A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden (XTBG) and Kasetsart University, Thailand on June 16. It is an extension of the 5-year MoU signed between the two sides in 2015. 

According to the new MoU, the two sides are to cooperate in biodiversity and ecosystem research. They agree to conduct joint biological and biodiversity inventory and research on sustainable natural resources management in Thailand. 

Further, a program office of Southeast Asia Biodiversity Research Institute (SEABRI) may be established. With the purpose of promoting scientific collaborations in biodiversity conservation and ecology, the two sides will collaborate to establish a Program Office of SEABRI in Thailand.  

The two sides will also cooperate in education of graduate students, take turns to hold on-site training courses on ecology, biodiversity, and conservation every year, academic and scientific exchange, exchange of information and publication, etc. 

The MoU shall remain in force for a period of five (5) years from the date of signing.  

XTBG and Kasetsart University have kept a good cooperation relationship for many years in biodiversity and ecosystem research.