THE 18th World Water Congress kicked off in Beijing on Monday, with the five-day event themed “Water for All: Harmony Between Humans And Nature.” This is the first time for China to hold the World Water Congress. It has drawn nearly 600 international delegates from more than 60 countries and regions, over 130 international organizations and water-related institutions, as well as nearly 700 water resource professionals from China. Speaking at the opening ceremony, China’s Minister of Water Resources Li Guoying said that as the world faces increasingly severe challenges involving water resources, water ecology and water environment, it is of great significance to share ideas on water management, discuss water management strategies, seek cooperation and development, and jointly contribute solutions to global water governance focusing on the theme of the congress. China has seen fundamental improvement in the condition of its rivers and lakes in recent years, Li said. China has 45,203 rivers with a river basin area of more than 50 square kilometers, and 2,865 lakes with a perennial water surface area of more than 1 square kilometer. China has improved the conditions of rivers and lakes by implementing integrated protection and systematic management. For instance, some river sections that have been dry for many years have been restored to full flow, according to the minister. China has taken multiple measures to manage its water resources, including implementing the joint operation of water conservancy projects to overcome floods and droughts, and utilizing water diversion projects to balance supply in the country’s different regions, Li said. The congress is expected to issue a Beijing Declaration at the closing ceremony. The World Water Congress is one of the largest congresses connecting water policymakers, researchers and policy practitioners globally. The International Water Resources Association has successfully held this influential event 17 times in various locations around the world prior to the latest edition in Beijing. (Xinhua) | 