The year of 2017 will be passed soon and the new year of 2018 is about around the corner. Take this opportunity of saying goodbye to 2017 and welcoming the prosperous 2018, I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to all WASWAC councilors, advisers, Regional vice-chairmen and all members. Merry Christmas and happy new year to you and your family!

During this year, WASWAC was developed as expected, everything was going smoothly. Our association is becoming stronger and stronger with the support from all of you. Thanks! I am happy to make a brief summary of 2017 and general plan for 2018.

1. To improve and consummate WASWAC council organization

2. The proposed book of Degradation of Soil and Water Resources: A Global Issue has made a great progress

3. The 1st World Conference on Soil and Water Conservation under Global Change (CONSOWA) was held successfully

4. WASWAC Council Meeting was held during CONSOWA

5. The preparation for the second international Youth Forum on Soil and Water Conservation (2nd IYFSWC) was going smoothly

6. WASWAC official Journal ISWCR is indexed in ESCI

7. ISWCR held an administrative meeting in Beijing

8. Project Global soil erosion evaluation was set up

9. The Upgraded WASWAC website is established

As I have known the 9 terms above mentioned are only part of our work, many efforts and contributions made by all councilors and members are not included, much appreciated for the everything have been done for the development of our association.

In the year of 2018, we will continue to make efforts to WASWAC progress. We will organize the 2nd IYFSWC in Moscow during August 27-31, 2018, and make the preparation for the 4th WASWAC World Conference, which will be held in New Delhi, India, in November 5-9, 2019. I hope that I can see all of you in such important occasions.

Finally, with the arrival of 2018, hope our all members all the joys of happiness throughout the prosperous New Year.

Best wishes to you for 2018,

Prof. Li Rui

President of WASWAC

(The details of full summary report is available in WASWAC HOT NEWS 2017-11, download here http://www.waswac.org/waswac/rootfiles/2017/12/23/1513764674352709-1513764674354323.pdf )