On July 25, a memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed between the Chinese Union of Botanical Gardens (CUBG) and Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI). Representing 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 cooperate for the purpose 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, especially in countries listed in the Belt and Road Initiative. 

Areas of 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 exchange data and protocols to support the implementation and monitoring of the Global Strategy for Plant Conservation and help ensure better conservation outcomes, e.g., botanic gardens accessions data, wild plant species data, germination protocols, etc. 

The MoU was signed on the sidelines of the XIX International Botanical Congress - Botanical Garden Directors’ Forum, whose theme was "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 from participants.

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.