New training base will promote forest management in S, SE Asia

China's forestry authority announced the establishment of a training base on Tuesday, aiming to promote cooperation and communication with its neighboring countries and economies in South and Southeast Asia on forest management and rehabilitation.

Pu'er Sustainable Forest Management Demonstration and Training Base, affiliated with the Asia-Pacific Network for Sustainable Forest Management and Rehabilitation( APFNet), was built in Pu'er city, Southwest China's Yunnan province, the National Forestry and Grassland Administration said.

The base will focus on sustainable forest management, forestry policy making and nature education. It gained joint support from the network, the Yunnan Forestry Department and Southwest Forestry University.

The base is expected to function as an open platform for sustainable business demonstration, forestry science research, professional training, knowledge promotion and nature education.

The network is an international organization initiated by China. So far, it has 26 members from economies and five members from international organizations. It has also successfully promoted more than 50 programs related to sustainable forestry development.

According to the National Forestry and Grassland Administration, the Pu'er base is the second of its kind established since the Belt and Road Initiative concept was introduced.

The first, the Multi-function Forest Experience Base, was built in Chifeng city, North China's Inner Mongolia autonomous region in 2019.

The administration said it will continue to support the network and share China's successful greening practice and experiences with other countries, benefiting people around the world.