Mr. HE Duanqi, Vice Governor of the People’s Government of Yunnan Province, paid an inspection tour to XTBG on February 17.

  Prof. Chen Jin, director of XTBG, made a work report entitled “Carrying on the past and opening a way for creating a world first-class botanical garden”, covering the history, status quo and development plan. Vice Governor HE Duanqi affirmed our achievements. “The 50 year’s development history of XTBG is full of hardships, frustrations, revivals and miracles, which is a real matter for congratulation”, said HE.

  The vice governor proposed three requirements for the development of XTBG. Firstly, aimed at becoming a world first-class botanical garden, XTBG should protect plant diversity; meanwhile keep the balance of animals especially native Chinese animals. Secondly, try to be a regional conservation leader by setting up comprehensive platforms of talents, scientific research, public education and species conservation. Thirdly, be a research & development base. Taking local industry into account, XTBG should have concerted development in both scientific research and application development.

  The vice governor expressed his support for XTBG’s application for setting up a key laboratory for the development of energy plants. He proposed XTBG to consider developing edible plants as another research importance.

  The officials also made field visits to the living collections, new scientific research center under construction, and cultivation base of energy plants.

   Officials from provincial Department of Science & Technology, Industrial Informationization Commission, CPC Secretary Jiang Pusheng and vice Sheriff Yang Sha of Xishuangbanna, President Zhang Zhuangxin of CAS Kunming Branch and CAS Academician Zhang Yaping accompanied the visit.