An International Conference Proposal to IAHS GB

--- First Circular of International Conference ---

Sustainable Utilization and Protection of Water Resources under Changing Environment (SUPWR)

Time: October 24-25, 2015 Venue: School of Geography and Planning, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China Language: Chinese/English

1. Introduction

With the rapid economic development of society and continued population growth, human beings have been exploring and utilizing the extremely limited water resources at an unprecedented rate and scale. Although only little change has occurred in the total water resources over the years, climate change has led to more uneven spatial and temporal distribution of water resources. The increased intensity of water extraction through human activities has resulted in a tight relationship between water supply and demand, high frequency of floods and droughts, and deterioration of ecological environment. The issue of water resources is very often more than just a local problem in the water-scarce countries and regions. It has become a global problem causing widespread concern of governments around the world, and China is not an exception. Climate change and human activities have greatly altered the hydrological processes and temporal spatial pattern of water resources. The rapid economic and social development has led to increasing demand of water, which in turn has altered the relationship among water supply, utilization, consumption, and discharge in a region. Issues of sustainable water utilization and protection have become increasingly prominent in China. This international conference aims to offer a multi-disciplinary platform for water experts and professionals, within and outside of the region, to exchange views and research findings on a wide range of water problems in Asia. It will be an excellent opportunity for hydrologists from different departments to meet and jointly search for more effective and science-based solutions for sustainable water utilization and protection in the world.

2. Organization of the Conference

Organizers Center for Water Resources and Environment, Sun Yat-sen University, China Institute of Natural Resources Sustainability, University of Illinois at Urban-Champaign, USA Water Governance Research Programme, Faculty of Social Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, China Institute of Environment, Energy and Sustainability, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, China

Co-organizers Guangzhou Fengzeyuan Water Science and Technology Co. Ltd. Guangzhou Augurit Intelligent Technology Co. Ltd. Guangdong Hydraulic Engineering Society

Supporting Organizers

1 Guangdong Water Resources Department Pearl River Water Resources Commission Hydrology Bureau of Guangdong Province Guangdong Provincial Investigation, Design, and Research Institute of Water Conservancy & Electric Power

3. Conference Modules and Themes

Module I: Sustainable water utilization under the changing environment  Evaluation of regional water resources and sustainable water use  Variations of water resources under changing environment  Optimal water allocation under the changing environment  Sustainable water use in coastal regions under sea water intrusion

Module II: Water resources protection  Water quality monitoring and modeling  Water pollution control and ecological restoration  Watershed ecological operation

Module III: Sustainable water resources management  Regional water resources planning  Integrated watershed management  Urban water supply management system  Water rights and water trade

4. Important Dates of Deadline

June 30, 2015 Submission of abstracts with no more than 500 words August 15, 2015 Acceptance letters to selected participants October 10, 2015 Submission of full papers in a maximum of 10 pages

5. About Guangzhou and The Pearl River Delta

With a history of over 2200 years, Guangzhou is the largest and most prosperous city in South China, and therefore so called the “South Gate of China”. It is not only a civilized ancient city, but also a modern city which is the political, economic, educational, cultural as well as scientific and technological center in South China. Guangzhou is also a popular tourist destination with a few beautiful and legendary nick names, Huacheng (the Flower City), Yangcheng (the Goat City) and Suicheng (the Rice-ear City). Vegetation is evergreen and flowers bloom all year round thanks to a moist subtropical climate. There are more than 150 famed scenes and sights in Guangzhou, and a good variety of modern facilities for recreation and entertainment.

The Pearl River Delta, represented by the “Golden Triangle” of Guangzhou-Hong Kong- Macao, has been the fastest developing region in China since the country adopted the “open door and reform” policy in the late 1970s. Over the past 35 years, economic development at annual economic growth rates of nearly 15% on the average (world records of continuous

2 growth for such a long period) has been maintained in the delta region, leading to over 100- fold increase of GDP in many counties and municipalities. The region is also called “World Factory” due to its massive export-oriented manufacturing. As a result of rapid urbanization and industrialization, this region has witnessed enormous environmental changes within only two to three decades and such changes in developed countries may have occurred only after up to one century of development. The rapidly changing environment of the delta region exhibits a variety of very typical water problems also faced by many other urbanized areas in the world. Moreover, the Pearl River Delta also uniquely has one of the most complex deltaic drainage networks in the world, as well as a highly dense agglomeration of over 100 towns and cities. To hold the conference in Guangzhou will provide participants with excellent opportunities to visit this highly dynamic region and experience a wide variety of water problems.

6. Organizing Committee

Co-Chair: Xiaohong Chen – Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China Co-Chair: Yanqing Lian - University of Illinois at Urban-Champaign, USA Co-Chair: Frederick Lee - The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China Co-Chair: Yongqin Chen - The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China

Conference Secretariat Prof. Kairong Lin Center for Water Resources & Environment Sun Yat-sen University Guangzhou 510275 P R China Email: [email protected]

Prof. Dagang Wang Center for Water Resources & Environment Sun Yat-sen University Guangzhou 510275 P R China Email: [email protected]

Tel: +86 20 84114575 Fax: +86 20 84114575