International College of Juncao Science drives global collaboration, knowledge sharing

Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University officially launched the International College of Juncao Science on June 18, marking a milestone in the worldwide promotion of Juncao (mushroom grass) technology. 

Speaking at the inaugural ceremony, Xie Suyuan, president of the university and an academician at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, emphasized that Juncao technology, which enables edible and medical mushrooms to grow on grass-based substrates instead of felled trees, is a testament to China's commitment to ecological conservation and sustainable development.

The establishment of the new institute underscores the university's determination to align its efforts with China's national diplomatic framework, while simultaneously enhancing international cooperation in poverty alleviation.

By fostering global partnerships, the institute aims to make significant contributions to the realization of shared sustainable development goals.

Frank Wangnapi, head of the Division of Natural Resources, Eastern Highlands Provincial Administration of Papua New Guinea, applauded the success of Juncao technology in improving ecological management and combating poverty across more than 100 countries and regions.

According to Wangnapi, the launch of the institute will amplify these positive outcomes by acting as the international hub for collaboration and knowledge sharing.

Lin Zhanxi, chief scientist at the National Juncao Engineering Technology Research Center, hopes the institute could further extend the reach of Juncao technology to assist more nations in achieving economic and environmental sustainability. Lin also underscored the importance of building a community with a shared future for humanity - an ideal closely aligned with the core purpose of Juncao technology.

Since its inception in 1988, Juncao technology has been applied to 32 provincial level regions across China and has been included in numerous international cooperation projects.

In 2017, it was designated a flagship project of the "China-UN Peace and Development Fund".

To date, it has benefited 118 countries by training over 23,000 participants and establishing demonstration sites in 23 nations. Its contribution to poverty reduction has earned recognition from several international organizations as a global best practice.

palden_nyima@chinadaily.com.cn