Symposia

Principal Organizer

Prof. Masayuki Ushio
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
Ecological Society of Japan (ESJ)

Co-Organizer(s)

Prof. Toshifumi Minamoto
Kobe University
Ecological Society of Japan (ESJ)

Dr. Junjie Wang
South China Normal University
Ecological Society of China (ESC)

Prof. Venus E. Leopardas
Mindanao State University at Naawan
Others

Description of Proposed Symposium

This symposium will bring together leading environmental DNA (eDNA) researchers from China, Hong Kong, Japan, the Philippines, and South Korea to present and discuss the current status of eDNA studies in their respective countries. eDNA refers to genetic material obtained directly from environmental samples such as soil, water, or air, without the need for capturing or observing the organisms themselves. This technique has revolutionized ecological studies by enabling the detection and monitoring of multiple species, including those that are rare or elusive.

Each invited speaker will present either or all of the ongoing eDNA research, latest findings, and challenges they are facing in their country. We also welcome applications for contributed oral presentations from all conference attendees. This will provide attendees with a broad understanding of the regional progress in eDNA applications. In particular, the symposium will address the common challenges faced by researchers in East Asia, such as technical limitations, data analysis, protocol standardization, and environmental variability. Discussions will focus on identifying solutions and best practices to overcome these obstacles. A portion of the symposium will be dedicated to exploring the potential for establishing a larger eDNA network across East Asia. The symposium will provide a platform for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers to connect, fostering collaborations and partnerships that can drive future eDNA initiatives.

Messages for Prospective Speakers of Openly Invited Talks

At the moment, we can accommodate four speakers with a 15-min presentation.

Principal Organizer

Prof. & Dr. Jianming Deng
State Key Laboratory of Herbage Improvement and Grassland Agro-Ecosystems, College of Ecology, Lanzhou University
China

Co-Organizer(s)

Prof. & Dr. Xiang Liu
State Key Laboratory of Herbage Improvement and Grassland Agro-Ecosystems, College of Ecology, Lanzhou University
China

Description of Proposed Symposium

Cold and arid ecosystems, encompassing more than half of the world's terrestrial area, are vital components of the Earth's biosphere. These regions provide indispensable ecosystem functions and services, particularly to countries in the Global South, supporting livelihoods through livestock production, biodiversity conservation, and the regulation of material cycling and energy flow. Additionally, they play a critical role in global carbon sequestration, windbreak and sand fixation, and soil and water conservation, making them essential for mitigating climate change and combating desertification.
However, the integrity and resilience of these ecosystems are increasingly threatened by the dual pressures of climate change and human activities. Climate change manifests in these regions through rising temperatures, shifting precipitation patterns, and the increased frequency of extreme weather events, while human activities such as overgrazing, nitrogen deposition, urbanization, and infrastructure development further exacerbate ecological degradation. These stressors collectively undermine biodiversity, disrupt ecosystem functions, and reduce the stability and provisioning of ecosystem services.
This symposium, titled "Biodiversity, Functional Stability, and Restoration of Cold and Arid Ecosystems", aims to address these pressing challenges by fostering interdisciplinary discussions and presenting cutting-edge research. We invite contributions that explore the impacts of climate change and human activities on cold and arid ecosystems across multiple scales—from individuals and populations to communities and entire ecosystems. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to, the adaptive mechanisms of plants, animals, and microorganisms; the dynamics of biodiversity under environmental stress; the functional stability of ecosystems in response to disturbances; and innovative strategies for ecosystem restoration and sustainable management.
By bringing together ecologists, conservationists, and policymakers, this symposium seeks to advance our understanding of these critical ecosystems and promote science-based solutions for their preservation and restoration. We welcome studies that integrate field observations, experimental approaches, and modeling techniques to provide holistic insights into the challenges and opportunities facing cold and arid ecosystems in a rapidly changing world. Together, we aim to contribute to the global effort of safeguarding these ecosystems for future generations.

