Author: Dai Yunu, Peng Liang

Publisher: College of Life Sciences and Technology  

Date: December 23, 2024

On November 15, 2024, the 2024 Technical Committee Annual Meeting of the Ministry of Education Engineering Research Center for Tropical and Subtropical Water Ecological Engineering took place at Yundonghai Wetland Park in Sanshui District, Foshan City. The meeting was attended by Academician Yang Zhifeng, Director of the Technical Committee, Academician Ren Hongqiang, Deputy Director, and 22 expert members from across Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macau. The event also featured the signing of a Water Ecology Industry University Research Strategic Cooperation Agreement between Jinan University and Yundonghai Street, along with the unveiling of the Jinan University Yundonghai National Wetland Park Industry University Research Cooperation Innovation Demonstration Base.

(Academicians Yang Zhifeng and Ren Hongqiang unveil the plaque for the innovation demonstration base of industry-university research cooperation.)

 Key Attendees and Highlights

The meeting was graced by several officials, including Li Yijia, Deputy District Mayor of Sanshui District, and various representatives from the local ecological environment and wetland management sectors. Vice Dean Li Hongfa of the Faculty of Science and Technology at the Metropolitan University of Hong Kong also attended with a nine-member delegation.

In his opening remarks, Li Yijia praised the cooperation between Jinan University and Yundonghai Street, highlighting its strategic importance for developing water ecological civilization in the district. He noted that Jinan University's expertise in ecology provides a solid foundation for collaborative efforts in wetland protection, scientific research, and talent development.

Wu Lusheng, Deputy Director of the Science and Technology Research Department of Jinan University, acknowledged the Engineering Center's contributions to technological innovation in the Greater Bay Area. He stressed the need for ongoing collaboration to advance regional ecological initiatives in line with the goals set forth by the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China.

(The expert group reviews the annual work report of the engineering center.)

 Cooperation and Development Goals

Lin Guoming, Deputy Secretary of the Party Working Committee of Yundonghai Street Office, shared insights on the ecological industry and wetland park developments in the area. He emphasized Yundonghai Street's commitment to ecological protection and sustainable development, showcasing the wetland park as a model for biodiversity and public education.

Professor Yang Yang, Director of the Engineering Research Center, outlined the vision for cooperation between Jinan University and Yundonghai Street, focusing on ecological protection and scientific research. This partnership aims to enhance collaboration among industry, academia, and research institutions, fostering advancements in water ecological engineering and supporting local economic growth.

(Peng Liang, Deputy Director of the Engineering Center, presents the concept of the Yundonghai National Wetland Park Water Ecology and Tourism Construction Plan.)

 Annual Work Conference and Future Directions

Following the unveiling ceremony, Academician Yang Zhifeng led the annual work conference of the Engineering Center. Professor Zhang Xiufeng presented the annual work report, while representatives from City University of Hong Kong and Sun Yat-sen University shared their contributions to the center's development. The committee discussed current trends, technological innovations, and challenges in water ecological engineering, reaching a consensus on the importance of adapting to new circumstances, promoting technological advancements, and enhancing collaboration among Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Taiwan.

 On-Site Inspection and Future Initiatives

After the meeting, attendees conducted an on-site inspection of Yundonghai National Wetland Park, where Peng Liang, Deputy Director of the Engineering Center, presented the Yundonghai National Wetland Park Water Ecology and Tourism Construction Plan. The expert group commended the park's achievements in ecological protection and education, recommending further enhancements in ecological services and public outreach.

The signing of the strategic cooperation agreement at this annual meeting signifies a new chapter in collaboration between Jinan University and Yundonghai Wetland Park in water ecological engineering. This partnership is poised to foster innovative developments in the field and enhance the Engineering Center's role in tropical and subtropical water ecology.