A research team from the Institute of Applied Ecology (IAE) has received a prestigious award in recognition of their innovative work on China's northern shelterbelts.

The Northern Ecological Barrier Innovation Team was presented with the fifth annual "Craftsman of Science Garden" award by the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) during a ceremony held in Beijing on May 17, 2024.

This award is part of a CAS initiative to promote scientific excellence and craftsmanship, aligning with the national "Great Craftsman" brand development program.

The award-winning team has played a critical role in addressing national ecological security needs. Their focus has been on overcoming technological challenges in major projects like the Three-North Shelter Forest Program and the Natural Forest Conservation Project. Their research has significantly improved the construction, management, and evaluation of these projects, providing robust scientific data to enhance the quality and function of China's northern shelterbelts.

The team's groundbreaking work includes developing forest cultivation theories that prioritize ecological functions and solving key technical hurdles in engineering construction. They are also credited with pioneering an integrated shelterbelt assessment system. This system, combining aerospace and ground monitoring, has been widely implemented in the Three-North Shelter Forest area, delivering significant ecological, economic, and social benefits. The team's achievements have been well-recognized, receiving a second-class National Science and Technology Progress Award and a first-class Liaoning Province Science and Technology Progress Award. Furthermore, the team has fostered a highly skilled and innovative experts, leading to advancements in shelter forest science and forestry. Their work has significantly impacted the establishment and conservation of northern ecological barriers, making a remarkable contribution to China's overall ecological security.

For more information on the fifth “Craftsman of Science Garden” award ceremony, please visit the Chinese Academy of Sciences website.