Messages for Prospective Speakers of Openly Invited Talks

Principal Organizer

Professor Zhanfeng Liu
South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences
Ecological Society of China (ESC)

Co-Organizer(s)

Professor Dejun Li
Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Sciences
Ecological Society of China (ESC)

Description of Proposed Symposium

Anthropogenic global change - encompassing climate shifts, biodiversity loss, and landscape fragmentation - has disrupted critical ecosystem processes at unprecedented rates. While ecological restoration traditionally focused on species reintroduction, contemporary challenges demand integrated approaches addressing both structural components (species composition, physical habitat) and functional recovery (nutrient cycling, pollination networks, carbon sequestration). This session will bridge theoretical ecology and applied restoration science to explore:
Synthesize recent advances in process-based restoration ecology
Identify critical knowledge gaps in predicting ecosystem responses to coupled stressors
Develop interdisciplinary protocols for monitoring multifunctional outcomes
Foster partnerships between academia, policymakers, and practitioners

Messages for Prospective Speakers of Openly Invited Talks

This symposium expects to have no openly invited talks.

Principal Organizer

Professor Hiroyuki Muraoka
The University of Tokyo
Ecological Society of Japan (ESJ)

Co-Organizer(s)

Professor Tsutom Hiura
The University of Tokyo
Ecological Society of Japan (ESJ)

Description of Proposed Symposium

Forest ecosystems cover approximately 30% of the terrestrial biosphere and play crucial roles in providing ecosystem services such as environmental regulation, biodiversity conservation and natural resources. Ecological and biogeochemical mechanisms on the temporal dynamics of tree and forest growth, their consequences with carbon and nutrient cycles, and impacts on local and regional ecosystem services in a changing environment have been explored by numerous scientists in the last decades. These understandings are formulating our fundamental knowledge in basic ecology and development of Earth system science under climate change. However, we are facing urgent needs of further comprehensive understanding on the forest ecosystem dynamics and their responses to on-going and future climate change for pursuing harmonization of nature and society. This symposium will share recent knowledge on tree growth, carbon cycle and ecosystem functions in a changing environment in typical forest ecosystems in East Asia. We will learn achievements and emerging research questions from intensive studies applying broad-scale plot survey, open-field manipulation experiments, and carbon cycle process research. Through the presentations and discussions, we aim to gain further insights on how these forest ecosystem studies contribute to biodiversity conservation and forest management in the era of climate and societal changes.

Messages for Prospective Speakers of Openly Invited Talks

The slots for openly invited talks for this symposium have been closed.
Thank you for your interest in participating for this symposium proposal.

Principal Organizer

Dr. Naoki Katayama
Institute for Agro-Environmental Sciences NARO
Ecological Society of Japan (ESJ)

Co-Organizer(s)

Dr. Da-Li Lin
Taiwan Biodiversity Research Institute
Ecological Society of Japan (ESJ)

Mr. Yuta Nagano
University of Tokyo
Ecological Society of Japan (ESJ)

Description of Proposed Symposium

Agriculture is one of the most detrimental causes of biodiversity loss globally. Nevertheless, the impacts of agriculture on biodiversity depend on various factors, including crop type, management type and intensity, surrounding landscape, climate, and the history of agriculture. For example, low-intensity managed traditional rice paddies can provide habitats for some wetland species. Understanding such complex relationships between agriculture and biodiversity conservation is crucial for paving the way for sustainable agriculture in East Asia. The objective of this symposium is to explore current knowledge, barriers, and opportunities for biodiversity-friendly farmlands. Our focus is broad, and we welcome various topics on different threats (e.g., agricultural intensification, abandonment, and climate change), taxonomic groups (e.g., plants and birds), opportunities (e.g., organic farming, land-sparing approaches, and ecological intensification), and countries. We hope that this symposium will serve as a starting point for future collaborations towards more sustainable agriculture in East Asia.

Messages for Prospective Speakers of Openly Invited Talks

There will be eight presentations, each of which will be ~15 minutes long (120 minutes total). There are still a few openings for openly invited talks.

