The International Research and Training Center on Erosion and Sedimentation (IRTCES) was jointly set up by the Government of China and UNESCO on July 21, 1984, in Beijing, China.

Considering that soil erosion and sediment transport have a great impact on economic development and ecological environment in the world, the 22nd Session of UNESCO's General Conference (1983, Paris) adopted a resolution to establish an International Research and Training Center on Erosion and Sedimentation in China to strengthen the research and training activities and technical co-operation among the Member States in the field of erosion and sedimentation. The agreement for the establishment of the Center was signed by the People's Republic of China and UNESCO in 1984.