The World Coastal Forum 2025 opened in Yancheng, Jiangsu Province, on Wednesday, bringing together policymakers, diplomats, and environmental experts to address urgent coastal ecosystem challenges and advance sustainable development goals. The two-day event highlights China's role in fostering international collaboration on climate resilience and biodiversity protection.
Keynote speaker Li Ganjie, China's Minister of Ecology and Environment, emphasized the forum's mission to 'bridge scientific research with actionable policies.' Delegations from over 30 countries and regions, including representatives from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and Pacific Island nations, participated in workshops on mangrove restoration, marine pollution control, and blue economy strategies.
Notably, the forum showcased Yancheng's Yellow Sea Wetlands—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—as a model for balancing ecological preservation with eco-tourism. Business leaders also discussed investment opportunities in renewable energy projects along Asia's coastlines, with a focus on wind and tidal power innovations.
Academics presented new data on rising sea levels' economic impact, urging accelerated regional cooperation. The event concluded with a pledge to establish a global coastal monitoring network by 2026, backed by $150 million in initial funding from participating nations.
