Linda Wong Honored as an Outstanding Contributor at the International Conference on Genomics (ICG-19)

 


On November 21, 2024, during the welcome banquet of the 19th International Conference on Genomics (ICG-19) held in Shenzhen, Linda Wong, Deputy Secretary-General of the China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation (CBCGDF) and a member of International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), was awarded as an Outstanding Contributor.  

Photo source: CBCGDF-Media

As a member of the ICG International Independent Advisory Board (IIAB), Prof Linda Wong has long been an active participant in global environmental governance. She has played an active role in recommending leading international scientists to present at past ICG events, fostering knowledge exchange, and driving the integration of genomics research with biodiversity conservation.


With the theme "Omics for All", the ICG-19 focused on genomics and its applications in global health, agriculture, environmental protection, and other key areas. The Conference brought together leading scientists, policymakers, and representatives from various sectors worldwide to explore the latest innovations and potential applications of genomics.


At this Conference, Linda Wong delivered a keynote presentation at invitation, sharing her practical experience in biodiversity conservation and presenting innovative strategies for leveraging genomics to promote sustainable development. She encouraged Chinese scientists to actively engage in global biodiversity governance through diverse and flexible approaches, contributing to the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) and UN-SDGs.


Linda Wong emphasized that Chinese scientists are currently underrepresented on the global stage of environmental governance. Not only is their participation insufficient in numbers, but many key mechanisms lack the presence of Chinese experts. She attributed this to various factors, including language barriers, significant time commitments, a lack of institutional support, and inconvenient time zone differences. Linda encouraged breaking through these obstacles and shifting the focus from “What can I gain?” to “What can I contribute to the community of life on Earth?” Citing the example of IUCN’s seven scientific commissions, which rely on the voluntary dedication of global experts to shape environmental governance and regulations, she urged Chinese scientists to actively engage in international biodiversity governance groups, platforms, and mechanisms to contribute to the global scientific community. Linda particularly encouraged young scientists and women in science to participate, highlighting the critical importance of their representation.


She also shared her concerns about certain work mechanisms, citing the example of the Important Marine Mammal Areas (IMMAs), a crucial platform for promoting the conservation of whales and dolphins. However, she pointed out that there is no participation from Chinese scientists in this mechanism, despite China having long-standing research in this field. IMMAs are defined as key habitats for marine mammal species that are important for conservation, yet out of nearly 80 Task Force members, none are from China. She finds this situation problematic, especially since many Chinese researchers have made significant contributions in this area. According to the IMMAs website, members are appointed by the Task Force Chairs, and her team has already reached out to the Co-chairs, but has not yet received a positive response.



In her speech, she also called for recognition of scientists' contributions, especially those from younger researchers and women, in global environmental governance. Given the time and effort required for such participation, she hopes that research institutions will find ways to acknowledge and support these contributions.


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Reported by Wendy

Reviewed by Samantha

Contact: v10@cbcgdf.org; +8617319454776

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