Hangzhou Regional Center(Asia-Pacific)for Small Hydro Power(HRC)

---As colors of autumn spread along the Qiantang River and the fragrance of osmanthus filled the air in Hangzhou, two international seminars organized by the Hangzhou Regional Center (Asia-Pacific) for Small Hydro Power (HRC), successfully concluded in October 2026. Held concurrently, the Seminar on Water Conservancy Technologies for Developing Countries and the Seminar on Water Resources Management and Ecological Small Hydropower Development for Belt and Road Countries brought together 46 government officials and technical experts from 11 countries, including Colombia, Dominica, Ghana, Honduras, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Morocco, Myanmar, Nigeria, Rwanda, and South Africa. Over the 14-day program, participants undertook specialized training on water resources management, ecological small hydropower development, and water conservancy technologies.

At the opening ceremony, Ms. SHU Jing, Deputy Director General of HRC, extended a warm welcome to all participants. She noted that climate change, water scarcity, and aquatic ecosystem conservation have become major challenges shared by the international community, while green and low-carbon development and energy transition are essential to achieving sustainable development. China has consistently followed the water governance principles of "prioritizing water conservation, balancing spatial distribution, taking systematic approaches, and giving full play to the roles of both government and market." She expressed China's willingness to continue sharing its practical experience in water resources management and ecological small hydropower development with Belt and Road partner countries and other developing countries, and to further deepen practical cooperation in the water conservancy and hydropower sectors. Mr. Darron Georges , Civil Engineer from the Ministry of Public Works and the Digital Economy of Dominica and, expressed his expectation of learning from China's experience in integrated water resources management, hydrological monitoring, smart water management, and ecological small hydropower development. He remarked that the program offered a valuable opportunity not only to learn about China's advanced technologies and practical experience, but also to exchange ideas with participants from other countries facing similar challenges. Such exchanges, he noted, would help identify solutions suited to local conditions and jointly strengthen capacities for sustainable development. Mr. Jawad Al Gharaiybah, Dam Manager at the Jordan Valley Authority, emphasized that water security is not merely an environmental concern, but also a national priority and a cornerstone of sustainable development. He looked forward to learning from China's experience in water conservancy technologies and working with other countries to build climate-resilient water systems.

During the program, senior experts and scholars in the water conservancy and hydropower sectors delivered a series of presentations on a wide range of topics, including Xi Jinping Thought on ecological civilization and the principles of "prioritizing water conservation, balancing spatial distribution, taking systematic approaches, and giving full play to the roles of both government and market" for water governance; Zhejiang's practice in happy river and lake construction and watershed aquatic ecological product value realization; ecological development of small hydropower and green transition; water conservancy and hydropower technical standards and management in China; river planning & design technology for small hydropower plants; and smart water conservancy. These presentations established a comprehensive curriculum integrating policy and theoretical foundations, technical standards, and practical case studies. The program also featured country presentations, during which participants and Chinese experts engaged in lively discussions and shared information on their respective countries' water resources, project management experience, and needs for international cooperation. These exchanges laid a solid foundation for future substantive technical collaboration.

With a strong emphasis on integrating theory with practice, the program included a series of field visits and study tours. Participants visited the China National Water Museum to explore China's millennia-long history of water management, and the Siling Reservoir Hydropower Station in Hangzhou to gain first-hand insights into hydropower development. At West Lake, they learned about water environment management and gained a deeper appreciation of the wisdom of ecological governance and the harmonious coexistence of humanity and nature. They also visited the Nanjing Hydrological and Water Resources Automation Research Institute of the Ministry of Water Resources, and Tiexinqiao Water Research Base, where they learned about the manufacturing of water conservancy equipment and model testing of water conservancy projects. During their stay in Nanjing, participants attended the 5th International Conference on Water Security and Sustainable Development, gaining insights into the latest developments in global water governance and broadening their international perspectives. In addition, participants experienced the development of waterfront urban areas along the Huangpu River and explored Shanghai City God Temple and Hangzhou Qianjiang Small Commodity Market, gaining a closer look at China's urban life, rapid development, and rich cultural heritage.

At the closing ceremony, Mr. XU Zhifeng, Director General of HRC, congratulated all participants on the successful completion of the program. He noted that water scarcity, aquatic ecosystem conservation, and energy transition are pressing challenges shared by countries around the world, and that the training programs represented a practical example of countries working together to address global water governance challenges. He encouraged participants to bring the knowledge and experience gained in China back to their home countries, apply them in ways suited to local conditions, and promote the development of water resources management, ecological small hydropower, and water conservancy technologies. He also expressed his hope that participants would become active contributors to and promoters of friendship and practical cooperation between China and their respective countries. Mr. Cleophace Gahamanyi, Hydropower Development Expert at the Rwanda Energy Group, expressed his gratitude to the Chinese government, the organizing institution, and the lecturers. He remarked that the program had deepened his understanding of water resources management, ecological small hydropower development, environmental protection, and sustainable development. He pledged to share what he had learned with more colleagues and apply the knowledge in light of Rwanda's national circumstances. He also expressed his hope for continued exchanges and visits, research cooperation, and technical collaboration. Mr. Seisenov Iskander, Director of the Department of Health Safety, Environment and Information Security of Kazakhstan, noted that the program had enabled participants to acquire professional knowledge and learn about hydrological monitoring and modern approaches to water resources management. Equally importantly, it had brought together participants from different countries and fostered new friendships. He expressed his hope that these friendships and professional exchanges would continue, creating new opportunities for future cooperation.
Though separated by thousands of miles, countries are connected by shared waters and common aspirations. China and Belt and Road partner countries share common development goals and vast potential for cooperation in water resources management, ecological small hydropower development, and water conservancy technologies. Looking ahead, HRC will continue to leverage its strengths as an international cooperation platform and deepen its efforts in international capacity building in the water conservancy and hydropower sectors. Through training programs, technical exchanges, and project cooperation, HRC will work hand in hand with partners worldwide to share China's experience and solutions in water management and development under the frameworks of the Belt and Road Initiative and South-South cooperation. In doing so, it will contribute Chinese expertise and strength to global water governance and sustainable development, while writing a new chapter in mutually beneficial cooperation in the water sector. (2026-11-03)