The 60th anniversary of the founding of Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden (XTBG) was celebrated at a grand gathering on January 3 at the headquarters, Menglun. The ceremony was attended by prestigious scholars from both home and abroad, officials of government departments and Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), representatives from cooperative institutions as well as faculties, staff and students of the Garden.
Prof. Chen Jin, director of XTBG recalled the development history and pointed out the new mission in the new era, in his speech entitled “Marching ahead of time: comprehensive development and 60 years’ unremitting efforts to turn XTBG into a first-class botanical garden”.
“Success only comes through hard work. XTBG has made outstanding achievements in scientific research, plant conservation, public education, gardening and horticulture, and tourism management over the past 60 years”, said Chen Jin.
Generations of XTBG staffs have devoted to the development of the garden. Listed on the “Featured Institutes” following reform of CAS-affiliated research institutes based on their categories, all XTBG staffs will “remain true to our original aspiration and make concerted efforts to turn XTBG into a world first-class botanical garden” said Chen Jin.
Representatives of CAS Kunming Branch, Xishuangbanna government, CAS academicians, domestic and foreign partners, retired staffs, and foreign students also made remarks. They all wished a brighter and more glorious future of XTBG.
“I show my respect to the pioneers who have unfolded the magnificent history of building XTBG on this island. 60 years’ development has turned XTBG into a famous botanical garden. I wish it a better development. And let’s memorize the founding director of XTBG, eminent botanist Prof. Cai Xitao”, said CAS Academician Zhou Jun, a plant resources expert and phytochemist.
The Environmental Education Center of XTBG was also unveiled on January 3. Other celebration activities are still going on.
The ceremony was presided over by Mr. Li Hongwei, CPC secretary of XTBG.
Prof. Chen Jin delivers a speech.
CAS academician Xu Zhihong reconizes XTBG an important role in botanical gardens of China.
CAS academician Zhou Jun wishes XTBG a better future.
Prof. Li Dezhu, president of CAS KUnming Branch speaks.
The gathering.
