38 field staff from 28 Chinese nature reserves gathered together at Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden (XTBG) from September 12-20 for the “2019 Yunnan Nature Reserve Capacity Improvement Training Course”. 

The training course was co-organized by XTBG and Yunnan Provincial Forestry and Grassland Administration. It is aimed to enhance the capacity of scientific research of staff of nature reserves and expand cooperation links. 

The training course dealt with design of research projects, design and fund raising for scientific research and monitoring plan in nature reserves, probability sampling and field investigation of animals and plants, monitoring data collection and analysis, academic paper writing, application of new technology in nature reserves, use of unmanned aerial vehicles, etc. 

The course also organized activities concerning environmental interpretation and nature education experience, which was applauded by the 38 participating trainees. 

Prof. Chen Jin, director of XTBG, said that with the improvement of ability to scientific research, nature education, and community development of the staff, they will contribute more to biodiversity conservation. 

Prof. CHEN Jin speaks at the course. 

Ms. YANG Fang speaks. 

Trainees have case study. 

Trainees learn to use unmanned aerial vehicles. 

Ms. ZHANG Yingyi, former director of China Program of Fauna and Flora International (FFI) gives lecture. 

Trainees pose a group photo.