The Youth Academic Symposium on Lake Ecology was convened in Dali, from August 10th to 15th, 2023. (Credit: IHB)

From August 10th to 15th, 2023, the Youth Academic Symposium on Lake Ecology, organized by the Institute of Hydrobiology (IHB) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, convened in Dali, Yunnan. The symposium attracted nearly a hundred experts and scholars in lake ecology from 34 institutions, engaging in discussions on the impact of climate change on China's lake ecosystems and the conservation of plateau lakes.   

The opening ceremony was presided over by Prof. CAO Te from IHB. ZHAO Guolong, director of the Erhai Lake Management Bureau in Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, and Prof. LIU Yongding from IHB delivered speeches. They provided an overview of Erhai Lake, outlined various governance efforts and achievements, expressing earnest expectations for the successful convening of the symposium.   

The symposium featured six invited presentations from renowned experts in the field of lake ecology across China. Topics covered included lake protection and governance, principles and methods of lake restoration, evolution of lake ecosystems, the impact and restoration of nitrogen input, and practical cases of aquatic ecological restoration.  

Throughout the symposium, young scholars in the field of lake ecology presented thematic reports on topics such as ecosystem ecology, the impact of climate change on ecosystem components, adaptive research on aquatic plant environments, ecological studies on aquatic microorganisms, and the response of aquatic animals to environmental changes.   

Experts and scholars shared their latest research findings, delved into cutting-edge issues in lake ecology, showcased the research capabilities and innovative thinking of young scholars, contributing to a vibrant academic feast. Their discussions played a positive role in propelling the prosperous development of lake ecology and addressing significant scientific challenges in lake ecosystem protection and management.