Principal Organizer

Professor Yunting Fang
Institute of Applied Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences
Ecological Society of China (ESC)

Co-Organizer(s)

Researcher Naishen Liang
National Institute for Environmental Studies, Japan
Ecological Society of Japan (ESJ)

Professor Poneng Chiang
National Taiwan University
Others

Description of Proposed Symposium

Global change, characterized by a complex interplay of factors, is having a far - reaching and profound impact on the structure and function of ecosystems across the globe. Among these, the carbon and nitrogen cycles stand out as key processes within ecosystems. These cycles are not only fundamental to determining the productivity and stability of ecosystems but also play a pivotal role in global climate change. Understanding how the carbon and nitrogen cycles respond to and feedback on global change is of utmost importance. It is essential for accurately predicting future trends in ecosystem changes and formulating effective, targeted strategies.

This session is specifically centered on carbon and nitrogen cycling in Asian ecosystems in the context of global change. Asia, with its diverse range of ecosystems from tropical rainforests to arctic tundras, provides a unique and rich study ground. Global climate change, nitrogen deposition, and land - use change are three major factors that can significantly alter the carbon and nitrogen cycles in these ecosystems. For example, rising temperatures due to climate change can accelerate the decomposition of organic matter, affecting carbon storage. Nitrogen deposition from industrial and agricultural activities can disrupt the natural nitrogen balance, leading to changes in plant growth and biodiversity. Land - use change, such as deforestation and urbanization, can directly modify the carbon and nitrogen stocks in soil and vegetation.

The session aims to gather researchers from various related fields, including ecology, environmental science, and biogeochemistry. By bringing these experts together, we hope to comprehensively explore the impact mechanisms, detailed processes, and wide - ranging ecological effects of the aforementioned factors on the carbon and nitrogen cycles in Asian ecosystems. This session will serve as an excellent platform for participants to exchange and share their latest research findings, which will greatly promote cross - disciplinary integration.

This session will provide scientific evidence and technical support for solving relevant environmental problems. It will also play a crucial role in cultivating and uniting outstanding young scientific researchers in this field. By enhancing international influence, we can better address the global challenges related to carbon and nitrogen cycling. We sincerely invite experts and scholars from around the world to participate in this session and jointly contribute to the research on carbon and nitrogen cycling in ecosystems under global change.

Messages for Prospective Speakers of Openly Invited Talks

Principal Organizer

Professor Wenhong Ma
Inner Mongolia University
Ecological Society of China (ESC)

Co-Organizer(s)

Professor Qing Zhang
Inner Mongolia University
Ecological Society of China (ESC)

Professor Biao Zhu
Peking University/Inner Mongolia University
Ecological Society of China (ESC)

Professor Jianguo Wu
Arizona State University
Others

Description of Proposed Symposium

The global drylands cover more than 41% of the earth's land area and support over 38% of the world's population. The Mongolian Plateau, located in central Asia and characterized by vast grasslands and deserts, is an essential part of the global drylands. The plateau is rich in biodiversity and provides diverse ecosystem services, with a long and storied history of nomadism and pastoralism. However, climate change and landscape transformations by human activities (e.g., cultivation, urbanization, and coal mining) have resulted in myriad ecological and environmental problems, undermining the ecological resilience and sustainability of the region. Although many ecological studies have been carried out on the plateau (especially within Inner Mongolia over the past 40 years), a comprehensive and holistic understanding of the ecology and sustainability of the Mongolian Plateau is lacking.

To fill the knowledge gap and to promote collaborations among Asian scientists, therefore, the main objectives of this symposium are: (1) to examine the major impacts of climate change and land use and land cover change on biodiversity, ecosystem processes, and ecosystem services across the plateau through syntheses and case studies; (2) to explore pathways and mechanisms for improving the resilience and sustainability of the plateau at multiple scales; and (3) to foster future international collaborations to advance the science and practice of ecology and sustainability on the Mongolian Plateau. The symposium will feature well-established scientists from China, Japan, and Mongolia, who have conducted extensive research on the Mongolian Plateau. The organizers plan to publish a synthesis paper based on the symposium, which will involve most or all of the speakers. In addition, a special issue in a mainstream journal will be seriously pursued, depending on the level of enthusiasm among the symposium participants.

