South China Botanical Garden holds 4th 'International Seminar on Biodiversity Conservation and Management'

From November 9-25, 2015, the Chinese Academy of Sciences' South China Botanical Garden hosted the "Fourth Biodiversity Conservation and Management Seminar" ("第四届生物多样性保护与管理研讨班") for developing countries.

The seminar was implemented by the South China Botanical Garden, funded by the Chinese Ministry of Commerce, and supported by the Bureau of International Cooperation of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. 20 trainees, all of whom were scientific researchers in the fields of biodiversity conservation research and management, attended from 9 countries: Colombia, Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Malaysia.

The first seminar of this variety, hosted by the South China Botanical Garden, took place in 2011 (see Record ID#72760).

The seminar focused on ecological restoration, conservation and return of rare and endangered plants, co-evolution, protection and utilization of ginger plants and bamboo resources, and long-term ecology, using both theoretical and hands-on work in the field to teach. Trainees also discussed the conservation situation in their respective countries.

Seminar participants conducted practical teaching at Dinghushan National Nature Reserve (鼎湖山国家级自然保护区) and the Forest Science Park (东莞市林业科学园) of the Research Base of the Dongguan Institute of Forestry Science (东莞市林业科学研究所).

Participants also went to the Wuyishan National Nature Reserve (武夷山自然保护区) in Fujian Province to continue training and academic exchanges.

The trip to Wuyishan National Nature Reserve additionally included introductions to Chinese culture, such as architecture, language, and customs.

The seminar's intent was not only to provide educational opportunities and disseminate scientific research from the Chinese Academy of Sciences, but also to increase cooperation among international research institutions in the fields of environmental technology, biology, and ecology, laying the foundation for more cooperation in the future.

For the 5th Seminar, held in 2017, see Record ID#72762.