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AIPH Expo Committee Travels to China for International Judging Jury Duty at Expo 2024 Chengdu

As Expo 2024 Chengdu approaches its grand finale, the AIPH is actively participating in key horticultural engagements across China.

On Wednesday, 23 October 2024, Tim Briercliffe, AIPH Secretary General, visited Shanghai at the invitation of Professor Xiangyang Hu of Shanghai University to discuss ongoing initiatives in horticultural innovation and green urbanisation. He also toured the renowned Chenshan Botanical Garden, a hub for horticultural research and biodiversity conservation.

During his time in Shanghai, Mr Briercliffe was joined by Tim Edwards, an AIPH Consultant and representative of the Sino-European Horticultural Association (SEHA). Together, they travelled to Chengdu, where both will serve as members of the International Judging Jury for Expo 2024 Chengdu.

Mr Edwards had recently been speaking about AIPH Green City Guidelines at the Third International Forest City Conference at the invitation of the International Bamboo and Rattan Organisation (INBAR)—an intergovernmental development organisation that promotes sustainable development using bamboo and rattan—and AIPH Member China Flower Association. Held from 10-11 October 2024 in Hefei City, Anhui Province, the event focused on the theme “Forest Cities and a Better Life.” It provided a unique platform to advance discussions on sustainable urban development and the role of forest cities in achieving the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

AIPH at Expo 2024 Chengdu: International Jury and Grand Awards

The AIPH Expo Committee, including Takuhiro Yamada, Chair of the AIPH Exhibitions Committee, Leonardo Capitanio, AIPH President, Holly Peng, AIPH Vice President, along with Mr Briercliffe and Mr Edwards, are in Chengdu this week for their roles on the International Judging Jury. The jury is composed of seven distinguished horticultural experts, including four international members nominated by AIPH and three Chinese experts. They are responsible for evaluating the entries in the International Competition.

Since its opening on 26 April, Expo 2024 Chengdu has welcomed over five million visitors and featured 102 outdoor gardens during its 186-day run. These include 36 international gardens alongside exhibits from Chinese provinces, cities, and industry associations. As part of the event, AIPH is involved in judging participants in an International Competition, which serves as a global platform to assess horticultural innovation, cultural exchange, and environmental stewardship—elements that align with the Expo’s theme, “Park City, Beautiful Habitat.” The judging process follows a rigorous two-round evaluation to ensure fairness and precision in selecting the top entries.

As the Expo draws to a close on Monday, 28 October 2024, AIPH will present three prestigious AIPH Grand Awards during the Closing Ceremony. These awards will recognise outstanding contributions in three categories: International City Garden, Chinese Provincial City Garden, and Sichuan City Garden. Winners will be selected based on their creativity, sustainability, and design excellence, as determined through the detailed two-round evaluation process.

AIPH looks forward to celebrating the success of this global horticultural event and continuing to promote green urbanisation through collaboration and innovation.


Rachel Wakefield

Communications Executive and Associate Editor
United Kingdom

rachel.wakefield@aiph.org