The 4th Symposium on Tropical Forest Ecology was convened in Guilin, Guangxi during August 16-19.The meeting brought together more than 150 researchers and students involved in ecology studies, from XTBG, Hainan University, Guangxi University, Guangxi Institute of Botany, and some nature reserve administrations of Guangxi.

The theme of the symposium was “Tropical forest ecology and global change”. Prof. Cao Min and Prof. Cao Kunfang of XTBG were invited as keynote speakers at the meeting.

Dr. Cao Min delivering a speech

Dr. Cao Kunfang as a keynote speaker

The symposium covered two major topics: “tropical and subtropical plant resources and biodiversity monitoring” and “response and adaptation of tropical and subtropical forests to global change”. 37 presentations were made.

After the symposium, a discussion meeting was held at Guangxi Institute of Botany. The meeting was chaired by Prof. Cao Min, deputy director of XTBG. Leaders of the participating institutions gathered together to discuss how to expand the influence of studies on tropical forest ecology, and enhancing cooperation in personnel training.

The participants also had field investigations in Maoershan Nature Reserve.

Group photo of all participants