As a key and indispensible part of the Silk Road Economic Belt and the neighboring region of China, Central Asia has the similar climate characteristics, physical geographic settings and even the same ecological environmental problems of the arid zone of northwestern China. 

Better understanding of ecological environment and resources in this area will help enhance social and economical development in Central Asia countries, especially against a backdrop of global climate change era.  

A five-year joint survey project carried out by scientists from more than 60 research organizations in China and Central Asia countries has got a clear picture of resources and environment conditions in this area. It helps to know better of the impact of climate change on biological resources and ecological environment in Central Asian countries. 

The project, with 28 branch topics, summons the forces of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and universities in China, as well as 48 academic institutions from Central Asian countries. It opens a door for multilateral science collaboration of the Silk Road Economic Belt countries, including China. 

“It is a pioneering, guiding and sustainable project, and will be a scientific engine for the development of Silk Road Economic Belt countries,” said CHEN Xi, director of the Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, leading institution of the project. 

In Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, joint laboratories on soil, water, plants, animals, minerals, environment and gene studies set up under the project enable resource and environment determination. This will help to smooth the import and export business for Central Asian countries. 

The survey project proves to be a successful try for China’s science and technology cooperation with its Central Asian neighbors. A joint international ecological system observation network with 15 filed observation stations fills the gap of similar observation stations in Central Asia, making it possible for in-situ monitoring to cover glaciers, mountain areas, forests, grasslands, crop land in oasis, lakes and wetlands, and deserts in the area. 

A series of 30 monographs on resources, ecological condition, environment and social economy under the project were completed after a series of collaborated investigations done by scientists from these countries. 

Also, more than 100 masters and doctors graduated under joint supervision in the projects, providing Central Asian countries with more talent and intellectual support for further development.  

The projects are expected to offer more potential for Central Asia’s long-term and sustainable development in scientific, social and economic areas, and benefit all countries in the Silk Road Economic Belt areas.