By Hou Liqiang | chinadaily.com.cn | Updated: 2024-09-23

Officials have lauded the International Research and Training Center on Erosion and Sedimentation for its significant contribution to promoting sustainability, especially as the threat from the global climate crisis looms larger.

They made the remarks in a Monday event in Beijing to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the center, which was jointly established by the Chinese government and the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization on July 21, 1984.

Since its founding, IRTCES has devoted itself to research and training to solve scientific and engineering problems related to erosion and sedimentation. It has conducted many international and domestic technical cooperative research and consulting programs and projects in this regard and organized international and domestic training courses, symposiums, and workshops.

Sediment and soil erosion are not just technical issues. They are existential threats to food security, human livelihoods, and the health of our ecosystems, UN Resident Coordinator in China Siddharth Chatterjee stressed when addressing the event.

The loss of fertile topsoil, the clogging of waterways and the destruction of agricultural land all contribute to a vicious cycle that worsens poverty, decreases food security, displaces communities and destabilizes these regions. "This is why the work of IRTCES has been vital," he noted.

Over the past four decades, IRTCES has brought together experts and contributed to global research and capacity building in erosion and sedimentation management by developing cutting-edge tools for monitoring sediment transport, the UN official said. To provide crucial training programs, it has played a key role in supporting countries around the world in managing their natural resources and sustainability.

"Today, as we reflect on these achievements, we must also look ahead to the challenges that remain as we approach the deadline for the sustainable development goals. Climate change continues to exacerbate soil erosion with more intense storms, rising sea levels and changing precipitation patterns," he emphasized.

"As these challenges intensify, the need for integrated, innovative solutions becomes even more urgent... We all have a responsibility to future generations to safeguard the health of our planet, soil and water systems," he said.

Li Liangsheng, vice minister of water resources, has especially highlighted the role of IRTCES in promoting technological advancement and academic exchange in the domain of erosion and sedimentation management.

The center has hosted over 50 international training sessions, with more than 5,000 participants from over 40 countries across five continents, he said.

"This has provided valuable experiences for global sediment management research and decision-making in addressing the issue, offering robust technical support for socioeconomic development, and the construction of ecological civilization in China and across the globe," he said.

By hosting many international seminars on the management of river sediment, estuary and conservation of water and soil, the center has established a global academic exchange platform for sediment and soil erosion research, he said.

To date, IRTCES has signed over 10 cooperation agreements with more than 50 countries, international organizations, research institutions, universities, and other category 2 centers under the auspices of UNESCO, he disclosed, adding it has been visited by over 2,000 international representatives.