SEAMEO BIOTROP in cooperation with Georg-August-Universität Göttingen, Germany and Bogor Agricultural University, Indonesia conduct the Fifth Regional Training Course on Biodiversity and Conservation of Bryophytes and Lichens from 14 to 24 July 2009.

This training is participated by 21 young scientist and lecturers from Brunei Darussalam (2), Cambodia (1), Indonesia (7), Malaysia (4), Philippines (1), Singapore (3), Thailand (2), and Vietnam (1). The objectives of this training are to enhance the awareness and knowledge of bryophytes and lichens among young scientists in the region and stimulate their study; to develop a strong regional interest in the diversity, economic importance and conservation of bryophytes and lichens in the region; and to encourage the establishment of a network of people studying bryophytes and lichens in Southeast Asia.

At the opening ceremony, Dr. Sri S. Tjitrosoedirdjo, course leader, delivered her report on the conduct of the TC on lichens and bryophytes, followed by Prof. Dr. Edi Guhardja of the STORMA project who presented his address. Due to previous commitment, Dr. Bambang Purwantara, BIOTROP Director could not attend the TC. On behalf of him, Dr. Irdika Mansur, BIOTROP DDRMC welcomed the participants and officially declared open the TC. Prof. Dr. Gradstein of Göttingen University, Germany, who serves as resource person, also presented his remarks.