Over 200 global experts, scientists, and entrepreneurs convened on Monday in the inland port city of Bydgoszcz, northern Poland, for the World Canals Conference 2024. This annual gathering is a platform for sharing insights and fostering collaboration on the sustainable revitalization of canals worldwide.
The conference coincided with the 250th anniversary of the completion of the Bydgoszcz Canal, Poland’s oldest navigable inland waterway, adding historical significance to the event. Visitors from around the globe flocked to celebrate the milestone, experiencing the rich cultural heritage of the region.
Under the theme “Challenges between Ecology and Economic Use – Sustainable Revitalization of Canals Focusing on Nature“, attendees explored the balance between preserving natural ecosystems and promoting economic development through waterways.
Sharon Leighton, President of Inland Waterways International (IWI), emphasized the importance of global collaboration. “Water connects all of us and holds immense value. We have so much to learn from each other globally,” she stated during her opening address.
Highlighting the international scope of the conference, Wang Huijun, Deputy Secretary-General of the World Historic and Cultural Canal Cities Cooperation Organization, remarked, “The World Canals Conference has a substantial global influence. Canal cities around the world share their successful experiences and promote mutual understanding.”
This year marks the 10th anniversary of China’s Grand Canal being listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wang noted that participating in the conference helped international attendees better understand and appreciate the significance of the Grand Canal. The ancient waterway, stretching over 2,700 kilometers, has been pivotal in China’s cultural and economic development for centuries.
David Edwards-May, Editor-in-Chief of IWI, shared his experiences visiting Yangzhou and Hangzhou in China. “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 reflected.
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 highlighted that canals worldwide are rich in cultural history, science, technology, and lifestyle insights. “We hope that digital empowerment will facilitate young people to explore the canals of different countries,” Cheng expressed.
Beyond the discussions and presentations, participants enjoyed a cruise on the Bydgoszcz Canal and visited the Canal Museum, immersing themselves in the unique water culture of Bydgoszcz.
Since 1988, the World Canals Conference has been held over 30 times, with notable sessions in Yangzhou, China, in 2012 and 2019. The conference continues to be a crucial forum for exploring the challenges and opportunities facing canal cities around the world.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
