| Communication team
From 7–9 November 2025, a trans4num Europe delegation visited Chongqing, China, for a joint EU–China Workshop on Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) and agroecosystem resilience, a clustering event with the Horizon Europe project Econutri (https://econutri-project.eu/).
The event was hosted by the Department of Science and Technology of Henan Province, the Department of Human Resources and Social Security of Henan Province, and the Henan Academy of Agricultural Sciences. It was co-organised by the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, and organised by the Edible Mushroom Research Institute of the Henan Academy of Agricultural Sciences together with the Henan Zhongyuan Organic Agriculture Research Institute Co., Ltd.
The workshop was held at Southwest University’s School of Economics and Management, bringing together European and Chinese researchers to exchange knowledge on nutrient management, soil health, ecological intensification, and low-carbon agricultural innovation.
The programme featured plenary lectures from:
- Prof. Simon Willcock – Resilience & Tipping Points in Agroecosystems
- Dr. Jon Storkey – Ecological Intensification and the Sustainable Use of Fertilisers
- Dr. Qirui Li – From Framework to Futures: Scaling Nature-Based Solutions for Agricultural Transformation
One of the event highlights was the participation of Prof. Rodney B. Thompson from the University of Almería (Spain), representing the Econutri project, who presented innovative approaches to optimising fertiliser use and improving nutrient circularity in Mediterranean production systems.
Afternoon sessions featured Chinese researchers showcasing advanced studies on soil amendments, nutrient cycling, and green technologies for vegetable systems.
On 9 November, participants visited the Tongliang agricultural demonstration base to explore the practical application of NBS and identify opportunities for future joint research.
Collaboration with our Chinese partners is essential for translating Nature-Based Solutions into real agricultural change. By comparing approaches and sharing results, we’re building a shared evidence base for nutrient-smart, climate-resilient food systems.
This workshop shows the value of EU–China scientific exchange. Together we can co-create solutions that support farmers in achieving both productivity and sustainability, common goals for agriculture everywhere.
This joint clustering event marks another milestone in advancing EU–China cooperation on nutrient management and sustainable food systems, reinforcing shared commitments to circularity, innovation, and the European Green Deal.
