China has abundant botanical resources, boasting some 30,000 species of plants.
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International horticultural experts gather in Shanghai Chenshan Botanical Garden for the symposium on plant conservation in China. [Photo/sheshantravel.gov.cn] |
Unfortunately, certain populations of plants in China are not in good condition due to an overdeveloping environment and a lack of care or protection. Worse still, some 20 percent of botanical resources are in imminent danger, including precious China-specific plants like Abies beshanzuensis (Baishanzu fir) and Carpinus putoensis (Putuo hornbeam, a single tree in the world).
To deal with these extremely urgent plant conservation issues in China, the International Association of Botanic Gardens (IABG) hosted an international symposium at the Shanghai Chenshan Botanical Garden from Nov 8 to 11.
International botanists, professors and researchers, including prestigious experts like Vernon Hilton Heywood, chairman of the IABG, Doctor Paul Smith from Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI), and professor Mora Aronsson from the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, gathered in Shanghai to share their views on China’s strategy for plant cultivation and conservation.
A total of 18 lectures have been delivered on three major topics: how to make comprehensive conservation networks between botanical gardens and conservation areas, cultivation and conservation strategies in accordance with Chinese regulations, and how to establish and carry out national plant protection strategy.
Cooperation between international plant research institutions and ENGOs has also been demanded.
This symposium is expected to boost joint efforts of plant conservation between different regions in China and different countries.
