WU Shenghe

China University of Petroleum (Beijing)

Respectable leaders and experts,Dear ISP members,

Ladies and gentlemen,

Good morning!

Today is the foundation day of the International Society of Palaeogeography (ISP). Thank you very much and sincerely welcome all of you to attend this conference!

The establishment of the ISP, would not be achieved without the tremendous support and contribution from all leaders and experts. Please allow me to express my sincere gratitude and respect to all of you. Thank you all for your continuous and precious support during the application process of the ISP.

Special thanks are given to Mr. Feng Zengzhao. In the past 10 years, Mr. Feng has led us in a sustained effort to apply for founding the ISP, and he has made an indelible contribution to the establishment of the Society.

讓我們以熱烈的掌聲向馮先生表示衷心的感謝和崇高的敬意！

Palaeogeography is an important branch of geology, which focuses on the study of the characteristics and evolution of natural environments in geological history. We know,palaeogeography research can guide the exploration and development of mineral resources including oil, natural gas, coal and so on, and also plays a role in prevention and control of geological hazards, prediction of global climate change, ecological and biological evolution

and so forth. Therefore, the research of palaeogeography is of great signif icance.

The ISP, established today, aims to promote the development of palaeogeography and related geological disciplines as well as their innovation and international communications.

The ISP, established today, is still in its infancy, which therefore highly relies on the support and devotion of you, leaders and experts who present here on this occasion. Only with your help, can it grow up to serve the development of palaeogeography better and stronger.

It is a great honor for me to be elected as the President of the ISP. To be honest, I am humbled by this heavy mission and responsibility. I will devote myself to its growth, and accomplish this mission given by history.

Taking the opportunity, let me report on the preliminary ideas about the development plan of ISP in near future.

First, expanding the ISP organization

On the one hand, we will expand the Society，by actively recruiting society members;on the other hand, we will set up several working committees such as Committee of Lithofacies Palaeogeography, Committee of Biopalaeogeography, Committee of Tectono Palaeogeography, Committee of Palaeogeography for Mineral Resources, and branches in individual countries. In this way, we will substantially promote the development of the ISP. In addition, we will set up website as an important window of the Society for communications.

Second, organizing the International Conference of Palaeogeography

The International Conference of Palaeogeography, initiated by Mr. Feng Zengzhao,

is held every two years, and f ive consecutive conferences have been held since 2013. The

sixth International Conference of Palaeogeography will be held in 2024, and the ISP will actively organize and convene the conference.

Third, developing the Journal of Palaeogeography

The Journal of Palaeogeography (both Chinese and English editions) will serve as the journals of our Society. Relying on the ISP platform and your support, we will strive to make the Journal of Palaeogeography (both Chinese and English editions) a world-class journal.

Fourth, enhancing communications with other associations

Our ISP, has its own academic domains, but it also has intersections with other association. We will establish connections with all relevant associations to promote the development of the ISP.

Fifth, talents fostering

The progress of palaeogeography would not be achieved without the support of senior scientists, but the participation of young talents, is important as well to carry on and carry forward. The Society is proposed to establish award funds, such as Achievement Awards and Youth Awards, especially the latter, to encourage young people keeping innovations in

the f ield of palaeogeography!

I believe that, with the great support and help of you all, the International Society of Palaeogeography will grow and expand healthily and rapidly.

I wish you all good health and success in your work!

Thank you all!