A meeting themed around China-ASEAN ecological environment and biodiversity conservation was held on June 10 in Kunming, capital city of Yunnan province. Prof. Li Qingjun, deputy director of XTBG, attended the meeting on invitation and submitted a proposal to set up China-ASEAN Biodiversity Research Center at XTBG.

Prof. Li Qingjun talked about the long-term cooperation between XTBG and some neighbouring ASEAN countries and stated the reason to set up biodiversity research center here. XTBG has been keeping good cooperation links with ASEAN countries and made many achievements, which is an advantage. After the China-ASEAN Biodiversity Research Center has been established, XTBG will organize training courses 2 to 3 times every year, set special funds to attract international scientists and scholars to work in Xishuangbanna, and provide an important platform to the Center for Synthesis in Tropical Biology.

Afterwards, Prof. Li Qingjun submittted the proposal for setting up China-ASEAN Biodiversity Research Center.

After listening to Prof. Li Qingjun’s speaking, Mr. Tang Dingding, Director of the Environmental Development Center of the Ministry of Environmental Protection, regarded it feasible for XTBG to set up the biodiversity research center and function as a part of the China-ASEAN Environmental Protection Center. He asked XTBG to coordinate with relevant departments of Yunnan and play a more active role in environment and biodiversity protection.

China-ASEAN Environmental Protection Center is the main agency and technical support for implementation of relevant projects, as well as the important platform and window for foreign exchanges and cooperation in environment field.