2025 has been a year of significant progress, strategic renewal, and impactful global engagement for the International Society for Salt Lake Research (ISSLR). The Society strengthened its governance, set the course for future gatherings, and actively advanced the conservation and sustainable management of saline ecosystems on the world stage.
1. Renewed Leadership: Election of the 2025-2027 Board of Directors
The year witnessed a robust democratic process with the election of a new Board of Directors. An impressive 85% of voting members participated in the online election, which featured strong competition, particularly for regular board positions and the role of Young Scientists Representative.The diverse and experienced team is poised to guide ISSLR’s mission for the 2025-2027 term.
2. Future Conference Location Selected
Marking a decision for the Society’s future, the location for an upcoming ISSLR 2027 international conference was selected: China. This decision underscores the global reach of saline lake research and promises a platform for rich exchange and collaboration in a key region.
3. Promoting Conservation at the Global Stage: IUCN World Conservation Congress
ISSLR members organized and led a critical special session at the IUCN World Conservation Congress in Abu Dhabi (October 9-15, 2025): “The Conservation of Saline Lakes and Wetlands and Solutions for a Sustainable and Resilient Transition”
The session, though intimate, facilitated deep, candid discussions among experts from six countries. Key outcomes included:
- Survey Insights: A pre-congress survey of ISSLR members identified direct water extraction, climate change, and pollution as top threats, with a “lack of political will” seen as the primary barrier to conservation.
- Global Perspectives: Case studies from Australia, India, China, and Nigeria revealed common challenges, including water allocation conflicts, communication gaps between scientists and policymakers, and the impacts of invasive species and pollution.
- Success Stories & Strategies: Inspiring examples, like the restoration of Chilika Lake (India) and Australian wetland recovery, demonstrated the power of community engagement, ecosystem-based management, and a clear vision.
- Unified Call: Participants identified Climate Change as the overarching threat and agreed on key ingredients for success: Listening, Vision, Community Involvement, Incentives, and Enthusiasm. The session concluded with a call to focus on manageable systems and broaden scope to include all saline ecosystems.
4. Fostering Innovation and Collaboration: The 1st Belt and Road International Conference
In collaboration with Tianjin University of Science and Technology and Ghent University, ISSLR successfully convened The 1st Belt and Road International Conference on Salt Lake and Salt Industry Innovation and Technology in Tianjin (November 15-16, 2025).
Under the theme “Innovation Empowers Development · Green Wins the Future,” this hybrid event was a resounding success:
- High-Level Engagement: The conference opened with addresses from institutional leaders and featured plenary talks linking global conservation agendas (e.g., IUCN outcomes) to scientific and technological innovation.
- Global Knowledge Exchange: Scientists from across the Belt and Road region and beyond shared research on halophilic biology, sustainable aquaculture, and green extraction technologies for critical raw materials.
- Investing in the Future: The Young Scholars Forum showcased pioneering work by the next generation of scientists, ensuring the continued vitality of the field.
- Network Strengthening: The event served as a dynamic hub, forging new connections between academia and industry across continents.
Looking Ahead
2025 has set a formidable foundation for the coming years. With a newly elected board, a major conference destination confirmed, and active contributions to both global conservation policy and international scientific innovation, ISSLR is powerfully positioned to continue its essential work. The Society remains committed to bridging science, policy, and community action to ensure the future of the world’s vital saline ecosystems.