The 23rd World Orchid Conference (WOC) and the 20th Taiwan International Orchid Show (TIOS) began on February 23, marking the simultaneous celebration of these two global orchid events under the slogan "Orchid Together". This embodies not only the unity of people coming together for orchids but also the gathering of orchid enthusiasts to share their passion and admiration for these exquisite flowers.
Aerial view of the venue of the 23rd WOC
Entrance of the 20th TIOS
National Flags Orchids
To symbolize global unity, the TIOS entrance features the show's mascot "Orchidsaur" alongside a world globe, representing how orchids bring attendees from around the world together to celebrate the wonder and beauty of orchids. At the same time, the entrance of WOC showcases orchids colored with nano spray-dyeing technology, displaying the national flags of all participants. The national flags orchids also demonstrate the global appeal and admiration for Taiwan orchids. Visitors were encouraged to explore the display and capture photos to preserve this international event.
TIOS Main Pavilion Display
TIOS Display
In homage of the host city's milestone, Tainan City's 400th birthday, the WOC and TIOS exhibitions highlighted the city's rich historical and cultural heritage. In TIOS, given Tainan's distinction of having the most temples in Taiwan, the pavilions featured architectural aspects of temples to create a thematic display. Hundreds of thousands of orchids combined with light projections and sculptures, visitors can immerse themselves in the cultural richness of Tainan's temples.
Orchids Interior Decoration Ideas
Orchids Interior Decoration
TIOS also featured displays showcasing how orchids can enhance interior decoration and bring their beauty into our daily lives. Flower Associations were invited to participate in the event, demonstrating how orchids can be seamlessly integrated into common settings and providing the public with new ideas for decorating interior spaces.
WOC Main Display
WOC Main Display
The WOC exhibition focuses on highlighting Tainan's role in introducing orchids to the world, given its significant portion of orchid production originates from the city. The design was inspired by the iconic "Tainan Treehouse", which hold historical significance dating back to the city's inception of international trade centuries ago. The concept of the "Tree" also served as a symbol of the wonder of nature and life itself. By integrating Tainan's famous treehouses with orchids, the exhibition not only highlights the city's rich history but also emphasizes the critical importance of biodiversity and conservation efforts. This integration illustrates Tainan's vital role in orchid cultivation and its commitment to preserving the natural beauty of these precious flowers.
Landscape Display by Korat Orchid Society x Damrong Star Club from Thailand
Landscape Display by Taiwan Florists' Transworld Delivery Association
Furthermore, WOC's landscape displays featured entries from international organizations, with nine organizations from the Dominican Republic, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Singapore, and Thailand, alongside seven local Taiwanese organizations, competing for the best landscape display at the Orchid Show.
Individual Flower Competition Exhibition Area
The Champions
Nearly 1600 individual orchid entries competed for the championship, judged by nearly 200 judges from 23 countries. This year, a new paperless voting system was implemented allowing for faster results. The exhibition area also adopts a radial layout instead of the traditional row arrangement, enhancing the overall display experience.
Exhibition of the Taiwan Native Orchids
A special exhibition at the WOC highlights Taiwan's native orchids, curated through collaboration with multiple organizations dedicated to the conservation of these native species. By showcasing Taiwan's native orchid species, along with specimens and conservation achievements, the exhibition aims to raise public awareness of the importance of preserving the orchids for future generations.
The Tour to the KBCC
WOC registered attendees also had the opportunity to participate in a visiting tour to the Dr. Cecilia Koo Botanic Conservation Center (KBCC) in Pingtung. KBCC, a non-governmental organization dedicated to the conservation of tropical plants in Taiwan, is dedicated to the preservation of tropical and subtropical plants and the promotion of biodiversity on our planet. With a mission to collect 40,000 different taxa by 2027, KBCC aims to become the largest tropical plant sanctuary in the world. The ultimate goal is to reintroduce these plants back into their natural habitats, helping to restore the environment.
