From October 14 to 17, the International Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI) held a workshop on project planning for China and a field training session focused on the techniques for the reintroduction of three endangered plant species, including the Ulmus japonica var. pseudopurpurea, at the Qinling National Botanic Garden.
During the event, representatives participated in discussions about comprehensive conservation techniques for endangered plants, laid out future protection plans, reviewed the progress of previous projects, and gave 12 specialized presentations. They later visited the Shangluo Zhashui base to engage in field reintroduction activities for the rare and endangered species, including the Ulmus japonica var. pseudopurpurea, the Wing-fruited Oil Tree, and the Qinling Fir.
These three species are classified as National Level II protected plants and were artificially propagated at the Qinling National Botanic Garden. The initiative aims to increase the distribution points and population numbers of these rare plants in the wild, ultimately advancing their effective conservation.
The Qinling National Botanic Garden is a member of BGCI and one of the 16 national botanic gardens established across China. In recent years, the garden has worked tirelessly to enhance in-situ conservation while implementing ex-situ conservation strategies in accordance with national requirements for the protection of Level I and II plants, as well as local重点野生植物保护 in Shaanxi Province. The garden currently conserves 6,512 species of wild plants, including 17 Level I protected species, 104 Level II protected species, and 48 local protected species. It features 30 specialized gardens and serves as an essential base for biodiversity conservation, research, and horticultural display.
BGCI, one of the three major international conservation organizations focusing on biodiversity protection, has been collaborating closely with Chinese botanic gardens, universities, forestry departments, scientists, local governments, and communities to utilize integrated conservation methods for protecting China’s endangered trees since establishing its China office in 2008. Since 2020, BGCI has partnered with the Qinling National Botanic Garden on projects aimed at the conservation of the threatened Wing-fruited Oil Tree and Ulmus japonica var. pseudopurpurea.
