Date: September 15–23, 2025
Organizer: Lanzhou University (College of Ecology) in collaboration with Gansu Provincial Department of Ecology and Environment and ICIMOD.

Overview:
The Regional Field Workshop on Green Development was organized along the Hexi Corridor, a key section of China’s Belt and Road Initiative. The program brought together participants from 13 Asian countries to learn from China’s experience in ecological restoration, green innovation, and sustainable livelihoods.

Participants visited major ecological and cultural sites including Babusha Forest Farm, Zhangye Wetlands, Jiayuguan Fortress, and the Mogao Caves in Dunhuang to observe integrated approaches combining ecology, economy, and culture.

The workshop emphasized hands-on field learning, scientific exchange, and policy dialogue focused on combating desertification, promoting carbon-neutral development, and advancing sustainable mountain and rangeland ecosystems.

Main findings:

• Strengthened regional cooperation on ecological restoration and green innovation;
• Shared lessons on integrating traditional knowledge with modern science;
• Established new partnerships among universities, research institutions, and government agencies to advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)