Conference Photo
Conference Photo
Following the opening of the 23rd WOC, the four-day conference began on the 25th, featuring nearly one hundred speakers from around the world. There were also 51 posters presented during the conference. Topics included amateur cultivation, breeding & systematics, conservation, ecology, genetics & development, habitat, horticultural therapy, and market trends. The conferences and forums held during the events provided a platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration among researchers and industry professionals.
Image of Dr. William Riley
Keynote speakers include Dr. William Riley from the USA discussing the progressive vision of the World Orchid Conference Trust, Mr. Johan Hermans from the UK reviewing orchids of the Western Indian Ocean, Dr. Martin Motes from the USA presenting new directions in Vanda hybrids, and Dr. Chia-Wei Li discussing orchid conservation in Taiwan.
Edmund Timm from MPS
The business forum at the event covered a range industry-related topics including plant variety rights, orchid market trends, and carbon neutral orchid cultivation. Notable speakers included Edmund Timm from MPS, who discussed environmentally friendly orchid cultivation. Dr. Boonyanath Nathwong of the Thai Seed Trade Association, Dr. Ming-Chung Liu from the Taiwan Seed Improvement and Propagation Station, Mr. Marco Hoffman from Naktuinbouw, and Dr. Kwang Hong Lee from the Korea Seed & Variety Service addressing plant variety rights in their respective countries. In addition, Mr. Ruud Scheffers from Opti-Flor shared insights on the European market and trends, while Mr. Robert Kuijf from Anthura explored future trends in the global orchid industry. Mr. Henk Barendse from the Post Harvest Knowledge Center, Royal Flora Holland, also presented his speech regarding Taiwan Oncidium taking the European Tour.
Professor Nean Lee Receiving the WOCT Medal
During the WOC, the WOCT Medal was awarded to three esteemed individuals for their outstanding contributions to the field of orchidology. The first recipient, Professor Nean Lee, was honored for her pivotal role in establishing the contemporary orchid industry in Taiwan. The WOCT honor her dedication to advancing knowledge and excellence in orchid breeding, germination, and production, particularly with the genus Phalaenopsis.
Professor Chia-Wei Li Receiving the WOCT Medal
The second recipient, Professor Chia-Wei Li, the CEO of the Dr. Cecilia Koo Botanic Conservation Center (KBCC), was recognized for his leadership in tropical and sub-tropical plant conservation. His coordination of international academic conferences and training courses demonstrates his commitment to advancing knowledge. Furthermore, his extensive publications and instrumental involvement in Taiwan's virtual WOC success in 2021 and this World Orchid Conference highlight his exceptional contributions to the field.
Professor Harold Koopowitz Receiving the WOCT Medal
Lastly, Professor Harold Koopowitz is internationally renowned for his innovative breeding work within the genus Paphiopedilum and his editorial stewardship as Editor Emeritus for the Orchid Digest. His ten-year editorial stewardship has significantly enriched our understanding of conservation, horticulture, and tropical Slipper Orchids. The WOCT commend Professor Koopowitz for his extensive and outstanding publication record, which has greatly contributed to the advancement of orchidology.
Students Presenting Their Poster
Students' Group Photo with the President and Convenors of WOC
Another significant event at WOC is the Young Investigators Awards, which recognize promising young researchers whose studies advance the field of Orchidology. These awards not only honor academic excellence but also include grants to inspire and support students in their studies. The categories include basic and applied research in Orchidology, orchid conservation, and general horticultural education in Orchids. The winners, representing six countries including Taiwan, Mexico, USA, Slovakia, Malaysia, and Thailand, are awarded for their contributions to the field.
A Brief Recap Video of the WOC
Overall, the 23rd WOC and the 20th TIOS have not only celebrated the beauty of orchids but also highlighted the importance of conservation efforts and fostered global collaboration in advancing the field of Orchidology. As we bid farewell to these memorable events, we look forward to future gatherings that continue to inspire and educate enthusiasts worldwide.
For more information:
WOC
https://en.woc23.com/
https://www.facebook.com/WOC23rdtw/