The Chinese partnerships are driving the way in conservation, research and efforts to combat the impact of the biodiversity crisis and climate emergency.

Now because of deforestation, urbanisation and pollution, plant and animal species are in need of urgent conservation in Yunnan. RBGE has a long-term commitment to the conservation of this area, working closely with local communities who depend on plants for food, shelter and medicine. RBGE enjoys a close relationship with Kunming Institute of Botany with which it is twinned.

This commitment was consolidated with the creation of the Lijiang Botanic Garden and Jade Dragon Field Station, opened in 2002 and declared the UK’s first joint scientific laboratory in China. In addition, RBGE was a contributor to the first Flora of China written in English, a landmark foundation for reference and future taxonomic work.