Messages for Prospective Speakers of Openly Invited Talks

The slots for openly invited talks for this symposium have been closed.
Thank you for your interest in participating for this symposium proposal.

Principal Organizer

Asst. Prof. Dr. Takahiro Hirano
University of the Ryukyus
Ecological Society of Japan (ESJ)

Co-Organizer(s)

Prof. Dr. Mingbo Yin
Fudan University
Others

Description of Proposed Symposium

The freshwater ecosystems on our planet are undergoing a biodiversity crisis that has been influenced by long-term impact of anthropogenic pressures including eutrophication, habitat degradation and climate change. East Asia is recognized as a biodiversity hotspot for freshwater organisms, ranging from micro-organisms to vertebrates. However, much of their evolutionary history in this region remains unexplored. This symposium aims to address key issues related to the evolution and biogeography of freshwater organisms in East Asia. By integrating ideas from multiple disciplines (e.g. taxonomy, ecology, evolution and genomics), we seek to develop a comprehensive understanding of the evolutionary processes that had shaped current freshwater biodiversity in this region. Major topics in this symposium will include the impact of historical events such as the formation of ancient lakes and river basins, biological dispersal processes, climate changes, and anthropogenic effects on freshwater biodiversity (across various taxa) in East Asia. Since freshwater ecosystems transcend n ational borders, international collaboration is crucial for advancing biogeographic and evolutionary researches. This symposium will bring together international researchers specializing in different model organisms. By comparing patterns of speciation and adaptation across different freshwater taxa and different geographical regions in East Asia, we aim to derive both unified and specific insights. During the symposium, we seek to foster interdisciplinary and international dialogue to deepen our understanding of the evolution and biogeography of freshwater organisms in East Asia. By doing that, we aim to facilitate the establishment of new research networks and promote future collaborations to address conservation challenges faced by the freshwater ecosystems in East Asia. The knowledge gained from this symposium is expected to contribute to the advancement of evolutionary researches on freshwater biodiversity and to lay the foundation for conservation strategies.

Messages for Prospective Speakers of Openly Invited Talks

Each speaker will have 14 minutes for their presentation. There will be two invited speakers: one specializing in freshwater plants and one specializing in birds or mammals inhabiting freshwater environments.

Principal Organizer

Prof. Shirong LIU
Chinese Academy of Forestry
CHINA

Co-Organizer(s)

Prof. Zuomin SHI
Ecology and Nature Conservation Institute, Chinese Academy of Forestry
CHINA

Prof. Hui Wang
Ecology and Nature Conservation Institute, Chinese Academy of Forestry
CHINA

Description of Proposed Symposium

Background:
Global biodiversity loss and ecosystem degradation, exacerbated by climate change and anthropogenic pressures, demand urgent interdisciplinary collaboration. Ecological restoration has emerged as a critical tool to reverse these trends, yet its integration with biodiversity conservation remains fragmented. This conference seeks to bridge gaps between science, policy, and practice, fostering innovative solutions for resilient ecosystems in a rapidly changing world. This conference will catalyze transdisciplinary partnerships to address the dual crises of biodiversity decline and climate disruption, aligning with UN Sustainable Development Goals. By integrating diverse perspectives, we aim to redefine restoration paradigms for a sustainable future.

Objectives:
1. Advance Knowledge: Explore innovative approaches integrating ecological restoration, biodiversity conservation, and climate adaptation. Share cutting-edge research on biodiversity-ecosystem linkages under climate stressors.
2. Promote Collaboration: Unite ecologists, policymakers, Indigenous leaders, and NGOs to co-design restoration frameworks.
3. Drive Action: Translate science into scalable strategies for habitat recovery, species protection, and sustainable resource management.

