On November 2, 2016, Gifu University held the 48^th Gifu University Forum entitled, "Environmental University Forum" at the General Education Building.

Gifu University designates November as Environmental Month based on the date of its Environmental University declaration, and holds the Environmental University Forum every year as a related event.

On November 2, Mr. Yoshihiro Ueda, President of the Gifu International Academy of Horticulture was invited as a guest speaker and made a presentation. A total of 94 people (72 teaching and administrative staff, 10 students and 12 citizens) attended the forum.

Prior to Mr. Ueda's speech, Mr. Masaki Yokoyama, Executive Director for General Affairs and Finance, Vice President made an opening speech and Dr. Hirokazu Fukui, Dean of the Faculty of Applied Biological Sciences introduced Mr. Ueda.

Mr. Ueda made a presentation titled, "In Pursuit of Rose Genetic Resources: Search for roots of cultured roses and rare species of wild roses." He spoke about his visit to Iran, Laos and China in a quest for rose genetic resources while showing the pictures of beautiful roses and landscapes of foreign countries. He also mentioned destruction of environment, strenuous efforts by the people for nature preservation and the reality of declining genetic resources due to aging of society. Later, he introduced the Gifu Prefecture Flower Festival Commemorative Park in Kani City where about 7,000 spices of roses are planted and are well cared for. Mr. Ueda underscored the importance of preserving rare genetic resources.

After his speech, Mr. Ueda and Dr. Fukui exchange opinions on stage, and took questions from the audience. Many questions were raised from the audience such as "Do all rose species have thorns?" Mr. Ueda later expressed his hope for creating a thornless rose and further research on scent of roses.

After the forum, some of the participants commented, "The contents of the forum were perfectly fit as we have the Flower Festival Commemorative Park, the world-class rose garden in Gifu Prefecture."

Gifu University keeps on promoting various environment conservation programs by concentrating the wisdom for years to come.