The Ocean Decade on Campus Event Held in Xiamen

Ahead of the 18th World Oceans Day and China’s 19th National Ocean Awareness Day, the Ocean Decade on Campus event, initiated by the United Nations Decade Collaborative Centre on Ocean-Climate Nexus and Coordination Amongst Decade Implementing Partners in P.R. China (DCC-OCC), was held at Xiamen University and Xiamen Yingcai School on June 7–8. Through expert presentations, public science lectures, and interactive exchanges, the event encouraged university students and young learners to better understand, care for, and appreciate the ocean, while inspiring the next generation of marine professionals with a global perspective and a strong sense of responsibility.

On June 7, the event was held at Xiang’an Campus of Xiamen University. The event was jointly organized by DCC-OCC, Xiamen University, Sun Yat-sen University, and the China Ocean Mineral Resources Research and Development Association. It was co-hosted by the College of Ocean and Earth Sciences of Xiamen University, the State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, the 70.8 Ocean Media Lab, the Decade Programme of Ocean Negative Carbon Emissions, and the Decade project of COASTAL-SOS.

Focused on two major themes - “Ocean and Climate” and “International Cooperation,” the event invited scholars and experts from Sun Yat-sen University and the First Institute of Oceanography (FIO), Ministry of Natural Resources, who engaged in face-to-face discussions with faculty members and students from Xiamen University, exploring frontier topics in marine science and practices in global ocean governance.

Professor YU Weidong, Dean of the School of Atmospheric Sciences at Sun Yat-sen University, delivered a keynote presentation titled "Monsoon, Ocean, and Climate: From Tropical Observations to Global Ocean Governance." Starting with observations from ocean surface buoys, he explained the multi-scale interactions among monsoons, oceans, and climate systems, demonstrating how Chinese scientists contribute a valuable “tropical perspective” to global governance through sustained international cooperation and robust observational data.

Associate Researcher WANG Shizhu of FIO and Executive Director of the UN Ocean Decade Programme on the Ocean to Climate Seamless Forecasting System (OSF) delivered a keynote presentation entitled “The Ocean Decade from the Perspective of Young Scientists: The OSF Experience.” Drawing on international cooperation practices under the framework of Ocean Decade, Shizhu introduced the development of the OSF Programme and discussed the opportunities and responsibilities of young scientists in international marine scientific collaboration.

Scene of the Ocean Decade on Campus at Xiamen University

Group photo of all guests at the Ocean Decade on Campus at Xiamen University

On June 8, World Oceans Day, the Ocean Decade on Campus event was held at Xiamen Yingcai School, attracting more than 300 students. Dr. GUAN Song, Senior Programme Officer of DCC-OCC, provided an engaging introduction to the significance and objectives of the Ocean Decade, highlighting the important role of the Ocean Decade on Campus Series in fostering ocean awareness and environmental stewardship among young people. Following the introduction, Professor YU Weidong delivered a science lecture entitled “Monsoon, Ocean, and Climate.” Starting with the winds and rainfall associated with monsoons, he used accessible and easy-to-understand language to explain how tropical oceans influence weather and climate. He also introduced ocean observation instruments and marine scientific expeditions, helping students understand the close connections between the ocean and the climate system while inspiring their curiosity and interest in marine science. In his presentation entitled “From Ocean Deserts to Blue Rainforests,” Research Professor LIU Fangming used vivid storytelling and a wealth of real-world examples to introduce students to the unique wonders of marine ecosystems, including kelp forests, coral reefs, and hydrothermal vent communities. Through his engaging presentation, students gained a deeper appreciation of the richness and diversity of life beneath the ocean’s surface.

During the interactive Q&A session, students participated enthusiastically, engaging in lively discussions with the guest speakers on topics such as ocean observation, marine life, climate change, and the personal experiences and career paths of scientists. The atmosphere was vibrant and energetic, reflecting the strong interest and curiosity of young people toward marine science and ocean conservation.

Students actively participate in discussions during the event

The ocean connects the past and the future, while also linking science, education, and sustainable development. Looking ahead, FIO will continue to expand the Ocean Decade on Campus. By creating platforms for dialogue between scientists and young people, FIO aims to promote the dissemination of ocean science knowledge and the development of ocean culture, while nurturing a new generation of young talents with a global perspective, innovative thinking, and a strong sense of social responsibility.

Group photo of all guests at the Ocean Decade on Campus at Xiamen Yingcai School