The Forum on Marine Science and Technology Innovation for Sustainable Development Goals by 2030 successfully concluded in Sanya City, south China’s Hainan Province, last Sunday. The three-day event, held from August 23 to 25, brought together experts and scholars from 21 countries and regions to discuss the future of marine science and its role in sustainable development.
Jointly organized by Hainan University, the UNESCO Regional Office for East Asia, and the University of Macao, the forum aimed to promote research on blue carbon, coastal wetlands, and the sustainable development of coastal communities, contributing to the achievement of the United Nations’ 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.
Officials from UNESCO, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission, the British Embassy in China, and other international organizations attended the forum.
At the opening ceremony, Luo Qingming, president of Hainan University and member of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, warmly welcomed the guests and emphasized Hainan’s important position as a base for marine science and technology innovation. He highlighted that the forum represents a crucial step in harnessing marine science and technology to serve global sustainable development.
Professor Shahbaz Khan, director of the UNESCO Regional Office for East Asia, praised the collaborative efforts and stated that UNESCO will continue to support the cooperation between Hainan University and international partners in the field of marine science. He emphasized the importance of joint efforts under the framework of the ‘Decade of Science’.
Vanda Green, Science and Technology Counselor at the British Embassy in China, highlighted the significant contributions of Sino-British cooperation in marine science and technology to global ocean conservation and sustainable development. She expressed her expectation for Hainan University to play a key role in these efforts.
One of the highlights of the forum was the Sino-British dialogue on ‘Addressing Climate and Human Challenges: The Future of Coastal Wetlands.’ Scholars presented insights on the current state and challenges of marine plants and seagrass beds, shedding light on the crucial role these ecosystems play in mitigating climate change.
International experts, researchers, and entrepreneurs engaged in discussions on various topics, including marine open science, blue carbon assessment, coastal wetland conservation, and the application of artificial intelligence for marine ecosystem restoration. These discussions aimed to foster collaboration and innovation in addressing pressing environmental challenges.
The forum concluded with a shared commitment to advancing marine science and technology innovation for sustainable development. The collaborative efforts and insights from the forum are expected to contribute significantly to achieving the United Nations’ 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.
Reference(s):
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