The union for ecosystem field observation stations in Yunnan and Guizhou, southwestern China, was founded on March 18. The mission of the Filed Stations Union is to help member stations increase their effectiveness in supporting critical research, education, and ecosystem management.

The founding ceremony of the Union for Field Stations of SW China was held at XTBG headquarters, Menglun, Mengla, Yunnan.

The founding ceremony of the union was joined by representatives from seven field stations, including Xishuangbanna Tropical Rainforest Ecosystem Station, Ailaoshan Forest Ecosystem Research Station, Yuanjiang Dry and Hot Valley Ecosystem Station, and four other field stations affilated to Kunming Institute of Botany, Institute of Geochemistry, and Guizhou Academy of Sciences.

Prof. Cao Min, deputy director of XTBG, presided over the opening meeting. Mr. Li Hongwei, CPC secretary of XTBG, deleviered a warm welcome speech. Prof. Wang Qingli, president of CAS Kunming Branch, emphasized the significance of uniting field observation sations in SW China.

The Union for Field Stations of SW China is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing a platform for staff of field stations to learn from each other, and cooperate in data collection, management, and sharing, with special empahsis on long-term and comprehensive ecological research in SW China.