Speakers - 2026

Title: From rainforest roots to climate resilience: Harnessing tropical biodiversity for sustainable agriculture and horticulture

Abstract

Climate change is increasingly threatening agricultural sustainability, ecosystem stability, and food security worldwide, particularly in tropical regions where communities remain closely connected to natural ecosystems. Rising temperatures, shifting rainfall patterns, biodiversity loss, and environmental degradation continue to challenge the resilience of agriculture and horticulture systems. At the same time, valuable indigenous ecological knowledge related to plant utilisation and environmental adaptation is gradually disappearing alongside the loss of biodiversity-rich tropical landscapes. Borneo, one of the world’s most important tropical biodiversity hotspots, possesses a vast diversity of medicinal and underutilised plant species traditionally utilised by indigenous communities for generations. Ethnobotanical knowledge developed through long-term interaction with rainforest ecosystems reflects locally adapted strategies for sustainable resource utilisation, environmental observation, and resilience under changing environmental conditions. Such knowledge systems represent an important yet often overlooked resource in supporting sustainable agriculture and horticulture in the era of climate change. Research conducted in Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo focuses on documenting traditional plant knowledge among ethnic minority communities and exploring the role of tropical biodiversity in strengthening nature-based approaches for environmental sustainability. Many indigenous plant resources possess ecological significance and adaptive characteristics that may contribute to resilient agricultural systems, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable land management. Ethnobotanical research therefore serves not only as cultural documentation, but also as an important scientific approach for understanding the relationship between biodiversity, local communities, and sustainable environmental practices. Integrating indigenous ecological knowledge with scientific research provides valuable opportunities for developing more sustainable and climate-resilient agricultural futures. The experiences from Borneo demonstrate that the conservation of tropical biodiversity and traditional knowledge is increasingly important not only for protecting cultural heritage, but also for supporting long-term agricultural resilience, environmental sustainability, and adaptation to future climate challenges.

The audience take away from presentation:

• Discover how tropical biodiversity can strengthen climate-resilient agriculture and horticulture through sustainable and nature-based approaches.
• Appreciate the scientific and environmental value of indigenous ecological knowledge in sustainable plant utilisation and ecosystem adaptation.
• Explore ethnobotany as a powerful multidisciplinary platform connecting biodiversity, agriculture, sustainability, and local communities.
• Recognise the untapped potential of underutilised tropical plant resources for future agricultural resilience and sustainable land management.
• Gain actionable perspectives for research, teaching, and sustainability initiatives related to biodiversity conservation and climate adaptation.