Scene of the Opening Ceremony
On the morning of July 22, 2024, the Summer Academic Workshop on Ecological Conservation and Spatial Planning kicked off at Huazhong Agricultural University. Co-hosted by the Peking University–Lincoln Institute Center for Urban Development and Land Policy and the School of Public Administration of Huazhong Agricultural University, the workshop brought together more than forty young scholars from domestic and overseas universities, research institutions, international organizations and relevant enterprises.
Guests attending the opening ceremony included representative instructors of the workshop: Research Fellow Huang Zhengxue from the Institute of Territorial Development and Regional Economics of the National Development and Reform Commission, Research Fellow Deng Xiangzheng from the Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and Jin Tong, Environmental Specialist at the World Bank China Office. Representatives of Huazhong Agricultural University’s leadership and faculty were also present: Gao Chi, Party Secretary of the university; Zhou Xiangyang, Party Secretary of the School of Public Administration; Ke Xinli, Dean of the School of Public Administration; as well as numerous faculty members from the School of Public Administration, College of Horticulture & Forestry Sciences, College of Resources and Environment, and the Interdisciplinary Research Center for Territorial Spatial Governance and Green Development.
Gao Chi, Party Secretary of Huazhong Agricultural University, delivers an opening address
Gao Chi, Supervisor General of the Chinese Society of Landscape Architecture and Party Secretary of Huazhong Agricultural University, delivered the opening speech. Closely centering on the workshop’s theme, he focused on building a Beautiful China and realizing modernization featuring harmonious coexistence between humanity and nature, citing extensive references and offering profound insights. He pointed out that ecological and environmental issues ultimately boil down to modes of development and lifestyles. To deliver sound ecological conservation and spatial planning, systematic coordination of policy, investment, planning, construction and operation is essential. First, we shall strive to achieve a prosperous nation with magnificent landscapes. We must fully leverage territorial spatial planning as a strategic, foundational and institutional governance tool, adapt planning to local natural endowments and geographical conditions, advance the "re-naturalization" of territorial spatial planning, and reshape land spaces to create poetic habitats for humanity. Second, we shall carry forward China’s traditional ecological wisdom. Upholding ancient ecological concepts such as "harvest resources in proper seasons and utilize them within sustainable limits", we must revere, respect, conform to and protect nature to foster harmonious coexistence between humans and the natural world. Third, we shall cultivate a new cultural ethos of the times and praise the nurturing power of heaven and earth. Every citizen should act as a protector, builder and beneficiary of the ecological environment. Following the laws of beauty, through active artistic and scientific creation, we can build a meaningful world for ecological citizens, allowing human creative potential to flourish diversely across the natural land. In closing, Gao Chi encouraged all scholars engaged in ecological conservation and spatial planning with the classical maxim: "Establish a moral heart for heaven and earth, secure livelihoods for all people, inherit the lost wisdom of ancient sages, and bring lasting peace to future generations."
Liu Zhi, Director of the PKU-Lincoln Center, then delivered an opening address. He expressed gratitude to Huazhong Agricultural University for its support of the workshop, extended a warm welcome to all participants, and introduced the work carried out by the PKU-Lincoln Center. Ke Xinli, Dean of the School of Public Administration at Huazhong Agricultural University, outlined the school’s historical development and disciplinary landscape, congratulated the organizers on the workshop’s launch and offered his thanks to all coordinating parties. Afterwards, participants took turns introducing themselves to foster mutual understanding. The opening ceremony was presided over by Zeng Chen, Professor at the School of Public Administration and Director of the Interdisciplinary Research Center for Territorial Spatial Governance and Green Development at Huazhong Agricultural University.
Liu Zhi, Director of the PKU-Lincoln Center, delivers an address
Ke Xinli, Dean of the School of Public Administration, Huazhong Agricultural University, delivers an address
Zeng Chen, Professor at the School of Public Administration and Director of the Interdisciplinary Research Center for Territorial Spatial Governance and Green Development, Huazhong Agricultural University, presides over the opening ceremony
Building an ecological civilization is a long-term fundamental strategy for China’s future development, and territorial spatial planning serves as a core instrument to reconcile tensions between ecological conservation and urban development. Guided by this mission, the five-day workshop will feature expert lectures to deepen participants’ understanding of cutting-edge research and latest practical progress in ecological conservation and spatial planning across China, alongside interactive roundtable discussions with leading specialists. A field visit has also been scheduled to an internationally awarded ecological conservation and land use planning project. Stay tuned for follow-up updates.
Panoramic view of the opening ceremony
