By love-89.com On October 25, during the centennial celebration of Ocean University of China, Francis Vallat, an academician from the French Institute of Marine Sciences and Honorary President of the French Maritime Cluster, emphasized the crucial responsibility of humanity in promoting sustainable marine development. “Advancing the sustainable development of the oceans is not optional; it is an undeniable duty for all humankind. We gather here to foster international cooperation in addressing shared challenges,” he stated at the Global Marine Cooperation Development Conference.
This significant academic event attracted over 400 experts, scholars, and leaders from international organizations in the marine sector, who convened by the Yellow Sea to share experiences and explore new avenues for marine collaboration.
The participants universally recognized the urgent need to advance sustainable ocean development. “The ocean is the source of life on Earth, playing a vital role in protecting biodiversity, regulating climate change, and ensuring food security,” noted Manuel Barange, Assistant Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization and Director of the Fisheries and Aquaculture Division. He urged the need to create a harmonious marine ecological environment for humanity. “The ocean is not just an aquarium; it is the very foundation on which all humanity relies. We must change our perspective and recognize the ocean as a vital part of our future.”
Jacques Rougerie, an academician at the French Academy, echoed these sentiments, saying, “The ocean can provide food, medicine, renewable energy, and drive the development of the blue economy. It holds the records of our past and carries our fate and future. For this reason, we need to respect and protect our blue seas more than ever before.”
At the conference, delegates reached a consensus on the necessity to build an innovative, coordinated, open, and shared global marine environment to promote sustainable development. The “Future Ocean Qingdao Consensus (2024),” released during the event, highlighted the pressing need for sustainable development strategies in the face of climate change, plastic and chemical pollution, and overfishing.
The discussions centered on the theme of “Marine Science and Education Driving the Construction of a Marine Community with a Shared Future,” with representatives sharing insights and experiences in the field of marine science and education, thus mapping out new pathways to address these urgent challenges.
“Only global cooperation can ensure the sustainable development of the oceans,” stated Richard A. Williams, President of Heriot-Watt University and Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering. He emphasized that understanding the changing nature of the oceans is crucial for humanity’s future, necessitating innovative leadership and strengthened interdisciplinary and multinational collaboration.
Zhang Junfeng, President of Ocean University of China, stressed that high-level talent, scientific innovation, and cooperative development are key to tackling global marine challenges. He highlighted the need for enhanced innovation and collaboration in critical areas like marine environmental protection, resource utilization, and governance.
Wang Hua, Director of the Marine Monitoring and Warning Division at the Ministry of Natural Resources, noted China’s active development of blue partnerships and deep participation in global marine affairs, closely aligning with major initiatives such as the United Nations’ “Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development.” He reaffirmed a commitment to collaborative efforts for a blue development future, contributing Chinese wisdom to global marine governance.
Looking ahead, participants unanimously agreed that building a peaceful, prosperous, and beautiful ocean shared by all is not an overnight endeavor. In the journey toward sustainable marine development, it is essential to confront challenges head-on while maintaining confidence and collectively safeguarding our shared “blue home.”
“History shows that humanity has the capacity to tackle various challenges,” Manuel Barange remarked. He expressed confidence that, in the long run, as all parties stay open and cooperative, establishing effective communication and problem-solving mechanisms will lead to solutions for the issues raised by ocean development.
Ian Young, former Vice-Chancellor of the Australian National University, pointed out that addressing the challenges posed by climate change requires not only scientific research and advocacy but also heightened awareness and protection of the oceans from all sectors of society.
Tian Hui, Party Secretary of Ocean University of China, emphasized the irreplaceable role and unique advantages of marine science and education in addressing global issues like ecological degradation, stating that maritime universities, research institutions, and international organizations hold a profound responsibility and mission in this endeavor.