TEE Lab at the SCIENCE+ Meeting on Safeguarding Anthropocene Tropical Forests
How do we know whether a tropical forest is truly functioning? Is monitoring biodiversity and forest cover enough, or should we also be measuring the ecological processes that keep forests alive?
These were among the important questions explored at the SCIENCE+ Meeting, “Safeguarding Anthropocene Tropical Forests,” held on 5–6 October 2026 at the Royal Society, London, UK.
Our lab member, Dr Li Yuen, had the opportunity to present her research and contribute to discussions alongside researchers and experts from diverse disciplines and backgrounds in tropical systems. She delivered a presentation entitled “Measuring what biodiversity does: a standardised rapid assessment framework for ecosystem multifunctionality in tropical forests.” Building on previous research in Borneo, Li Yuen highlighted how relatively simple field experiments can be used to measure ecological processes such as dung and seed removal, decomposition, predation pressure, soil biological activity and bioturbation.
Beyond the presentations, the meeting featured stimulating discussions on the challenges and opportunities involved in safeguarding tropical forests. Discussions brought together perspectives spanning tropical ecology, biodiversity conservation, forest restoration, remote sensing, environmental policy, green finance and community engagement. During the discussion, Li Yuen shared her perspective on ecosystem resilience, emphasising that as environmental conditions change, forests must retain the capacity to regenerate, re-organise and continue functioning.
The meeting provided a valuable platform for exchanging ideas on the future of tropical forest conservation, restoration and resilience in a rapidly changing world. We are grateful for the opportunity to contribute to these conversations and look forward to building on the ideas and connections developed during the meeting.
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