On August 28, 2014, the National Capitol Region office of IWR hosted an information and collaboration session for four Chinese participants in the US Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP)—Dr. Liangang Chen, Ms. Yanyan Ma, Ms. Shanshan Xi, and Mr. Xingping Ye. The delegation was interested in learning about integrated water resource management (IWRM) strategies used by the USACE, as well as fostering ties between IWR and their organizations. Director Bob Pietrowsky opened the session with an overview of IWR’s mission and programs, followed by a discussion of what our guests’ hoped to learn from the session. Dr. Will Logan presented on the focus and practical applications of the International Center for Integrated Water Resources Management (ICIWaRM) program, touching on its affiliation with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and the Water and Development Information for Arid Lands – a Global Network (G-WADI). Dr. Hal Cardwell presented on the importance of collaborative planning experiences and available resources supporting water resources management. He highlighted the Conflict Resolution & Public Participation Center of Expertise (CPCX) and the use of process and technical tools to aid in the collaborative process, particularly Shared Vision Planning. Dr. Jerry Delli Priscoli presented on high level and non-governmental engagements of possible interest to the Chinese and USACE. The final presenter was Mr. Tony Niles, who spoke on civil works research, development, and technology, particularly with regard to the Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC). Mr. Niles discussed the USACE business areas, strategic needs and priorities, and presented examples of USACE projects that illustrated the breadth of ERDC’s work acroos the country. Highlighted examples included sediment transport research, levee sand boil investigations, and storm surge propagation monitoring.
The Chinese delegates were especially interested in approaches to collaboration and the application of IWRM concepts, and civil works research and development.