Over 200 experts, innovators, and history buffs sailed into Bydgoszcz, Poland, this week for the World Canals Conference 2024—a global hub for reimagining how waterways balance ecology, economy, and heritage. 🌊✨
Celebrating History & Eyeing the Future
The event marked the 250th anniversary of Poland’s Bydgoszcz Canal and spotlighted China’s Grand Canal, which celebrates a decade as a UNESCO World Heritage site this year. From ancient trade routes to modern green tech, canals are having a *moment*. 🇵🇱🇨🇳
Bridging Cultures, Building Solutions
Sharon Leighton of Inland Waterways International called water the 'ultimate connector,' while China’s Wang Huijun highlighted how canal cities share knowledge to boost global understanding. David Edwards-May praised China’s blend of historic preservation and eco-friendly engineering, noting barges zipping under centuries-old bridges in Yangzhou. 🏞️🚢
Digital Waves for Gen Z
Cheng Hao, Chairman of Grand Tour Education Tech, proposed a World Canal Cities Cloud Platform to let young explorers dive into canal histories and innovations virtually. Think Netflix meets NatGeo—but for waterways! 💡🌐
Attendees capped off the event with canal cruises and museum tours, proving that even 250-year-old infrastructure can stay fresh. 🎉
