A FORUM on the relationship between plant sciences and society was held in Hall 5 of the Shenzhen Convention and Exhibition Center yesterday afternoon.

More than 1,000 people were present when Wang Shi, director of the Shenzhen Mangrove Wetlands Conservation Foundation, Wang Jian, chairman of BGI, and Dr. Stephen Blackmore, an academician of the U.K. Royal Society and chairman of the Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI), gave keynote speeches during the “Power of Plants — Uniting Plant Sciences and Society to Build a Sustainable Earth” Shenzhen Forum.

David Mabberley, chairman of the International Association of Botanical and Mycological Societies, later joined the three keynote speakers to engage in a dialogue with audience members.

Wang Shi discussed the amazing world of plants and the power of plants from the perspective of an ordinary person, sharing some of his personal experiences.

Wang Jian expounded on his views about the crucial roles that plant gene resources play in benefiting the human being. By “reading”, “writing” and eventually understanding plant genes, we have a chance to better understand plants, ourselves and all living beings, he said. Wang also pointed out the vital role agriculture plays in ensuring human survival, protecting human welfare and promoting the development of human society.

Dr. Blackmore analyzed the status quo of the protection of natural plant resources on Earth from a global prospective, and discussed with the audience the important role botanical gardens are playing in the development of a sustainable Earth. Botanical gardens are an important link connecting nature, cities and human beings, Blackmore said. (SD News)