Ma Xiao
International Yellow River Forum Secretariat
Yellow River Conservancy Commission

Abstract: The first International Yellow River Forum (IYRF) focuses on the central topic “Modern River Basin Management Mode, Experience and Technology Application in the 21 Century”, which held successfully during October 21-24 2003. There were more than 350 experts and scholars from 32 countries and regions to participate in the forum. Based on the successful experiences of the 1st IYRF, the 2nd IYRF was held successfully during October 17-21 2005. More than 800 delegates from 62 countries and regions attended the forum. They put forward many valuable academic opinions and advanced experiences, which will give an active impulse to the river basin management. “Yellow River Declaration - on Keeping Healthy Life of the Rivers” was released on the 2nd IYRF. The 3rd IYRF was held on October 15-19 of 2007 in Dongying, China. More than 1000 participants from 64 countries and regions in five continents of the world attended the forum. This conference has further demonstrated the great achievements of the Yellow River basin management and promoted water international cooperation. Focusing on the central topic “Sustainable Water Resources Management and Delta Ecosystem Maintenance”, participants have exchanged and explored many issues from aspects of society, environment, economy, history, science, ethic, etc. “Yellow River Initiative - Declaration of the 3rd International Yellow River Forum” was released on the 3rd IYRF. Many country leaders and international organization leaders have attended the Forums, such as Dutch Crown Prince William Alexander, Dirk Jan Van den Berg, Dutch Royal Ambassador in China, Mrs. Margaret Catley-Carlson, Chairwoman of GWP, Ms. Cristina Narbona, Minister of Environment of Spain, Mr. Laszlo Kóthay, Hungarian State Secretary and INBO World President, Mr. Loic Fauchon, President of the World Water Council, Dermot O’Gorman, WWF China Country Representative, Mr. Wang Shucheng, pre-minister of Ministry of Water Resources (MWR) of China, Henan and Shandong Provincial leaders. 

IYRF supplies a good opportunity for worldwide water field to communicate, dialog and cooperation, establishes a platform for experts and scholars between domestic and oversea institutions to exchange river management experiences, promotes understanding between each other, builds friendship and broadens international cooperation. Based on the platform of IYRF, experts and scholars between domestic and oversea institutions learn from each other and impulse each other, which could promote water resources sustainable utilization around the world, realize harmonious coexistence between human being and nature, and bring great social, economic, cultural and humanistic benefits.  

The 4th IYRF will take place during October 20-23 of 2009 in China with central topic of “Ecological Civilization and River Ethics”. This conference aims to awake public awareness of river protection, appeal to the whole society to strengthen river management, and realize harmonious coexistence between human being and rivers. We sincerely welcome all the experts, scholars and decision-makers engaged in water resources, river basin management and social science and humanities to participate in the forum.

Key Words: International Yellow River Forum (IYRF); Water Resources Management; Basin Management; Exchange and cooperation.