Main Participants: XU Xiaomin, WANG Lixia, YUCHI Wensi, BI Jiawei, YANG Jialin

In order to thoroughly implement the spirit of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China and General Secretary Xi's important discourse on scientific and technological innovation, popularization of science, and development of new productive forces, to fully leverage the unique role of water conservancy and the functional positioning of Yinshanbeilu Grassland Eco-hydrology National Observation and Research Station, and to commemorate the first anniversary of the full launch of the "Three-North" Shelterbelt Program, the Institute of Water Resources for Pastoral Areas, MWR (IWRPA), in collaboration with the Department of Science and Technology of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region and other organizations, meticulously planned and organized a series of distinctive water science outreach activities. These activities, themed "Promoting the Spirit of Scientists and Stimulating Innovation Vitality Across the Society", and titled "Scientific Innovation Expedition to Yinshanbeilu Grassland Eco-hydrology National Observation and Research Station: League-City Collaboration, Science-Water Synergy, focusing on the "Three-North" Project, and Strengthening the Ecological Barrier", were held during the National Science and Technology Week and the National Science and Technology Workers Day from May 24 to 31. These activities aim to harness scientific leadership and innovation drivers, unite various stakeholders to jointly advance water conservancy science and technology innovation in Inner Mongolia and across the nation, thereby achieving the beautiful vision of "league-city collaboration, interaction between science and water conservancy, and jointly fortifying the ecological security barrier of China's northern frontier".

·   Participating in the major scientific and technological achievements exhibition: On May 25, attending the opening ceremony of the Science and Technology Week of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, where an interactive exhibition area showcasing scientific and technological achievements was set up at the event.

·   Sharing stories of water scientists: On May 30, the eighth "National Science and Technology Workers Day", sharing the stories of water scientists and researchers working on the frontline of pastoral areas.

·   Showcasing regional policy highlights: On May 31, at the closing ceremony of the Science and Technology Week hosted by the Department of Science and Technology of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, organizing a special session titled "Promoting Science and Technology Innovation Policies to Empower High-quality Development".

·   Hosting a high-end academic forum: On May 31, inviting several renowned experts to deliver academic reports focusing on the new "Three-North" Shelterbelt Program, new productive forces in water conservancy, and ecological security barrier.

·   Visiting a science popularization demonstration base: On May 31, organizing a field visit to Yinshanbeilu Grassland Eco-hydrology National Observation and Research Station for regional science and technology management personnel and water conservancy technicians.

·   This event was selected as a 2024 National Science and Technology Week distinctive public science activity and recognized as a key water conservancy-themed activity.

·   By comprehensively showcasing major scientific and technological innovation achievements for pastoral areas and conducting live science broadcasts, this event enhanced the influence of pastoral water conservancy science and technology support.

·   By sharing the stories of water conservancy scientists and researchers dedicated to critical issues such as the intensive and efficient management of water resources, grassland ecological protection, and the use of clean energy for water lifting and supply in rural pastoral areas, this event has highlighted the advancement of high-quality development of water conservancy through scientific and technological innovation, and also vigorously promoted the scientific spirit.

·   Through road shows by the heads of science and technology management departments from 12 leagues and cities in Inner Mongolia, showcasing local scientific and technological innovation policies and their implementation, the event facilitated the policy implementation and promoted science and technology water conservancy integration. This event was recommended by the Department of Science and Technology of Inner Mongolia and selected as a 2024 National Science and Technology Week distinctive public science and technology activity .

·   Science and technology workers and water experts from Inner Mongolia’s 12 leagues and cities discussed on high-quality development topics, delving into innovation challenges in fields such as grassland ecological protection, national water network planning, and the "Three-North" desertification control. They also discussed the future water science and technology directions, contributing to the resolution of related issues and the future development in these fields.

·   Through sand table explanation, equipment demonstration and other methods, the latest achievements in water conservancy science and technology for pastoral areas in Yinshanbeilu Grassland Eco-hydrology National Observation and Research Station were showcased to regional science and technology management personnel and water technicians. These achievements covered fields such as eco-hydrology, new energy water supply, and smart water conservancy, effectively promoting application and adoption.

This event attracted over 700 participants, including representatives from science and technology management departments, alongside experts, scholars, and primary and secondary school students from across Inner Mongolia’s 12 leagues and cities. Comprehensive and multi-channel publicity was conducted through seven media outlets, including Inner Mongolia Radio and Television Station, Benteng Media, Inner Mongolia Daily, and the Chinese Hydraulic Engineering Society's Toutiao account, with a total of 10 news articles published. The event marked a new chapter of "league-city collaboration and science-water synergy", significantly raising public awareness and industry influence of pastoral water science and technology. It stimulated deeper integration between technological innovation and science popularization while making a positive contributions to fortifying the ecological security barrier of China's northern frontier.

Figure 1 Exhibition of Representative Scientific and Technological Achievements

Figure 2 Sharing Stories of Water Scientists

 Figure 3 Regional Policy Highlights Exhibition

Figure 4 Hosting an Academic Forum

Figure 5 Water Science & Technology Discussion and Exchange