A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden (XTBG) and Griffith University, Australia on April 30. As representatives of the two sides, Dr. Chen Jin of XTBG and Dr. Roger Kitching of Griffith University signed the MoU.

According to the MoU, the two parties ( XTBG and Griffith University) are to promote exchange activities based on their respective academic and educational needs: exchange of faculty (professors and researchers), education of graduate students, exchange of academic information and materials, organization of joint research programs, organization of joint conferences and workshops, etc.

After signing the MoU, Dr. Chen Jin, entrusted by CAS President Bai Chunli, conferred a certificate of Chinese Academy of Sciences Visiting Professorship for Senior International Scientists to Dr. Roger Kitching.

During 2010 and 2013, XTBG and Griffith University were jointly supported by the Queensland-Chinese Academy of Sciences (QCAS) Biotechnology Fund to carry out the project “biodiversity distribution and processes across adjacent climates: the key to prediction and monitoring of responses to climate change”. A total of 60 plots, each 20 x 20 m, were organized and established in three altitudinal transects in Yunnan Province, China, with the purpose of monitoring responses of species in different ecosystem types to environmental change. Tree species, epiphytes, canopy arthropods (moths, ants, beetles) and soil fauna were surveyed, ecological processes including litter decomposition, pollination and functional traits were monitored.

Chen Jin speaking

Chen Jin and Roger Kitching sign MoU

Dr.Chen Jin awards CAS Visiting Professorship for Senior

 International Scientists to Dr. Roger Kitching