“International Workshop on Forest Canopy Research and Sustainable Use of Forest Canopy Biodiversity in China” co-sponsored by Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden (XTBG) and the Global Canopy Programme (GCP) of the University of Oxford was held during July 15 and 16 in Harbour Plaza Hotel, Kunming. The workshop is aimed to arouse the concern from Chinese scholars and the public on forest canopy and to promote forest canopy research in China.

  Prof. Chen Jin, director of XTBG, Prof. Guo Huijun, deputy director of Yunnan Provincial Department of Forestry, Mr. Tim Summers, British Consul-General, Chongqing, respectively addressed the meeting. Mr. Andrew Mitchell, director of GCP, gave an overview of international forest canopy research, including its history, status quo, and development trend.

Scholars from Britain, Australia, Germany and the Netherlands were invited to the workshop to introduce the most recent development of research on the ecology of forest canopy and exchange experience in the sustainable use of forest canopy biodiversity. Domestically over 60 scholars from XTBG, CAS Institute of Botany, Beijing Forestry University, Yunnan University and Yunnan Agricultural University joined the workshop. Some XTBG scientists made thematic reports at the workshop.

  Seminars were held for the future studies on forest canopy in China. Some documents will be submitted to relevant authorities soon.

   The Global Canopy Programme (GCP), British Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO), the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) and XTBG have given much support to the workshop.

   Prof. Dr. Cao Min, deputy director of XTBG, is member of the GCP Steering Committee.