China's State Council announced on June 6 it has approved a plan to establish the South China National Botanical Garden in Guangzhou in line with the country's drive to set up a national botanical garden system.

The garden will be jointly built by the National Forestry and Grassland Administration, Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development, Chinese Academy of Sciences and the governments of Guangdong province and Guangzhou municipality.

The National Botanical Garden in Guangzhou will focus on ex situ conservation and scientific research on plants of South China, as well as the development needs of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

The garden will showcase the harmonious coexistence between humans and nature, and show respect to nature by putting conservation first and sharing its benefits.

"The garden will demonstrate the charm of Chinese culture and biodiversity, and innovations will be encouraged in its construction. Meeting international standards, our National Botanical Garden will be built with Chinese characteristics," the State Council said.

China's first National Botanical Garden opened in Beijing in April. (Photo/CGTN)

At the 15th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP15) in October 2021, China announced the construction of botanical gardens in Beijing, Guangzhou and other places. The first China National Botanical Garden was officially inaugurated in Beijing on April 18.

Source: People's Daily
Editor: Pauline