PI: Baiqing Xu, Institute of Tibetan Plateau Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences
Period：2016-2020
Funded by Chinese Academy of Sciences
With multilateral cooperation, this project gathers a group of world-class scientists to form an international research high-land for monsoon-dominant north-south transect and the westerlies-dominant east-west transect in Pan-Third Pole region. With a coordinated three-dimensional observation system with big data integration, the project focuses on key scientific issues including: 1) westerly-monsoon interaction in Pan-Third Pole region and its implications; 2) regional water cycle, water resources and sustainability; 3) ice and snow changes and their downstream implications; 4) ecosystem processes and ecological security; and 5)Pan-Third Pole environmental hazards and disasters. The project aims to achieve research breakthroughs of global significance and lead global research efforts on the Pan-Third pole. It plans to build a network for both ground and space observations, which can facilitate big data sharing, substantiate policy-making with space information and provide data-based solutions to major environmental and resource problems. The project will base its efforts on the "National Academy of Sciences alliance" of Chinese Academy of Sciences, the Regional Alliance of Pan-TPE Overseas Centers for Research and Education, and a global network of TPE Scientific Centers, as it cultivates young scientists and managers who know China. In terms of scientific diplomacy and international cooperation, the project will work with respected scientific organizations worldwide for exchange and training programs, which prepares research coordinators for top-notch science program with global vision, cross-culture skills, and managerial experience. With these efforts, the project hopes to scientifically assess the Pan-Third Pole region in terms of its resource and environment, disaster risks, food security and world heritage protection, which will allow for a coordinated strategy for the region’s sustainable development. This project can raise the region’s voice on global stage and scientifically advise policy-making in "the Belt and Road" Initiative.
