On May 12, UNESCO International Center on Global-scale Geochemistry (the Center) Inauguration & Workshop was held at Institute of Geophysical and Geochemical Exploration of Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences (IGGE of CAGS), China Geological Survey (CGS), which indicated the official settlement of the new category 2 center under the auspices of UNESCO.

Mr. Jiang Daming, Minister of Land and Resourcesof P. R. China (MLR), Dr. Flavia Schlegel, Assistant Director-General (ADG) for the Natural Sciences of UNESCO, Mr. Yuan Tongli, Vice Provincial Committee Governor of Hebei Province,Prof.Roland Oberhaensli, President of the International Union of Geological Sciences (IUGS), Mr. Du Yue, Director-General of the Chinese National Commission for UNESCO addressed the Inauguration Ceremony. Dr. Cao Weixing, Vice Minister of MLR, Dr. Zhong Ziran, Vice Minister for Geological Survey and President of CGS, Dr. Peng Qiming, Chief Geoscientist of MLR, Dr. Li Jinfa, Vice President of CGS, and Mr. Wang Xiaolie, Vice President of CGS and Executive Vice President of CAGS were present at the inauguration.

Mr. Jiang Daming pointed out that the establishment of the Center will serve as a new start for deepening geoscience cooperation between China and  other countries, and is of great significance for the promotion of geoscience and the support of the sustainable development of global resources and environment. CGS will spare no effort to perform its duty for the development of international geoscience.

He also said that technological innovation is quite crucial for china’s development, and the Center should advance global sustainable development by taking advantages of its strength at geochemistry. He also highlighted China’s experiences for the sake of promoting the Initiative of “Mapping the Geochemical Earth”.

Dr. Zhong Ziran expressed his sincere thanks to geochemists and the governments at all levels for the former’s contributions to the great achievements made in China’s geochemical work by their insisting on the combination of survey and scientific research from generation to generation and the latter’s strong support.

Dr. Flavia Schlegel and the Vice Minister of Land and Resources Dr. Cao Weixing co-signed the agreement on the Center and renewed the agreement on UNESCO International Research Center on Karst. Dr. Flavia Schlegel expressed her thanks to the Chinese government and the relevant organizations, and said that China’s endeavors on the international cooperation and related scientific organizations’ development have effectively promoted the scientific communication and capacity building worldwide.

Dr. Li Jinfa, Deputy Director of CGS,also the Councilor of the 1st Governing Board of the Center released Report on Geochemical Survey in  China (2016).Director of  IGGE and Director of the Center, Dr. Peng Xuanming introduced the international cooperation programme on Mapping the Chemical Earth. Dr. Peng Qiming, Chief Geoscientist of MLR announced the official launch of the One Global Geochemical Map Platform.

 Minister of MLR Mr.Jiang Daming addresses the inauguration

Vice Ministerof MLR, President of CGS Dr.Zhong Ziran makes a speech
 

Dr. Flavia Schlegel and Vice Minister Dr. Cao Weixing co-signed the agreement on the Center