The 13th Conference of International Association of Botanical Gardens (IABG) was held in Guangzhou, November 13-15, 2012. More than 300 representatives from 30 countries and regions participated in the conference. Dr. Chen Jin, director of XTBG, was invited to chair the symposium entitled “Botanical gardens’ role in overcoming nature deficit disorder in this rapid urbanizing world”.

Dr. Chen Jin chairing the symposium

The 13th Conference of IABG was themed with “Exchange and collaboration: the roles of botanical gardens in plant sciences and ecology”. It was composed of a plenary session and 13 Symposia & Workshops.

Dr. Liu Hong of Florida International University and Dr. Gao Jiangyun of XTBG co-chaired the Workshop “Newly emerged plant reintroduction guidelines – taking climate change into consideration” and Symposium “Plant reintroduction in Asia – case studies”.

Some other XTBG scientists and students participated in the conference.

The IABG was formed in 1954 and is a worldwide organization being affiliated to the International Union of Biological Sciences (IUBS) as a commission of the International Association of Botanical and Mycological Societies (IABMS).