August 29 to September 1,Reykjavik Iceland-- Upon invitation from President of Iceland Olafur Grimsson and the University of Iceland, participants representing 15 countries from around the world attended the 3rd Third Pole Environment (TPE) Workshop.

TPE co-chairs, Lonnie Thompson (left), Tandong Yao (middle) and Volker Mosbrugger (right) addressed at the opening ceremony

CAS academician Prof. SUN Honglie showed support to the TPE program on behalf of China's Tibetan Plateau research community.	During the opening ceremony

Academic presentations and group discussions were held during the first two days, August 30-31. 5 key-note speeches and 15 short presentations were given by distinguished scientists in the fields of alpine/glaciated environments, followed by group discussions in the afternoons. Discussions centered on the six main themes: climate, glaciers, lakes and rivers, ecosystems, past environments, and anthropogenic impacts. Participants chose which group to participate in based upon their individual interests. Each group then presented their discussion results to the entire workshop.

The TPE Science Plan draft was discussed in-depth on the afternoon of August 31. Acknowledging the importance of the Science Plan as a tool for program development, it was suggested that two version of the plan be drafted. One is proposed as a shorter, more concise version aimed at quickly delivering TPE's mission, the second is planned to be slightly more detailed and descriptive.

A technical workshop on TPE flagship stations was held on September 1. Scientists from China, India and Nepal introduced their current observation and monitoring projects within the Third Pole region. Peter J.van Oevelen, Director of GEWEX office, gave a presentation (via Skype) on GEWEX monitoring stations. He shared GEWEX experiences in running international stations and offered advice for TPE. During the technical workshop, tasks were delegated to participants to further the discussion and initiation of TPE flagship stations, including relevant data sharing policies.

The 4th  TPE Workshop (2012) will be held in India. Dates and location will be announced early next year.

Group photo, front row from left to right: President of Iceland Olafur Grimsson, Lonnie Thompson, Tandong Yao, rector of Uni. Iceland, and Volker Mosbrugger.