Great Rivers Forum: Experts gather in Wuhan to discuss sustainable development of waterways

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Experts on protecting the world's major rivers are gathering in the Chinese city of Wuhan. They are discussing ways to sustainably develop the world's vital waterways. Our reporter Huang Jun has the details.

The Changjiang Civilization Museum and Wuhan Natural History Museum welcomed a special group of guests on Oct 28th. Unlike the usual guests who curiously watch the exhibits on culture, ecology and the evolution of the world's rivers, these guests paid more attention to research. In particular, they are interested in the sustainable development of rivers.

MARTIN BLETTLER, ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR DEP'T OF HYDRO-ECOLOGY, NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF LIMNOLOGY "In the case of the Parana River, we are trying to reconnect society with rivers. For that, we are organizing different events, but we are also working from a scientific point of view."

MERCE MARIANO CONSORTIUM OF ENVIRONMENTAL POLICIES IN THE LANDS OF THE EBRO, SPAIN "The main problem that the Douro River faces is a lack of sediments. So I know that here in China, there are good experiences relating to sediment waste management."

Most of the guests have a close relationship with rivers, being experts and scholars from river regions around the world.

The 3-day Great Rivers Forum is co-organized by UNESCO and the Wuhan city government.

ANDREI OSTROVSSKI, DEPUTY DIRECTOR INSTITUTE OF THE FAR EAST AT THE RUSSIAN ACADEMY OF SCIENCES "In China, the Yangtze River performs important functions. I hope the forum can help people solve problems and find new ways to promote economic, political, social and cultural cooperation."

GALINA KULIKOVA, FIRST VICE PRESIDENT RUSSIA-CHINA FRIENDSHIP ASSOCIATION "The Great Rivers Forum will contribute much to the Belt and Road countries and regions, and the Eurasian Economic Union. Undoubtedly, it will be a success."

The forum gives participants a chance to explore the role great river civilizations have now and should have in the future.

SOPHIE ALEXINSKY LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT, FRANCE "For me it's a very interesting way to talk about a very important subject. We can share ideas and experiences."

In the Confluence of Waters ceremony, representatives from river regions in the world, poured the water they brought from the river in each region, into a vessel together, symbolizing the spirit of the forum: the confluence of great-river civilizations. Huang Jun, CGTN, Wuhan.