WHO WE ARE
The International Association of Natural Resources (iAONR) is the world’s leading network of natural resources science. iAONR brings together the knowledge and skills of scientists, lawyers, and policy advocates to address environmental issues. We work together to provide the community, training, exchange and tools needed to meet goals and drive its scientific and technological development towards sustainable natural resources use.
Academic and Advisory Committee
- Significance
The Academic and Advisory Committee (AAC) serves as a cornerstone of the association, ensuring academic rigor, strategic alignment, and global credibility. It drives innovation, upholds ethical standards, and enhances the association’s reputation through expert oversight and guidance. - Key Responsibilities
1. Strategic Guidance: Advise on long-term goals, research priorities, and policy frameworks.
2. Quality Assurance: Evaluate programs, publications, and initiatives to maintain excellence.
3. Collaboration Facilitation: Foster interdisciplinary and international partnerships.
4. Policy Advocacy: Provide evidence-based recommendations to stakeholders.
5. Mentorship: Support early-career researchers and promote knowledge transfer. - Composition
The AAC comprises distinguished academicians (e.g., members of national academies) and internationally renowned experts across relevant fields. This structure ensures:
– Authority: Leveraging members’ scholarly achievements and leadership experience.
– Diversity: Integrating global perspectives from top-tier institutions and industries.
– Interdisciplinarity: Bridging gaps between academia, industry, and policymaking.
By uniting elite expertise, the AAC reinforces the association’s role as a trusted leader in advancing knowledge and addressing global challenges.
HONORARY PRESIDENTS
Honglie SUN
(China)
CAS Academician, Professor
Institute of Geographic Science and Natural Resources Research (IGSNRR)
Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS)
11A, Datun Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, China
Email: sunhl@igsnrr.ac.cn
► BIO
M. QASIM JAN
(Pakistan)
Academician, Professor, HI, SI, TI, FPAS, FTWAS, FIAS
Foreign Member CAS
Distinguished National Professor (Emeritus)
National Centre of Excellence in Geology
University of Peshawar, Peshawar, 25130
Email: mqjan@yahoo.com
► BIO
Sommad PHOLSENA
(Laos PDR)
Vice Chairman of the National Assembly of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic and Chairman of the Lao Peace and Unity Committee
► BIO
ACADEMIC ADVISORS
Board of Directors
The list is arranged in alphabetical order and updated.
The Board of Directors (BoD) is the governing body of the association, responsible for strategic decision-making, organizational oversight, and accountability. It ensures alignment with the association’s mission, legal compliance, and sustainable growth while safeguarding stakeholder interests.
The BoD’s Key Responsibilities include:
1. Strategic Governance: Set long-term vision, approve major policies, and monitor organizational performance.
2. Financial Stewardship: Oversee budgeting, financial planning, and resource allocation.
3. Risk Management: Identify and mitigate operational, legal, and reputational risks.
4. Leadership Appointment: Hire, evaluate, and support the executive leadership (e.g., CEO).
5. Stakeholder Representation: Act as a bridge between members, partners, and the executive team.
The BoD typically includes:
– Elected Officers: Chairperson, Vice-Chair, Treasurer, and Secretary.
– Senior Executives: Representatives from key sectors (e.g., industry, academia, public service).
– Independent Directors: External experts in governance, law, finance, or advocacy.
– Ex-Officio Members: Association leadership (e.g., CEO) in a non-voting capacity.
This composition emphasizes diverse expertise, leadership experience, and stakeholder inclusivity, ensuring balanced decision-making and organizational resilience.
PRESIDENT
Lei SHEN
(China)
Professor, PhD, MSc, LLM
Institute of Geographic Science and Natural Resources Research (IGSNRR)
Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAs)
11A, Datun Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, China
Email: shenl@igsnrr.ac.cn
► BIO
Alexander DUNETS
(Russia)
Vice-President
► BIO
Ayman ELSHKAKI
(Netherlands)
Vice-President
► BIO
Baozhang CHEN
(China)
Vice-President
► BIO
EXECUTIVE Committee
As a non-profit association, the International Association of Natural Resources is a membership organization where most of the final decision-taking power rests with its members. However, in order to operate the day-to-day activities, the members elect a board to represent the membership to help run the association. The board leadership (represented by the President, Treasurer and Secretary) along with the iAONR’s Executive Director, Administrative and Outreach Manager, and the President-elect form the Association’s Executive Committee.
- Xiujun WANG – Vice-President & Secretary-General
- Baozhang CHEN – Vice-President
- Desheng HU – Vice-President
- Anny Boxi SHEN – Treasurer
Secretariat
info@iaonr.org