Over 100 delegates from around the world participated in the 66th International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH) Annual Congress held in Qingdao, China from 15-19 September 2014. Opening the congress AIPH President, Vic Krahn detailed the many initiatives being developed within AIPH and said “This is a unique forum for bringing together the common challenges we face and to identify new ways to grow this industry that is so critical for people and planet.”
Hosted by the China Flower Association (CFA) and the Executive Committee of the Qingdao International Horticultural Exposition 2014, the congress included a tour of the fabulous Horticultural Expo that has already attracted 3 million people from around the world.
Within the Green City Committee members heard from Professor Liu Qinghua, Head of the Landscape Architecture and Horticultural College, Qingdao University, who described the work that has taken place to make the rapidly growing city of Qingdao a National Forest City and how the International Horticultural Exhibition has been at the heart of this. The objective of the project is "making the forest blend into the city and making the city embrace forest". The plans have led to the planting of an additional 19,340 ha of trees in the city over the last two years, giving a 40% forest coverage rate. The overall economic benefit of the increase in horticulture in the city is estimated at 11.46 billion yuen (1.45 billion euro). The international horticultural exhibition has promoted the importance of Green City to show what has been done in Qingdao and to inspire other cities.
To read the rest of the story, please go to: AIPH – International Association of Horticultural Producers