Building Links with China

Since its beginning two years ago the Centre of Excellence for Ecohydrology has been developing relationships with research groups in other countries.

We see the exchange of views, the development of research and the sharing of experience as positive ways to enhance the value of research into problems that are common to many areas with semi-arid environments: soil degradation, salinity and nutrient management. Establishing relationships with researchers in different countries allows us to highlight our world-class research and management of our land and to discover new ideas and technologies that may contribute to solving the problems land managers face in a time of drying climate and less predictable weather.

Building networks, hosting conferences and facilitating student exchanges all play a part in establishing an environment of cooperation which will see benefits for everyone involved.

One of the Centre's important relationships is that with researchers in China. A series of visits and exchanges is approaching the point where key research projects are being developed between the Centre, UWA and HoHai University in Nanjing.

The next few pages show some of the stages of the developing relationship.