China’s Water: Circle of Blue, Wilson Center Panel & Exhibit Jan. 20

Join Circle of Blue, the China Environment Forum and Western Kentucky University for Hidden Waters, Dragons in the Deep, a special discussion and photography exhibit opening at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars on January 20 in Washington. Following the footsteps of centuries of scholarship within China, scientists around the world are studying China’s complex karst landscape, working to empower local populations to gain access to water that flows in giant rivers unseen beneath the ground. Presented with support from USAID. RSVP here.

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Discussion and Exhibit Opening
Wednesday, January 20 2010, 3:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Followed by a reception from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

In the southwest corner of China, a region of towering mountains, deep gorges, and scattered villages not far from the border of Vietnam is Shidong, the Rock Cave. It is here, 800 miles west of Hong Kong and the Pacific coast, in an area so remote that people typically settle in villages not larger than 300 residents, where the Yang Liu River disappears underground.

Just like the polluted waters of the Yangtze River, the rain-eroded hills of the Loess Plateau, and Inner Mongolia’s wind-driven sands that engulf Beijing every year, the Shidong and Nandong caves of Yunnan Province represent the front lines of China’s freshwater crisis.

Following the footsteps of centuries of scholarship within China, scientists around the world are studying China’s complex karst landscape, working to empower local populations to gain access to water that flows in giant rivers unseen beneath the ground. China is arguably the finest example of karst geology that worldwide covers 15 percent of the planet and provides water for a quarter of the earth’s population.

Presented in partnership by the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars China Environment Forum with Circle of Blue and Western Kentucky University. Support provided by USAID.

Location
6th Floor Auditorium
Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars
Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center
One Woodrow Wilson Plaza
1300 Pennsylvania Ave., NW
Washington, DC 20004
Map and Directions
Reservations are not required. Allow time for routine security procedures. A photo ID is required for entry.

Speakers
J. Carl Ganter, Circle of Blue
Chris Groves, Western Kentucky University
Aaron Jaffe, Circle of Blue
Christina Larson, Foreign Policy Magazine

Moderator
Jennifer Turner, director
Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars
China Environment Forum