BfN has long cooperated with China on issues surrounding nature conservation, biodiversity and ecosystem services. The Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences (CRAES) is the main cooperation partner. Sino-German workshops on selected biodiversity and nature conservation issues have been held at regular intervals since 2008 and form a central component of Sino-German cooperation between BfN and CRAES. BfN also cooperates with other Chinese institutions as well as German and European partners.

BfN supports other partner countries in Asia, mainly in connection with nominating UNESCO Biosphere Reserves and World Heritage sites. As part of the BMUV Advisory Assistance Programme, BfN also focuses on nature conservation projects in Central Asia.

As part of international cooperation between biosphere reserves in Germany and those in the World Network of Biosphere Reserves, a cooperation has evolved between biosphere reserves in the German state of Brandenburg and the Lake Indawgyi biosphere reserve in Myanmar. Lake Indawgyi is the only fresh water lake in Myanmar and is of international importance for biodiversity conservation and in protecting the livelihoods of tens of thousands of people. The project focuses on providing support for the Lake Indawgyi biosphere reserve in the areas of capacity building, lake monitoring, river connectivity and dealing with the impacts of illegal gold mining.

A UNESCO Natural World Heritage nomination is sought to secure the long-term conservation of East Mongolia’s ecologically valuable steppes. The feasibility study assesses the possibilities for nomination as a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site. It investigates its value in comparison to other steppe ecosystems, identifies information gaps and evaluates the suitability of potential component parts.

A feasibility study assessed the suitability of the Landscapes of Dauria (Russian Federation/Mongolia) for nomination as a Natural World Heritage Site. On the basis of the results, local stakeholders were supported in developing a nomination dossier. The shared World Heritage Site was designated by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee as the Landscapes of Dauria in 2017 and comprises both steppes and important wetlands. The designation recognises long-standing transboundary cooperation and provides an important protected area for migrating birds and Mongolian antelopes along their respective migratory routes.