The city hosted the 2026 World Oceans Day and China Ocean
Day promotional event under the theme, "Guarding the Blue, Seeking
Strength from the Sea,".
The gathering brought together scientists, policymakers,
businesses and environmental advocates to discuss marine ecological protection
and the sustainable use of ocean resources.
Briefs obtained by the Star show it was organised jointly by
the China Oceanic Development Foundation, the Pacific Society of China, the
China Ocean Development Foundation and the Xiamen Municipal Ocean Development
Bureau.
The event featured the release of new reports, signing of
cooperation agreements and exhibitions showcasing achievements in marine
science and conservation.
The highlight was the unveiling of a series of
achievements under the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science initiative.
The scorecard reflected advances in marine research and
efforts aimed at improving understanding of ocean ecosystems and promoting
their long-term sustainability.
Officials said the event underscored the importance of
balancing economic development with environmental stewardship.
This is considering that oceans face increasing pressure
from climate change, pollution and overexploitation of resources.
In a move aimed at accelerating innovation in the marine
sector, Xiamen's Lujiang Innovation Lab signed a memorandum of understanding
with US-based Danaher Corporation and Fujian-based Four-Faith Communication
Technology Co Ltd.
The partnership is expected to deepen collaboration between
research institutions and industry players, helping to commercialise marine
scientific discoveries.
The aim is to transform them into practical applications
that can support economic growth while protecting marine ecosystems.
The agreement reflects Xiamen's strategy of integrating
science, technology and industry to build a modern marine economy.
Over the years, Xiamen has emerged as one of China's leading
examples of marine ecological restoration.
As one of the country's first demonstration zones for marine
ecological civilisation, the city has undertaken extensive conservation
programmes aimed at restoring coastal habitats and enhancing biodiversity.
Among its flagship projects is the Xiatanwei Mangrove Park,
the largest artificially restored mangrove ecological park in Fujian Province.
The park, covering more than 80 hectares, has helped revive
the ecological health of the bay while creating critical habitats and breeding
grounds for numerous marine species.
Mangrove forests play a vital role in protecting coastlines
from erosion, storing carbon and providing nursery grounds for fish and other
aquatic life.
Environmental experts say their restoration is increasingly
important as countries seek nature-based solutions to address climate change
and biodiversity loss.
Xiamen has also invested heavily in marine resource
conservation through stock enhancement and species release programmes.
In recent years, authorities have released more than 2.5
billion juvenile aquatic organisms representing 11 species, including kuruma
shrimp, yellowfin seabream and amphioxus.
The initiative is designed to replenish depleted fish
stocks, restore marine biodiversity and improve the overall health of coastal
ecosystems.
The city's environmental achievements have also been
recognised nationally.
In December 2025, China's Ministry of Ecology and
Environment included both the Dadeng Sea Area and Xiamen's Western Sea Area
among the country's fourth batch of exemplary "Beautiful Bay" cases.
This was in recognition of successful efforts to improve
marine environmental quality and coastal management.
Beyond conservation, Xiamen has positioned itself as a
centre for the marine economy, demonstrating how ecological protection can
coexist with industrial growth.
The city continues to strengthen its National Marine
Economic Development Demonstration Zone, which supports innovation in marine
biotechnology and high-value ocean industries.
Several marine-derived products developed in Xiamen have
gained international recognition, including high-purity glucosamine sulfate,
advanced coenzyme Q10 products and microalgae-derived DHA that meets both
European and American certification standards.
As global attention increasingly turns to protecting oceans
while harnessing their economic potential, Xiamen is presenting itself as a
model for achieving harmony between humanity and the sea.
She is combining scientific innovation, ecological restoration and sustainable development in pursuit of a healthier marine future.
