A symposium on forest canopy studies was held on December 24, which brought together participants from XTBG and Xishuangbanna Nature Reserve Administration. The symposium was aimed at seeking suggestions on constructing tower cranes in tropical and subtropical forests.

Scientists have devised many elaborate methods to explore forest canopies which harbor diverse plant and animal species and provide ecosystem services such as climate control. Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute employed a construction crane to study tropical rainforest canopy in Panama. XTBG is seeking suitable ways to have a better understanding on tropical and subtropical forest canopies. Tower crane construction seems to be a research tool and as a way to attract tourists.

At the symposium, the participating scientists talked about the current status quo and prospect of forest canopy studies. They also discussed how tower cranes will be used in studying the machinery of the canopies, such as epiphytic plants, climate change, species co-evolution, insects, pollination mechanism, ecosystem services, and tourism, etc.

23 suggestions on constructing tower cranes have been collected. Preparation work like selecting site, consulting international professionals is ongoing.

Dr. Cao Min making a report

Dr. Liu Wenyao making a presentation

Participants listening to report