Background and Historical Context#
Since its first meeting in 2006, the International Symposium on Large Asian Rivers has provided a forum for academic exchange and collaboration in river science and management. The series brings together researchers, policymakers and practitioners to understand river evolution and environmental change across Asia.
Its discussions address the challenges facing large river basins, particularly those arising from rapid environmental change and human activities.
The Symposium Series in the Past#
9–10 December 2006
Nanjing, China
Fluvial-Coastal Zone Interactions
The inaugural meeting explored how land-use change, reservoirs, water diversion and sediment mining affect water and sediment discharge, estuaries and coastal zones. Discussions connected river-basin development with coastal protection, supported by observations of the Yangtze River estuary.
25–29 September 2007
Nanchang, China
Climate Change, River Flow and Watershed Management
The second symposium examined climate change, river flow and sediment transport, watershed management and the ecological effects of human intervention. Field visits to Poyang Lake and the Three Gorges Dam connected discussions with major lake and river systems in China.
16–22 November 2008
Urumqi, China
Climate Change, Floods and Droughts
Focusing on climate change, floods and droughts, the third meeting addressed water scarcity, integrated watershed management and sustainable development in arid and semi-arid Asia. Participants also explored the Tarim River and considered glacier change and its effects on river flow.
July 2010
Wuhan, China
Climate, Water Discharge and Sediment Quality
The fourth meeting examined how climate extremes, river discharge and sediment regimes interact with economic development and human activity. Its discussions highlighted the need for modelling and research to support climate adaptation and integrated water-resources management.
7–8 November 2011
Nanjing, China
Climate Change and Hydropower Development
The fifth symposium considered climate change and hydropower development, including dam construction, water diversion and their effects on river systems. A field excursion to the Jinshajiang and Lancang–Mekong basins connected research on water, sediment and ecology with development in Yunnan.
9–12 May 2014
Xi'an, China
Biodiversity and Ecological Security at River Basin Scale
The sixth meeting brought together scientists to discuss aquatic ecosystems, sediment transport, biodiversity conservation and ecological security. Hosted in Xi’an, it emphasized multidisciplinary research on river health and water-source conservation, including work in the Qinling Mountains.
11–17 August 2024
Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Global Change and River Evolution: Perspectives from the Past, Present, and Future
Hosted by the Institute of Technology of Cambodia, the seventh symposium connected historical and modern perspectives on river evolution and global change. Keynotes, thematic sessions and field investigations of the Mekong River, Tonle Sap Lake and Angkor brought together research and regional observations.
