A  memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed between Chinese Union of Botanical Gardens (CUBG）and Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI）on July 25. As representatives of the two sides, Prof. Chen Jin, chairman of CUBG and director of Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden (XTBG), and Prof. Paul Smith, secretary general of BGCI signed the MoU.

   According to the MoU, CUBG and BGCI will collaborate for the purposes of capacity building for botanic gardens worldwide, in support of the objectives of the Global Strategy for Plant Conservation, Sustainable Development goals and other plant-related international policy frameworks, particularly in countries listed on the Belt and Road Initiative.

  The areas for potential future joint work mainly include joint funding applications between BGCI and CUBG, including potential for international cooperation grants with a particular focus on biodiversity science and conservation for botanic gardens in the countries included in the Belt and Road Initiative.

 They will develop and implement joint training programs on conservation horticulture and landscaping, plant taxonomy, environmental education, botanical garden management, etc.

 The two sides will also share data and protocols to support the implementation and monitoring of the Global Strategy for Plant Conservation and help ensure improved conservation outcomes, e.g. botanic gardens accessions data, wild plant speciesdata, germination protocols, etc.

  The MoU was signed during the sidelines of the XIX International Botanical Congress – Botanical Garden Directors’ Forum, whose theme is “New missions for botanical gardens in Anthropocene”.

  At the botanical garden directors’ forum, the directors discussed the development and mutual cooperation of botanical gardens. They also answered questions raised by the participants.

  Dr. Peter Wyse Jackson, director of Missouri Botanic Garden, presented “A Garden for the World: safeguarding plants through the Missouri Botanical Garden”. Prof. Tim Entwisle, director and chief executive of Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria, presented “Responding to a changing world：the scientific management of a botanical garden”.

  Prof. Chen Jin, director of XTBG, talked about “Meeting the challenge in Anthropocene: How do Chinese botanical gardens act”.

ABOUT

The International Botanical Congress (IBC) is the largest international conference in the fields related to plant sciences. It is held once every six years in locations that rotate among different countries. The XIX International Botanical Congress is held in the Shenzhen Convention and Exhibition Center, Shenzhen, China, during July 23-29, 2017.

CUBG and BGCI sign MoU

The XIX International Botanical Congress – Botanical Garden Directors’ Forum

Dr. Peter Wyse Jackson presents mission of Missouri Botanic Garden

Prof. Tim Entwisle presents the scientific management of a botanical garden.

Prof. Chen Jin presents how Chinese botanic gardens act in response to challenges in Anthropocene.

Directors answer questions.

Chen Jin and Paul Smith shake hands after signing MoU. 

CUBG and BGCI representatives pose a photo.