Academic Foundation. People Impact.

For more than 35 years, GIESD has been a recognized leader in advancing sustainable and environmentally responsible solutions to global challenges.

As a non-governmental organization (NGO), GIESD is highly regarded for its strategic investments in academic research and its hands-on involvement in the implementation of real-world projects

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We serve as a central hub for ecological inquiry, bringing together academic scholars, research professionals, and industry partners.

From Academics to Acceleration

We heavily invest resources and explore opportunities on the foundational research on causation and correlation.

Building Networks for Eco-Systems

We have established strong relationships to top-tier universities and research groups.

Exchange beyond Cultures and Borders

Over three decades we have established trusted partnerships between Asian and North American institutions.

Deeply rooted in environmental and societal causes since 1995.

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University collaborations
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Read our full Mission Statement

Focus and dedication resulting in real-world impact.

Our work targets programs and projects focused on the following areas:

Environmental Sustainability

  • Forestry and biodiversity
  • Water management
  • Food supply chain and agro-tech
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Balanced Economic Development

  • Smart cities (energy usage, water usage, optimization planning)
  • Urban crisis management
  • Waste reduction and recycling
  • Plastic pollution (bio plastics, plastic alternatives)
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Promoting Sino US collaboration and its people equity and welfare

  • Leadership development of present and future leaders
  • Exchange opportunities for high potential/lower socio-economic students
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Holistic knowledge transfer and cross-disciplinary networks.

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Students

Academic & Educational Exchange

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Professionals

Leadership Training

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Academics

Scientific Research & Development

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Our Mission

Our mission is to advance sustainable and healthy eco-environmental development worldwide, with a particular focus on urbanization.

We do this by translating academic research into real-world applications that support environmental sustainability, responsible interdisciplinary ecosystems, and balanced urban social, economic, and environmental development.

At the core of our work are natural resources and people, recognizing that human well-being and environmental health are deeply interconnected.

Our Values and Approach

We are committed to promoting leading scientific and applied research through academic, research, and educational exchange among institutions and individuals in the United States, China, and other regions around the world.

People and their long-term development have always been at the center of our mission, a principle that has guided our work since the late 1990s.

This commitment is reflected in our long-standing and innovative programs, including the Sustainable Development Leadership Program (SDLP, 1996–2002), the Yale–Tsinghua Environment and Sustainable Development Leadership Program (ESDLP, 2000–2013), and the Elite Education Practice (EEP, 2000–present).

In parallel, we have led and supported applied research initiatives such as Urban Environment Crisis Management (UECM, 2005–2016), the Urban Environmental Resource Initiative (UERI, 2014–present), and many others.

Our Impact

We are committed to promoting leading scientific and applied research through academic, research, and educational exchange among institutions and individuals in the United States, China, and other regions around the world.

People and their long-term development have always been at the center of our mission, a principle that has guided our work since the late 1990s.

This commitment is reflected in our long-standing and innovative programs, including the Sustainable Development Leadership Program (SDLP, 1996–2002), the Yale–Tsinghua Environment and Sustainable Development Leadership Program (ESDLP, 2000–2013), and the Elite Education Practice (EEP, 2000–present).

In parallel, we have led and supported applied research initiatives such as Urban Environment Crisis Management (UECM, 2005–2016), the Urban Environmental Resource Initiative (UERI, 2014–present), and many others.

Rules, Design and Evaluation of Urban Ecology and Environment – Shanghai Eco-City Construction in the 21st Century (SHECO)

  • The SHECO project was jointly initiated by GIESD, the Antai School of Management, and Shanghai Jiao Tong University.  The project mainly studied human and natural resource management and potential environmental degradation in the context of the city through the analysis of relevant cases in Shanghai.

Study on the Ecosystem of the Sanxia Region (ESR)

  • The study focused on evaluating the environmental and socio-economic impact of the Sanxia Dam Project in central China.  Over a period of 3 years, experts from China and the United States conducted systematic research on the ecosystem of the Sanxia region with an emphasis on detecting and forecasting environmental and social impact, so as to ensure the sustainable utilization of resources and provide scientific basis for leadership decision making.

Research on natural resource management and social ecology in transitional society – Share-Holding Integrated Forest Tenure (SHIFT)

  • Study was based on 20 years of forestry reform and innovation in Sanming, Fujian Province, China.  The SHIFT project was initiated by Yale University students and proferros and originated from a Yale University rural development project focused on private forest ownership and enhanced forest management.  Under the share-holding integrated forest tenure, villagers played the role of shareholders in the community forestry management and took on forest management rights.
  • GIESD’s Chinese and US experts studied the application, promotion, adaptation, and reform of SHIFT in China according to the changing social, economic, cultural and biophysical environment.

Baishuijiang giant panda habitat protection and community co-management sustainable development project (PRC-CPSD)

  • The sheer scale of urban population and rapid economic growth in China, and the resource dependent character of its development process threaten both the habitats and lives of endangered species in the nation, especially its national symbol, the giant panda. For various reasons, the specifically designated BSJ Nature Reserves were no longer meeting their purpose of giant panda protection. One of the major reasons was the rising tensions between residents and animals in the same area.
  • To this end, GIESD, together with Lanzhou University, Beijing Forestry University, and Tsinghua University, launched the Baishujiang Giant Panda Habitat Protection and Community Partner Sustainable Development program, striving to eliminate the conflict between human and animal survival, and development in the reserve through the public-private partnership model (PPP model).  At the same time, through the student exchange plan, the project cultivated a group of qualified leaders in related fields to truly show the long-term harmonious development between humans and nature.