Themes:
Climate-adaptive restoration theory and techniques
Socioecological synergies in conservation
Policy integration and funding mechanisms
Technology-driven monitoring (e.g., AI, remote sensing)

Format:
A 2-hour event featuring lectures and debates.

Expected Outcomes:
A peer-reviewed conference proceedings publication
Launch of an international restoration new idea

Target Audience:
40+ participants from academia, governmental agencies, and NGOs across China, Japan and South Korea, and more countries.

Messages for Prospective Speakers of Openly Invited Talks

Each oral presentation is 15 minutes long, including time for question exchange. The expected duration of the session is 2 hours in total.

Principal Organizer

Dr. Tomoyuki Yokoi
Institute of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba
JAPAN

Co-Organizer(s)

Dr. Chuleui Jung
Dept Plant Medicals. Andong National University
Korea

Miss Kae Natsume
Graduate School of Agriculture, University of Tokyo
Japan

Description of Proposed Symposium

This symposium will be organized by researchers from East Asia who study pollination services in natural ecosystems. Globally, there is growing concern about the decline in pollinator diversity and abundance, particularly among insects. Insect pollinators play a crucial role not only in crop production but also in maintaining the diversity of wild plants in natural ecosystems. However, understanding their basic ecology and assessing their food resources remain urgent tasks. While research in Western countries has progressed, studies in East Asia, including Japan, Korea, Nepal and China are still in the early stages despite the region’s high diversity of crops and wild plants. Environmental changes, such as climate change and land use alterations, are significantly impacting pollinators in Asia. Therefore, information-sharing among researchers is essential for maintaining and utilizing pollinator diversity in this region. This symposium welcomes participants interested in pollination services and plant-insect interactions. We will assess the current status of pollination in East Asia, including utilization and challenges, and discuss conservation and management strategies for sustainable use, and the economic and nutritional importance of pollination. Topics will cover pollination by bumble bees, honey bees, wild bees, and other insect pollinators. Invited researchers will introduce studies on the pollination behavior of wild and managed bees, the current use and conservation management of pollinators, and the contributions of lesser-known pollinators such as ants.

Messages for Prospective Speakers of Openly Invited Talks

We provide slots for two speakers for openly invited talks who will give a 15-minute presentation.

Principal Organizer

Dr. Kohei Kubota
Heisei International University
Ecological Society of Japan (ESJ)

Co-Organizer(s)

Dr. Yasuoki Takami
Kobe University
Ecological Society of Japan (ESJ)

Dr. Sheng-Nan Zhang
Anhui Agricultural University
Others

Description of Proposed Symposium

The active and passive flight abilities of insects have promoted adaptive radiation and led to their evolutionary success. On the other hand, flight ability is a costly trait, and in stable environments, there are quite a fewinsects that have degenerated flight ability and reduced dispersal ability. This symposium focuses on such low-dispersal insects. Low dispersal is prone to population differentiation and speciation due to geographic isolation of insects. In addition, adaptation to local environments may cause niche differentiation of intraspecific populations. Secondary contact after differentiation may also lead to interactions such as gene flow, promoting reproductive isolation, and character displacement. In addition, due to resource competition and reproductive interference between closely related species, they may show exclusive distribution or acquire sympatry.EAFES member countries are rich in topographical diversity, with China, which is mainly continental, Korea, which is located on a peninsula, and Japan, which is an island nation. The purpose of this symposium is to discuss the above-mentioned phenomenon of low-dispersal insects in each country from an evolutionary ecological perspective.

Messages for Prospective Speakers of Openly Invited Talks

We are seeking one or two invited speakers, each of which is expected to be around 15 minutes in length.

