Prof. Xing Yaowu, director of Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden (XTBG), headed up a 7-person delegation to Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (RBGE). The two botanical gardens formally signed a new five-year cooperation memorandum.

XTBG researchers had extensive discussions with Prof. Simon Stephen Milne, director of RBGE; and Prof. Pete M. Hollingsworth, deputy director and its director of science, and experts from scientific, horticultural, and education teams. They had working meetings and thematic exchanges, fopcusing on plant diversity conservation, joint research, horticultural techniques, public education, and capacity building.

XTBG delegation visited the living plant collections, herbarium, and scientific support systems of RBGE, learning its expertise in ex situ conservation, plant resource management, and research infrastructure development. They also visited Logan Botanic Garden and Benmore Botanic Garden, to observe practices in subtropical plant introduction, mountain flora conservation, and horticultural management.

With solid foundation of past joint achievements, the two botanic gardens renewed a five-year cooperation agreement. They will deepen cooperation in scientific research, living plant resource management, talent development, public education, and the enhancement of conservation facilities and capabilities.

XTBG researchers also visited Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, with a particular focus on its children’s garden and public education systems. They shared experiences in science communication, public engagement mechanisms, and international cooperation.

This visit has further strengthened the strategic partnership between XTBG and leading botanical gardens in UK. 

XTBG and RBGE renew MoU.