In order to provide a platform for mutual learning, sharing, and networking among the national partners in China, the China-ICIMOD Day was held in Kunming during 19-20 June 2014.

More than 80 participants from various provincial government agencies, institutes of CAS, universities, local research institutions, and NGOs attended the two-day event organized by the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) and the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) in collaboration with the Chinese Committee on ICIMOD (CN-ICIMOD) and Kunming Institute of Botany (KIB).

Dr. WANG Zhenyu,releases the HKH glacier database to the Chinese partners (by IMHE)

Dr. Wang Zhenyu, the head of Division of International Organization of Bureau of International Cooperation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, delivered his keynote address, said ICIMOD’s transformation from a knowledge-sharing institute to a research performer and knowledge provider has been critical for the region. Reiterating China’s continued support to ICIMOD, Dr. Wang said he hoped to see more Chinese stakeholders showcase their progress and collaboration with ICIMOD in the next China-ICIMOD Day.

Presenting mountain challenges of the Hindu Kush Himalayas and how ICIMOD is organized to respond to these across its eight Regional Member Countries (RMCs)­, ICIMOD’s Director General Dr. David Molden said the China-ICIMOD day provided an opportunity to highlight ICIMOD’s work in China and also seek inputs from the Chinese partners in designing and implementing its programmes.

In the two days, various partners spoke about their ongoing activities, challenges, and opportunities. The event showcased works of ICIMOD’s partners in China for improved coordination and increased visibility and ownership. There were presentations and poster sessions on the ongoing collaborative works. Coinciding with the event, the glacier database of the entire Hindu Kush Himalayan region was released to the Chinese partners. The database was developed in close collaboration with Cold and Arid Regions Environmental and Engineering Research Institute (CAREERI) , CAS.

Among others, the event is expected to help expand partnerships between ICIMOD and national institutions, particularly aligning with national priority programmes. These include but are not limited to long-term scientific planning for mountain areas, virtual and digital mountain scientific monitoring, climate change adaptation of mountain people, impact of climate change on livelihoods, water and ecosystems, mountain development and poverty reduction, mountain hazards and disaster risk reduction, and models of sustainable mountain development and integrated management.

Professor Yang Yongping, the Vice Director General of KIB, CAS, and secretary general of CNICIMOD, said China’s membership in ICIMOD is valued both by the people and the government of China.