Zhejiang University relayed a powerful message focused on global sustainability challenges facing the world at the 2025 International Canoe Federation Paddle Summit in Hangzhou.
As part of the growing cooperation between the organisations, students from the university created a souvenir scarf for all guests attending the event in an environmentally friendly manner.
Made of lotus leaves from West Lake, smartweed of Xixi, phoenix tree leaves Zijingang, and more, the idea behind the scarfs was to make it in an eco-conscious way possible.
Featuring elements of paddle sports and nature, ZJU stressed the need to make more contributions to society, in collaboration with its partners.
“Thank you, Thomas Konietzko, the ICF, the Chinese Canoe Association, and Zhejiang University for giving me the chance to bring my students to this stage. It is an honour for me to attend the Paddle Summit as a kayaker who has been retired for 15 years,” Xu Yaping, Executive Director of Zhejiang University's China Water Sports Development Center, said.
“In June or July this year, we will hold an international elite school water sports competition.
“We welcome all countries to recommend universities, middle schools, and primary schools to join in our competition.
“Let them all come together and use sports to protect the rivers and nature.”
Two professors from the university – Xiao Xi and Feng Yixiong – whose field of expertise include environmental science, marine science, carbon data analysis, sustainable sourcing, and sustainable manufacturing, attended the sessions on sustainability during the Paddle Summit.
Discussions took place on how ICF and ZJU can collaborate on sustainability research projects.
The MoU between the organisations signed in October last year will see the two parties focus on a range of topics.
“It is one of the biggest universities in the world with a lot of facilities,” said Mr Konietzko.
“They are very keen to promote water sports and that's thanks to Xu Yaping, who is an Olympian and was very successful as an athlete.
“She wants to encourage more students to start canoeing and fall in love with our beautiful sport.
“The university is helping us in several fields of science where we need support, and we are very grateful for their cooperation.”
Related links
