A Feast of Orchids: Conferences, Exhibitions, and Competitions
The 23rd WOC boasts a captivating program with three key pillars: conferences, exhibitions, and competitions. Here's a glimpse of what awaits:
Hundreds of Conferences: From February 25th to 28th, over 100 conferences will be held, fostering international exchange in research and development. 103 esteemed speakers and 702 participating experts and scholars from home and abroad will delve into 11 key themes, including orchid cultivation, breeding, conservation, and even industrial applications.
Two Captivating Exhibitions:
- "Tainan of the World; the World of Tainan": This themed exhibition is a stunning display centered on the concept of the "tree of life.” It uses orchids to create breathtaking landscapes, promoting the vision of sustainability.
- Special Exhibition of Taiwan’s Native Orchids: Co-organized by the Ministry of Agriculture’s research institutes, Dr. Cecilia Koo Botanic Conservation Center, and the National Museum of Natural Science, this exhibit will deepen your understanding and appreciation of these fascinating plants and showcase to the world Taiwan's achievement of and dedication to their conservation.
Thrilling Competitions: 222 judges from 23 countries will meticulously evaluate over 1,200 individual orchid entries and 16 landscaping teams from around the globe.
Taiwan: A Global Leader in Orchids
Taiwan's unique environment fosters an astonishing diversity of orchids, with over 470 native species. These orchids, like the Phalaenopsis (moth orchid) species Phalaenopsis aphrodite subsp. formosanaandPhalaenopsis equestris, have played a crucial role as parents to many popular commercial varieties. Through tireless efforts by industry, government, and academia, Taiwan has become a powerhouse in the global orchid market. With orchid exports exceeding NT$6.1 billion in 2023, the "orchid miracle" continues to flourish.
As highlighted by the Agriculture and Food Agency of the Ministry of Agriculture, this is a rare chance to experience two of the world's three most prestigious orchid exhibitions—the WOC and the TIOS (the other one being the Japan Grand Prix International Orchid and Flower Show) —happening side-by-side in Taiwan. The events welcome visitors of all ages to join this celebration of orchids. For more information on ticketing and event details, visit the official websites for the 23rd WOC (https://www.woc23.com/) and the 20th TIOS (https://tios.tw/).
