French expert Yvon Le Maho (center) displays the Chinese Government Friendship Award medal on February 5, 2024. Photo: Deng Xiaoci/GT

Yvon Le Maho, a renowned French expert on biodiversity who received the 2023 Chinese Government Friendship Award, expressed his admiration for the advancements in basic research in China during a recent exclusive interview with the Global Times. He also called on China and France to strengthen their cooperation on biodiversity. 

"I have been recommending to potential researchers that they consider visiting China instead of the US. My suggestion is for China to sponsor and invite more young researchers for short stays to explore new laboratories and engage with students. This could attract young talent to China," he stated. 

The esteemed scholar has been invited to attend the 2024 World Science and Technology Development Forum (WSTDF), which was held in Beijing from October 22 to 24. Maho emphasized the forum's significance in fostering exchanges among global experts and industry pioneers.

On October 23, Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang addressed a group of foreign scientists including Maho, emphasizing that China will steadfastly advocate and practice open, fair, just and non-discriminatory international cooperation in the field of science and technology, the Xinhua News Agency reported.

Deepened international exchange and cooperation, and the promotion of sustainable development through sci-tech innovation are urgently needed to address important global issues, and to meet the expectations of the global sci-tech community and people in all countries, said Ding, who is also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee.

The foreign scientists voiced their firm support for openness and cooperation, expressing their willingness to deepen exchange with China, produce more innovative results through partnership, and work together to promote global sustainable development.

Reflecting on his encounter with the Chinese Vice Premier, Maho expressed his admiration for the impressive level of scientific expertise within the Chinese government, noting that many leaders have a scientific background. "This is truly remarkable. Chinese leaders demonstrated a significant interest in our discussions, which I found exceptional." 

Maho applauded the WSTDF, as it brings together numerous scientists and facilitates valuable exchanges with Chinese researchers. "For example, during welcome banquet on October 22, I had an engaging conversation with the president of a major Chinese automotive company, who has played a crucial role in the development of electric vehicles in China. As someone working in the field of biodiversity, it was fantastic to discuss important issues with him," he shared with the Global Times. 

Maho also highlighted that each time leaders from China and France meet, they issue a statement prioritizing university collaboration, which he commended. 

During French President Macron's visit to China in November 2019, he referred to the Beijing Call for Biodiversity Conservation and Climate Change, released following discussions between the two heads of state, stating that France and China can take a leading role in addressing these critical issues.

Maho shared his ongoing 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. "In three weeks, we will welcome Chinese scientists to France, where they will tour our laboratories and universities. This is a significant step in advancing our collaborative initiatives," he stated.

In February 2024, Maho was honored with the 2023 Chinese Government Friendship Award, the highest honor bestowed upon foreigners for their exceptional contributions to reform and development in China. The 2023 award was presented to 50 experts from 26 countries on February 4.

In recent years, Maho has been dedicated to fostering exchanges and cooperation in biodiversity research between China and France, encouraging mutual inspiration among researchers. He shared with the Global Times that audiences have shown great interest in his presentations on using technology to study biodiversity, such as employing robots to observe penguins, during his lectures at various Chinese universities. 

"This integration of technology and biodiversity research is still relatively uncommon, and I believe we were among the pioneers in using robots for such studies. For example, we produced a film titled 'Spy in the Huddle,' which illustrates how we employed robots to observe penguins huddling together," Maho explained.

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, "Regardless of geopolitical tensions, preserving biodiversity is essential for the future of upcoming generations and is a key strategy for tackling climate change. There are compelling reasons for a consensus on prioritizing biodiversity, even amid occasional challenges in cooperation due to geopolitical issues."