New round workshop for the project to enhance international cooperation between China and ACIAR (Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research) was held on June 10th, 2014 at the Grassland Research Institute (GRI) of CAAS, attended by more than 20 scientists from ACIAR, GRI, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University and senior officials from MOA.

At the meeting, key issues relating to the project including potential gaps, roles of each side, possible resources were addressed. Both sides agreed to form a leading group to coordinate the project. Concurrently, there will be an international consultants group to assess the project and disseminate the appropriated knowledge, technologies, models and management tools to other regions.


The incoming round of project will be rolled out from the beginning of 2015, involving three countries (China, Australia and Mongolia). The mission of the project is to develop new payment schemes for grassland ecosystem services based on the dynamic assessment of grassland condition and local grazers’ profits. The outcome will contribute to the grassland management and eco-protection in China and Mongolia.

GRI and ACIAR have undertaken three collaborative projects since 2001. Their joint efforts and excellent work have obtained high praise from both Chinese and Australian government.