Principal Organizer

Assoc.Prof. Hiroko Kurokawa
Kyoto University
Ecological Society of Japan (ESJ)

Co-Organizer(s)

Prof. Qing-Wei Wang
Institute of Applied Ecology, Chinese Academy of Science
Ecological Society of China (ESC)

Description of Proposed Symposium

Forests are the main body of terrestrial ecosystems and possess important ecological functions, playing a crucial role in maintaining regional ecological security and providing many services to our society. However, due to the long-term logging and other human activities in our history, existing forests are now suffering from unprecedented resource depletion and ecological degradation. Moreover, forest degradation has disrupted ecosystem functions, leading to imbalances and a widespread loss of synergistic effects. Against the backdrop of global climate change and the increasing diversification of human resource demands, systematically clarifying the key processes that regulate forest structure and ecosystem functions has become an urgent prerequisite for enhancing forest ecosystem service quality while maintaining a coordinated balance between ecological security and the sustainable use of forest resources. Therefore, this symposium invites the latest research achievements on a wide range of topics, including but not limited to the mechanisms of forest succession and community assembly, the regeneration of key tree species, the maintenance of biodiversity, the relationships between forest diversity and ecosystem functions, the community structure of forest soil food web and their role in ecosystem multifunctionality, key processes in biogeochemical cycles (e.g., litter-root-microorganism interactions, aboveground-belowground processes, and the coupling of biological and environmental factors under climate change), and the responses and adaptation mechanisms of forests and ecosystem functions to climate and environmental changes (e.g., greenhouse effects, shifts in precipitation patterns, increased nitrogen deposition, elevated CO₂ concentrations, and changes in solar radiation). Future trends and research hotspots will be discussed to provide a scientific basis for enhancing the multifunctionality and sustainability of global forest ecosystems.

Messages for Prospective Speakers of Openly Invited Talks

One to two speakers with a 15-minute presentation.

Principal Organizer

Prof. Shin-ichi Nakano
Kyoto University
Ecological Society of Japan (ESJ)

Co-Organizer(s)

Prof. Renhui Li
Wenzhou University
Others

Description of Proposed Symposium

Aquatic organisms are susceptible to subtle changes in environmental condition and have so far been used as indicators of eutrophication, pollution, climate warming and so on. Those organisms also drive biogeochemical processes regulated through stoichiometry, which is C, N and P mass-balance. So, the information about ecology, biodiversity and biogeography for aquatic organisms provide not only structural but also functional understanding for freshwater, brackish and marine systems, and can be used for environmental assessments. The purpose of the current symposium is to stimulate studies on ecology, biodiversity and biogeography for aquatic organisms, together with studies on biogeochemical processes. We are thinking that any topics relating aquatic organisms in freshwater, brackish and marine systems would be highly welcome. In addition, we conveners do not mind whether talks are basic or applied. The most important thing is that we would encourage presentations by budding researchers such as students and post-docs.

Messages for Prospective Speakers of Openly Invited Talks

We think our symposium would consist of maximum 8 speakers, and each speaker has 15 minutes for talk. So, we can add one more speaker.

Principal Organizer

Prof. Kwang-Hyeon Chang
Kyung-Hee University
Ecological Society of Korea (ESK)

Co-Organizer(s)

Assistant Prof. Yurie Otake
Kyoto University
Ecological Society of Japan (ESJ)

Description of Proposed Symposium

Zooplankton are important components of the aquatic ecosystem, for instance, connecting primary producers and high-order consumers as intermediate consumers. Due to this ecological importance and unique characteristics, zooplankton have contributed as ideal research targets in various fields including Ecology and Evolution, and have helped to test and to propose many important Ecological and Evolution theories, for instance, rapid evolution, the paradox of plankton, and more. In addition, zooplankton have also been used as environmental indicators for monitoring aquatic systems all over the world. From these, understanding zooplankton ecology and evolution is necessary to develop science and to conserve the environment. In recent years, an increasing number of studies have suggested the importance of East Asia as the hotspot of zooplankton. Integrating research of zooplankton in multiple countries in East Asia, not just one is important to understand zooplankton biodiversity and its formation mechanisms, the history of zooplankton phylogeographic pattern formation, and evolution associated with them. In this symposium, we would like to share and discuss ecological and evolutionary research on zooplankton in a broad range of fields from freshwater to marine, broad regions across East Asia, broad research targets as long as they are zooplankton, and broad themes. Through it, we would like to stimulate studies on ecology and evolutionary biology of zooplankton, and to enhance our understanding them.

