The Southeast Asian Biodiversity Research Center of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS Biodiversity Research Center for short) was launched on August 27. The launch meeting was attended by CAS vice president Zhang Yaping, directors or deputy directors of related institutes, and a few scientists.

Mr. Qiu Huasheng, deputy director general of CAS Bureau of International Cooperation, chaired the meeting. Prof. Chen Jin reported the construction plan and work progress of the center. Mr. Li Hongwei introduced the building renovation work plan of the center based in Myanmar. The participants discussed the construction plan and development planning and made advice and suggestions.

In his summing speech, Prof. Zhang Yaping said that the CAS Biodiversity Research Center is a positive response to the "One Belt and One Road" initiative of China, and within the framework of the “Pioneer Action Plan” of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. It should play an important role and be a good platform for communication and exchange with Myanmar and even other Southeastern Asian countries. It focuses on biodiversity research, and involves the research domains of environmental protection, water resources, energy, mine resources, and atmospheric environment.

The board of CAS Biodiversity Research Center and its Academic Committee were set at the launch meeting.

With Prof. Zhang Yaping as the first chairman, the Center board is composed of Wu Jianguo, Xu Ruiming, Qiu Huasheng, Li Dezhu, Sun Hang, Yao Yonggang, and Liu Qing.

With Academician Xu Zhihong as the first chairman, the members of the Academic Committee are Li Dezhu, Sun Hang, Yao Yonggang, Xu Xudong, Liu Qing, Ding Wenjun, Li Haibin, Shen Lei, Chen Jin, and Cao Min.

The launch meeting

Participants pose a group photo