Over 200 global experts, scientists, and entrepreneurs convened in the picturesque inland port city of Bydgoszcz, northern Poland, for the World Canals Conference 2024. This significant gathering marked the 250th anniversary of the completion of the Bydgoszcz Canal, Poland's oldest navigable inland waterway, which drew many visitors last weekend.
The 2024 conference centered on the theme \"Challenges between Ecology and Economic Use – Sustainable Revitalization of Canals Focusing on Nature,\" highlighting the delicate balance between environmental sustainability and economic development.
Sharon Leighton, president of Inland Waterways International (IWI), emphasized the universal importance of water, stating, \"Water connects all of us and holds immense value. We have so much to learn from each other globally.\"
Wang Huijun, deputy secretary-general of the World Historic and Cultural Canal Cities Cooperation Organization, highlighted the global impact of the conference. He noted, \"The World Canals Conference has a substantial global influence. Canal cities around the world share their successful experiences and promote mutual understanding.\"
Wang also pointed out that this year marks the 10th anniversary of the Chinese mainland's Grand Canal's UNESCO World Heritage listing. He added that participation in the conference has enhanced foreign attendees' understanding and appreciation of the Grand Canal.
David Edwards-May, editor-in-chief of IWI, shared his experiences from visiting Yangzhou and Hangzhou in the Chinese mainland. \"It was fascinating to see the barges constantly moving under the famous old bridges. It is a source of pride for Chinese engineers how they have balanced modern inland water transport infrastructure with heritage preservation and environmental conservation,\" he said.
During the conference, which runs from Monday through Wednesday, Cheng Hao, Chairman of Grand Tour Education Technology, proposed the establishment of a \"World Canal Cities Research and Learning Cloud Platform.\" He noted that canals worldwide are rich in cultural history, science and technology, and lifestyle insights, expressing hope that digital empowerment will enable young people to explore canals from different countries.
In addition to discussion sessions and presentations, participants enjoyed a cruise on the Bydgoszcz Canal and visited the Canal Museum to experience Bydgoszcz's unique water culture.
Since 1988, the World Canals Conference has been held over 30 times, with notable sessions in Yangzhou, the Chinese mainland, in 2012 and 2019.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