Messages for Prospective Speakers of Openly Invited Talks

Our symposium consists of eight 15-minute presentations. Currently, seven presentations are scheduled, leaving room for one additional presentation.
Any topic related to the evolution or ecology of zooplankton is welcome.
We warmly invite interested researchers to participate.

Principal Organizer

Senior Researcher Naishen Liang
National Institute for Environmental Studies
Ecological Society of Japan (ESJ)

Co-Organizer(s)

Professore Hyun Seok Kim
Seoul National University
Ecological Society of Korea (ESK)

Professor Zhi Chen
Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, CAS
Ecological Society of China (ESC)

Head Yoshiyuki Takahashi
National Institute for Environmental Studies
Ecological Society of Japan (ESJ)

Description of Proposed Symposium

Asian terrestrial ecosystems occupy vast areas ranging from tropical forests and wetlands in Southeast Asia to boreal ecosystems in northeastern Asia, as well as alpine regions on the Tibet Plateau, and thus play important roles as regional and global carbon sinks and in mitigating global warming. However, climate change, particularly extreme events associated with the Pacific and Indian Ocean monsoons, significantly impacts the carbon cycle of these ecosystems. Accurately quantifying the balances of CO₂, CH₄, N₂O, and H₂O is critical for setting emission reduction targets and for identifying and promoting effective mitigation strategies. By integrating the three networks—ChinaFLUX, JapanFlux, and KoFlux—an East Asian consortium based on three countries (A3) has conducted advanced and comprehensive research on the Asian terrestrial carbon cycle. This session will feature top-level researchers as well as highly motivated young scientists from A3, who will present their recent findings on the climate-sensitive terrestrial ecosystems of Northeast Asia, including long-term, multi-scale measurements of carbon flux and storage, field experiments, remote sensing, and data-model fusion techniques.

Messages for Prospective Speakers of Openly Invited Talks

This symposium will have no openly invited talks.

Principal Organizer

Associate Professor Jamie M. Kass
Tohoku University
Ecological Society of Japan (ESJ)

Co-Organizer(s)

Senior Researcher Yayoi Takeuchi
National Institute for Environmental Studies, Japan
Ecological Society of Japan (ESJ)

Professor Sangdon Lee
Ewha Womans University
Ecological Society of Korea (ESK)

Description of Proposed Symposium

International frameworks for ecological monitoring and conservation are developing quickly to address global declines in biodiversity. These frameworks were originally modeled on similar ones for climate change, but as the complexity of biodiversity has resulted in many metrics and definitions, measuring and reporting it have proven to be difficult exercises compared to those for greenhouse gases. In response, a set of Essential Biodiversity Variables (EBVs) was established in 2013 by the Group on Earth Observations Biodiversity Observation Network (GEO BON) to standardize the data products used to derive global indicators. But this framework, mostly envisioned and adopted in North America and Europe, has not seen much development in other regions of the world, including East Asia. As these efforts are global in nature, we must recognize that data availability differs around the world, but also that regional differences in the ways people interact with and manage nature will shape what biodiversity variables they deem "essential". Each region needs agency in deciding how to craft their variables. Particularly in East Asia, data sharing and collaborative ecological research tends to be rather insular, but this must be overcome if we are to develop EBVs that cross country borders. In this symposium, we will discuss what EBVs for East Asia should look like and what progress we are making to realize them. We will also focus on how to cooperatively leverage existing data-collection techniques (e.g., remote sensing, semi-automated monitoring, eDNA) and modeling approaches (e.g., species distribution models, geospatial analysis) to build and maintain shared datasets that describe biodiversity in this region.

Messages for Prospective Speakers of Openly Invited Talks

If you are interested in giving an openly invited talk in our symposium, please submit a presentation that focuses on the generation of regional-scale biodiversity datasets for the East Asia region, or cooperative efforts to make such datasets that cross country borders and necessitate cooperative research between countries.

