Message from Congress Co-Chair

It is my great privilege to welcome you to the Asian Congress of Herpetology 2027 in Yogyakarta, Indonesia.

Asia holds an extraordinary share of the world's amphibian and reptile diversity. Across our continent, generations of researchers have discovered species, explored evolutionary histories, documented disappearing populations, advanced conservation, addressed snakebite and human–wildlife interactions, and built knowledge under remarkably different circumstances. Yet the scientific challenges before us increasingly transcend the boundaries of countries, institutions and disciplines.

The idea behind ACH grew from a simple conviction: Asia's herpetological community needs a common platform where we can meet as colleagues, learn from one another, share opportunities and build collaborations that endure beyond a congress.

ACH 2027 is therefore intended to be more than four days of scientific presentations. We want Yogyakarta to become a meeting point between established scientists and young researchers; between taxonomy and emerging technologies; between field biology and human health; between conservation and development; and between science, government, society and responsible industry.

We are particularly committed to the next generation. Scientific progress depends not only on discovering new knowledge, but also on creating opportunities for young people to question, explore, communicate their work and develop the confidence to lead. Through the Asian Herpetology Summer School, scientific symposia, training, networking and oral presentation opportunities, we hope to open more doors for young researchers across Asia.

The challenges facing amphibians and reptiles are substantial—from habitat transformation, climate change and emerging diseases to wildlife trade and increasing pressures on natural ecosystems. But Asia also possesses extraordinary scientific talent, institutions, knowledge and cultural diversity. If these strengths are connected more effectively, many of the solutions we seek can be developed together, within our region and in partnership with the wider world.

I hope that when we leave Yogyakarta, we leave with more than proceedings, photographs and memories. We should leave with new colleagues, new questions, new collaborations and a stronger sense of shared responsibility for the future of Asian herpetology.

The success of ACH 2027 will ultimately not be measured by how large the Congress becomes, but by what begins because we came together.

I warmly welcome you to Yogyakarta, and I look forward to building that future with you.

Dr. A. A. Thasun / Prof. Amir Hamidy
Congress Co-Chair
Asian Congress of Herpetology 2027