The 2024 East Asian Seas (EAS) Congress has officially begun in Xiamen City, Fujian Province, marking a significant milestone as it coincides with the inaugural Xiamen World Ocean Week. Running until November 12, this conference brings together marine experts and stakeholders from across the East Asian Seas member countries and beyond.
Hosted by the Partnerships in Environmental Management for the Seas of East Asia (PEMSEA) and organized by China's Ministry of Natural Resources alongside the People's Government of Xiamen City, this year's congress centers on the theme \"Blue Synergy for a Shared Future: One Sustainable and Resilient Ocean.\" The event features a diverse range of activities, including international conferences, special meetings, exhibitions, marine industry investment showcases, and a vibrant marine cultural festival.
A highlight of the opening ceremony was the release of China's 2024 National Ecological Protection and Restoration Bulletin by the Ministry of Natural Resources. This comprehensive bulletin reviews China's 75 years of ecological governance, focusing on ecological protection and restoration practices, policy frameworks, national ecological assessments, spatial ecological conservation actions, and contributions to a \"Green Earth.\" The bulletin underscores the nation's commitment to raising public awareness, promoting harmonious coexistence between humans and nature, and fostering international collaboration towards an eco-friendly global civilization.
Xiamen City's recognition as the \"Best Practice in Marine Ecological Conservation and Restoration\" highlights the successful implementation of the \"Xiamen Practice\" model of marine ecological restoration. With over 30 parallel sessions dedicated to the blue economy and sustainable oceans, nearly 300 exhibitors, and more than 1,000 participants from over a dozen countries, the congress serves as a dynamic platform for exchanging ideas and showcasing innovations.
During the opening ceremony, Shen Yueyue, Vice Chairperson of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, presented three key proposals: prioritizing the ocean as a medium for building a community with a shared future for mankind to foster a \"peaceful sea\"; treating the ocean as a strategic area for high-quality development to create a \"prosperous sea\"; and viewing the ocean as a platform for ecological civilization to build a \"beautiful sea.\" These proposals reflect a holistic approach to marine conservation and sustainable development, aiming to inspire collective action towards a resilient and thriving oceanic ecosystem.
Reference(s):
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