Principal Organizer

Dr. Kenta Uchida
The University of Tokyo
Ecological Society of Japan (ESJ)

Co-Organizer(s)

Dr. Yoichi Tsuzuki
The University of Tokyo
Ecological Society of Japan (ESJ)

Dr. Gaku Takimoto
The University of Tokyo
Ecological Society of Japan (ESJ)

Description of Proposed Symposium

Ecology is often a scientific discipline that addresses research themes ranging from region-specific ecological phenomena to large-scale issues extending beyond national borders. EAFES is an opportunity to promote ecological research in East Asia by providing a setting for active discussions with neighboring countries. However, active communication is not always easy for those with few connections to other countries, such as young researchers and students attending EAFES for the first time. This symposium will provide an opportunity to casually present their own research and encourage active interactions beyond the research topics and national borders.

The symposium is a series of lightning talks, each of which is about 5-10 minutes long. Speakers can present their findings, introduce ongoing projects, and share their ideas. We basically welcome talks on any ecological topics, but will mainly target research fields not covered by other symposia, such as behavior, disease, population, and community ecology. We also encourage applications from students and young researchers, although there is no strict definition of "young", we welcome researchers who are in their early careers. We hope that the interactions in this symposium will be a good opportunity to build a long-term relationship and future collaborations.

Messages for Prospective Speakers of Openly Invited Talks

We expect to have 10 to 20 talks, each of which is 5-10 minutes long. If we have too many applicants, we may select talks to cover speakers from many countries and regions. We will decide the details depending on the number of applications.

Principal Organizer

Professor Nina Yasuda
The University of Tokyo
Ecological Society of Japan (ESJ)

Co-Organizer(s)

Ms Masumi Kamata
The University of Tokyo
Ecological Society of Japan (ESJ)

Description of Proposed Symposium

This symposium will spotlight the cutting-edge ecological research that leverages genomic data from a diverse range of aquatic organisms. One highlight focuses on how reduced genomic information is clarifying coral taxonomy, especially for groups that were previously difficult to distinguish based on morphology alone. Such genomic approaches allow us to draw sharper species boundaries and reveal hidden biodiversity within coral communities. Another topic is rapidly evolving field of environmental DNA (eDNA) applications. By employing fish metabarcoding techniques, researchers can now assess marine biodiversity with unprecedented accuracy and speed. This advancement not only streamlines the evaluation of species presence and distribution, but also helps detect elusive or rare organisms that may escape conventional survey methods.
The symposium will also feature ongoing research on chemical communication in marine life, elucidated through whole-genome analyses. Of particular interest is the identification and characterization of olfactory genes. Insights into the molecular basis of its chemical sensing have broad implications for understanding starfish behavior and developing novel management strategies.
We invite presentations that utilize molecular tools to address fundamental ecological questions in marine environments. We aim to foster interdisciplinary collaboration and showcase how genomic insights can drive innovative approaches to conservation, management, and our broader understanding of life in the oceans.

Messages for Prospective Speakers of Openly Invited Talks

We invite presentations that utilize genomic, transcriptomic, and related molecular tools to address fundamental ecological questions in marine environments. Through this symposium, we aim to foster interdisciplinary collaboration and showcase how genomic insights can drive innovative approaches to conservation, management, and our broader understanding of life in the oceans.

Principal Organizer

Dr. Lee Changsuk
National Institute of Ecology

Co-Organizer(s)

Dr. Keisuke Koba
Center for Ecological Research, Kyoto University
Ecological Society of Japan (ESJ)

Description of Proposed Symposium

This symposium highlights recent advances in ecological science, exploring biodiversity and ecosystem functions across scales—from microbes to ecosystems. Researchers from Korea, China, and Japan will present innovative survey methodologies, long-term monitoring results, and diverse ecological processes. The symposium aims to deepen ecological understanding and promote collaboration within East Asia.

Messages for Prospective Speakers of Openly Invited Talks

We think our symposium would consist of maximum 8 speakers, and each speaker has 15 minutes for talk. So, we can add two more speakers.