On 6 January, UNESCO Natural Sciences Sector Executive Director HAN
Qunli visited the International Centre on Space Technologies for Natural and
Cultural Heritage under the Auspices of UNESCO (HIST) hosted by AIR.
Accompanied by HIST Deputy Director and Secretary-General HONG
Tianhua, HAN Qunli visited the AIR exhibition hall and the remote sensing
satellite ground control system, and listened to a general report on AIR and
the three international organizations hosted by AIR. Later they watched a
demonstration video named “Space Observation and Understanding of World
Heritage” and “the Digital Earth Science Platform”.
In the ensuing discussion, HONG Tianhua introduced HIST’s preparation,
establishment and operation system. Afterwards, both sides discussed
substantive cooperation in project research and staff training.
Mr. HAN Qunli worked on remote sensing and GIS technology
applications for digital ecosystem management in the 1980s at CAS. He spoke
highly of AIR’s scientific strength and research achievement. Especially in
the Wenchuan and Yushu earthquakes, the timely acquisition of high-resolution
remote sensing data provided an important scientific basis for action. He pointed
out that UNESCO has been attaching great importance to space technology
applications in the aspects of natural and cultural heritage, biosphere
reserves, wetlands and disaster warning and monitoring, and that UNESCO also
needs technical support for member nations and related organizations. He said
HIST could provide scientific and technical support for Central Asia and the
Asia-Pacific region to carry out international work through the platform of
UNESCO.
Mr. HAN Qunli agreed with the suggestions concerning HIST and
promoted research and training programs as specific, substantive cooperation.
He supposed that HIST’s successful operation will include not only important
support for UNESCO’s work, but also support as an efficient communication
mechanism for the cooperation between the Natural Sciences Sector and the
UNESCO World Heritage Center.
The two sides also discussed science and technology in the field of
Earth observation in Central Asia and surrounding areas.
The seminar in session
HIST Deputy Director and Secretary-General Hong Tianhuan (right) presents a souvenir to Mr. Han Qunli (left)
