The Advanced Field Course in Ecology and Conservation - Xishuangbanna (AFEC-X) comes to its 15th year. On October 27, the AFEC-X 2023 opened at the headquarters of Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden (XTBG). The opening ceremony brought together teachers and students.   

This year, 36 students from 15 countries will have the 6-week indoor and field studies. 

Prof. Chen Jin, head teacher of the training courses, talked about the history and status quo of field trainings in tropical areas. He introduced the curriculum of the advanced field course in ecology and conservation.  

Prof. Dong Qi from CAS Bureau of International Cooperation expressed his gratitude to XTBG for holding this training course for 15 continuous years. He also encouraged students to learn and acquire skills, and keep cooeration networks. 

Prof. Yang Yongping, director of XTBG, delivered an opening speech via video. He encouraged students to conquer all difficulties and get a fruitful training. He declared open of the course.   

Afterwards, Prof. Ahimsa Campos-Arceiz delivered a lecture with the title of “What are Ecology and Conservation biology, how do they contribute to our conservation？” 

The field course is sponsored by the Alliance of International Science Organizations (ANSO), CAS Bureau of Personnel, and CAS Bureau of International Cooperation.   

The training course is mainly open to postgraduate students, young scholars and practitioners in the fields of Ecology and Conservation Biology in China, Southeast Asian countries etc. It is an intensive course in academic skills and research methods of Ecology and Conservation Biology, intended primarily for early-stage graduate students and young scholars in Ecology and Conservation, providing training in both basic and cutting-edge techniques in Ecology and Conservation Biology.