KUNMING, July 16 (Xinhua) -- Scientists from a dozen Asian countries pledged to jointly protect biodiversity along the Belt and Road at a forum in southwest China's Yunnan Province.

Over 300 scientists from countries in South, Southeast, and Central Asia adopted a declaration on biodiversity protection along the Belt and Road at the Eighth Asia-Pacific Forum on Ethnobotany, which closed in Kunming, capital of Yunnan, on Sunday.

According to the declaration, the participating countries will conduct collaborative research in key areas, enhance dialogue and cooperation, and protect indigenous knowledge.

A biodiversity protection alliance, as well as a foundation, will also be set up as efficient work and communication mechanisms committed to the research, cataloging, monitoring, and protection of biodiversity.