, Hainan Province, on October 24. The Hainan Daily newspaper wrote about it.

The main purpose of the conference was to create an international platform for cooperation and scientific exchanges on the issue of protection and conservation, particularly, of tropical forests in Hainan Province. During the discussions, it was noted that the provincial government has adopted a set of measures in recent years to conserve the rainforest and its biodiversity of species. Participants suggested the establishment of a special structure to better address relevant issues internationally.

According to studies, more than 3,600 vascular plant species belonging to 220 families have been recorded in Hainan's rainforest. Of these, 428 species are found only in Hainan. From 2019 to 2022, they found at least 28 new species of wildlife and plants.

Scientists have found that each hectare of the Hainan rainforest can absorb up to 2 tons of carbon per year. At the same time, this increases by an average of 3-4% per year as new plants grow. All of this will also play a role in achieving the goal of carbon neutrality.

Hainan Tropical Rainforest National Park was officially established on October 12, 2021. Over the past year, authorities have taken a number of measures to preserve its biodiversity. One of the most striking examples of the successful work done is the preservation and increase in the population of the Hainan gibbon. The local authorities also have international cooperation projects to protect the Hainan rainforest.