Academician Zhang Yaping, vice president of Chinese Academy of Sciences, headed up a delegation to Myanmar during March 22-26, at the invitation of the Ministry of Environmental Conservation and Forestry. Prof. Chen Jin, director of Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden (XTBG), accompanied the tour. The tour was to renew a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between XTBG and Myanmar Ministry of Environmental Conservation, and to unveil the completion of .the laboratory building of the Southeast Asia Biodiversity Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS-SEABRI).
The two sides held a meeting to discuss topics of common concern for future cooperation. Mr. Nyi Nyi Kyaw of Myanmar spoke highly of joint field investigations and biodiversity conservation work in norther Myanmar. A new insight was brought into the rich and unique biodiversity in Myanmar. Some new species have been discovered. The joint work also contributed to team building of plant taxonomy and field investigations of Myanmar. Prof. Zhang Yaping expressed gratitude to Myamar for thir support in laboratory building restoration. More cooperation and joint work are expected to be conducted by the two sides. By the platform of CAS-SEABRI, more people will be involved in biodiversity conservation.
A new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between XTBG and Myanmar Ministry of Environmental Conservation on March 25.
At the unveiling ceremony of the laboratory building, Prof. Zhang Yaping said that the CAS-SEABRI will become an internationally recognized research institute by hard work of scientists from the two sides.
Afterwards, the CAS delegation visited the National Kandawgyi Botanical Gardens (Maymyo Botanical Garden) of Myanmar and talked with the staff. Prof. Chen Jin said that XTBG would like to provide training on plant taxonomy, gardening and horticulture techniques for young staff members of the Maymyo Botanical Garden.