Prof.Chen Jin headed a delegation of XTBG to the Cat Tien National Park and Biosphere Reserve in Vietnam during Feb 15 – Feb 21 to sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the park and consult on the development of a botanical garden there.  

The Director of Cat Tien, Mr. Dien Nguyen, explained to XTBG delegation his vision to improve the conservation of plants in the park and also its tourist and educational capacity, and requested that the delegation inspect several potential areas for the establishment of a botanical garden. Scientific coordinator Dr. Pham Huu Khanh then accompanied the delegation on field trips throughout much of the eastern sector of the park. A special visit was made to Crocodile Lake (“Bau Sau”), a wetland area in the middle of the park that has been designated a Ramsar protection area.  

During extensive meetings on the final day of the visit, the delegation reported on its positive experiences and gave several suggestions for the establishment and planning of a botanical garden, using XTBG’s experience in botanical garden planning and management.  

An earlier MOU between XTBG and Cat Tien was then discussed, and a new MOU, with more specific directions for cooperation, written and signed. The new MOU pledges for continued cooperation between the two institutions on the botanical garden and other projects, including the potential for forest dynamic plots and training of staff and students. The relationship between XTBG and Cat Tien promises to bring more opportunities to both institutions to fully explore how conservation efforts can protect both plants and animals in this region for future generations. 

The Head of Cat Tien’s Science and International Co-operation Department, Mr. Bach Thanh Hai, is a Ph.D. student in Professor Chen’s laboratory at XTBG, studying the importance of gibbons to seed dispersal. In the first days of the visit, XTBG delegation accompanied Mr.Bach Thanh Hai on his fieldwork studying the Yellow-cheeked Crested Gibbon (Nomascus gabriellae). Mr. Bach has habituated the wild gibbons to human presence, and the delegation was treated to a very close encounter with the gibbons and their singing display. Besides gibbons, the delegation also encountered other threatened animals including hornbills, the Green Peafowl (Pavo munticus), the Siamese Crocodile (Cocodylus siamensis), and several species of deer and monkeys. These animals are threatened throughout the region by deforestation and hunting. Professor Chen and Professor Corlett, both of whom have long experience in the study of seed dispersal, were able to give important suggestions to Mr. Bach for the development of his project. 

  Cat Tien is one of the largest (more than 70,000 ha) remaining reserves in southern Vietnam and has had a longstanding relationship with XTBG to promote the conservation of both plants and animals. The cooperative relationship was initiated 3 year ago after the visit of CAS Vice President  Prof Ding Zhongli and the delegation from CAS headquarters to Cat Tien. 

Chen Jin (R) and Mr. Dien Nguyen pose a photo after signing a new MoU