A milestone in the scientific research of geographical indications: the establishment of the Geographical Indication Science Environment of the IGSNRR-CAS

2024-08-06

On July 19, 2024, the "Symposium on Enabling High Quality Development of the ‘Geographical Indications Environment & Sustainability’(GIES) and the Inaugural Meeting of the Geographical Indication Science Environment (GISE) of the Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences (IGSNRR-CAS)" was successfully held in the IGSNRR-CAS. More than 100 experts, research institutes, government leaders, national universities and enterprise representatives from the GIES Professional Science and Technology Service Team jointly discussed the development direction of geographical indication research and the application of geographical science in geographical indication research, and jointly witnessed the establishment of the GISE of the IGSNRR-CAS. The conference is chaired by Professor Wang Zhenbo, Deputy Director of the GISE.

Professor Cui Shengxian, Deputy Director General of the IGSNRR-CAS, announced the decision of the institute on the establishment of the GISE of the IGSNRR-CAS at the opening ceremony, which marked a new milestone in the field of geographical indications of the IGSNRR-CAS and in the theory, methods, technology and application of comprehensive geography.

Figure 1  Professor Cui Shengxian, Deputy Director General of the IGSNRR-CAS, announced the decision of the institute on the establishment of the GISE

Professor Liu Yanhua, the head of the advisory group for the GIES Professional Science and Technology Service Team, attaches great importance to the research of geographical indications. In his letter to the conference, he pointed out that China has a long history, vast territory, diverse climate, profound culture, and extremely abundant geographical indication resources. It is a product of the "unity of heaven and man", which has both natural endowments and the accumulation of human civilization over the years. Geographical indication products have been included in the intellectual property agreement in the world trade system, emphasizing the protection of origin and trademarks. In China, it is also one of the important intellectual property rights stipulated in the Civil Code. Geographical indication products cannot be simply explained as "local specialties". They contain special meanings such as region (area), quality characteristics and their stability, historical sedimentation and objectivity of reputation, as well as the integration of nature and culture. Among them, the first three features are relatively easy to determine, while the fourth feature requires professional knowledge and research to support. The IGSNRR-CAS established the GISE, which made up for the past shortcomings and pushed forward the work of geographical indication products. For geographical science as a whole, this is a measure and lever to implement the discipline, which can test scientific problems in practice and introduce problems encountered in practice into scientific analysis. The true development of geographic science depends on the alternating integration of branch disciplines and synthesis, and on the mutual correspondence between objectivity and micro level. Finally, Professor Liu Yanhua expressed his admiration for Professor Liu Chuang's years of hard work and substantial achievements in geographical indication research. He believes that the GISE can not only contribute to the development of geography, but also contribute to the benefit of society.

Figure 2  Congratulatory letter from Professor Liu Yanhua, the head of the advisory group for the GIES Professional Science and Technology Service Team

Professor Zhang Guoyou, Vice President and Secretary General of Geographical Society of China, highly praised the establishment of the GISE. He believes that this is a milestone event in the Chinese geographical community, which not only fills the historical gap in geographical indication research, but also marks the formal inclusion of geographical indication research into the field of geography research. He hoped that the GISE can further promote new achievements in the research of all geographical indications, geographical indications, geographical symbols, and geographical cultures.

Figure 3  Speech by Professor Zhang Guoyou, Vice President and Secretary General of Geographical Society of China

Professor Cheng Jingen, a first level inspector of the Quality and Safety Supervision Department of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of the People's Republic of China, expressed warm congratulations and support for the establishment of the GISE in his speech. He hoped that the center can produce high-quality research results, providing suggestions for the development of the country and scientific disciplines. At the same time, he also hoped that the GISE can lead industry development and improve consumers' quality of life. Finally, he expressed his desire to collaborate with all parties, hoping to establish multi-faceted and multidisciplinary research cooperation, carry out joint research, and jointly promote the development of geographical indication products.

Figure 4  Speech by Professor Cheng Jingen, a first level inspector from the Quality and Safety Supervision Department of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs

The Director of the GISE Professor Song Xianfang, and the Chief Scientist, Professor Liu Chuang, respectively presented reports titled "Positioning, Objectives, and Work Plan of the GISE " and "Development of Modern Comprehensive Geographic Science and Geographical Indications Research".

In addition, Ms. Zhang Songmei, deputy director of the Big Data Development center, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of the People' s Republic of china, Professor Dai Erfu, head of Lhasa Ecological Research Station of the IGSNRR-CAS, Mr. Hua Liming of China Ecological Civilization Research and Promotion Association, Professor Liu Yizhuo of Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation, Mr. Yang Shuanchang, president of the China-Europe Association for Technological and Economic Cooperation, Professor Mao Kebiao of the Institute of Agricultural Resources and Regional Planning, CAAS, and Professor Yun Wenju, director of the Technology Innovation center of Land Engineering, MNR, delivered speeches respectively, expressing warm congratulations and high expectations on the establishment of the GISE.

Experts and team members related to GIES cases also gave speeches on their relevant experiences in geographical indications work, and gave high expectations for the establishment of the GISE.

Figure 7  Photo of meeting venue