In 2020, the Department of Ecology and Environment in east China's Zhejiang Province teamed up with Zhejiang Lanjing Technology Co., Ltd. to launch Blue Circle, the largest marine plastic recycling program in the Chinese mainland.
By harnessing blockchain and Internet of Things technology, Blue Circle tracks plastic waste from collection and regeneration through to remanufacturing and resale, bringing transparency to every step of the cleanup process.
In 2023, the initiative earned the UN 2023 Champions of the Earth award for Entrepreneurial Vision, the highest environmental honor from the UN Environment Programme, highlighting its impact on tackling marine plastic pollution.
These efforts reflect the Chinese mainland's growing role in global ocean governance. They align with the vision set out by Chinese President Xi Jinping for a maritime community with a shared future—an approach that emphasizes collective action against threats at sea and advances the "blue economy."
"The blue planet humans inhabit is not divided into islands by the oceans, but is connected by the oceans to form a community with a shared future, where people of all countries share weal and woe," Chinese President Xi Jinping once said.
As Blue Circle and similar initiatives gain momentum, they offer data-driven models for sustainability and foster new partnerships across borders. For young global citizens, entrepreneurs, and changemakers, they demonstrate how innovation and cooperation can drive real-world impact on our shared oceans.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
