As the Boao Forum for Asia enters its third day in Hainan Province, global attention extends beyond policy discussions to the island's ecological treasures. A live stream from Hainan Tropical Wildlife Park showcases giant panda brothers Gong Gong and Shun Shun, who completed their relocation from Sichuan Province to this tropical sanctuary seven years ago in 2019.
The 2026 forum, which opened March 24 in the coastal town of Boao, coincides with heightened interest in Hainan's biodiversity initiatives. Park staff demonstrate how the pandas have adapted to their lush environment through specialized habitat design that replicates Sichuan's cooler climate within the tropical setting.
This year's Boao Forum theme – 'Sustainable Growth in Asian Development' – finds unexpected ambassadors in these charismatic bears. Conservationists highlight how their successful adaptation mirrors broader regional efforts to balance ecological preservation with economic development.
