2019 TPE & TransTiP Science & Technology Training and ITP Undergraduates Summer School, sponsored by the Kathmandu Center for Research and Education (KCRE), Chinese Academy of Sciences-Tribhuvan University (CAS-TU) and Sino-German Center, organized by the Third Pole Environment (TPE) program and the IRTG Geo-ecosystems in Transition on the Tibetan Plateau (TransTiP), supported by the Institute of Tibetan Plateau Research, CAS (ITPCAS ), the Institute of Mountain Hazards and Environment, CAS (IMHE) and the China Society on Tibetan Plateau (CSTP), was held successfully in Chengdu, China. There were about 80 participants from universities and research institutions of 9 countries participating in the “Belt and Road” initiative, including China, German, Pakistan, Nepal, Tajikistan, Bangladesh, Iran, Sri Lanka and India etc.
The 12-day training was from 12th to 23rd August 2019, including 20 indoor lectures and a 5-day field excursion. During the training, totally 22 prominent scientists from international scientific community were invited to introduce latest methods, technology and achievements on different themes of Third Pole Environment research in glaciology, atmosphere science, hydrology, geology, environmental change and ecology.
During the field excursion from 19th to 23rd August, participants visited the Hailuogou Glacier and the Gongga Alpine Ecosystem Observation and Experiment Station, located on the east slope of Mt. Gongga and the eastern edge of the Tibetan Plateau. Due to the particular variance of geographic and geomorphic conditions in Mt. Gongga there exists dramatic differentiation in climate, biology, and environment. The unique landscapes include Subtropical farmland, mountain primeval forest, and marine glacier. The famous Hailuogou Glacier covers an area of 25 km2, with the terminal of the glacier stretching down to the forest area at 2900m, and the great ice fall in the middle of the glacier, which is up to 1080m, is spectacular. There are perfect research conditions in Gongga Mountain because of the significant interaction among cryosphere, biosphere and human activities. Afterward, leading by Prof. Fan Zhang, the participants visited the Dujiangyan Irrigation System, which is famous for its harmonious way to manage water for humans and yet enables ecosystems to continue naturally.
The training promoted scientific exchange to facilitate the implementation of the TPE program and cooperation among the countries participating in the “Belt and Road” initiative. The training also acquainted young scientists, who work at the forefront of scientific research, with cutting-edge knowledge to help them broaden their scientific horizon and improve their scientific capability.
