On October 10, the Ocean & Climate Village Exhibition World Tour – Shanghai Stop officially opened. The 10-day exhibition is free and open to the public. It is co-organized by the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO (UNESCO-IOC) and the Prada Group, with the First Institute of Oceanography(FIO), Ministry of Natural Resources, the UN Decade Collaborative Centre on Ocean-Climate Nexus and Decade Implementing Partners in P.R.China(DCC-OCC), and the UCCA Center for Contemporary Art as co-hosts. This marks the second time the exhibition has come to China—following its first stop in the coastal city of Qingdao in October 2023—and another collaboration among the five institutions. This marks the second time the exhibition has come to China—following its first stop in the coastal city of Qingdao in October 2023—and another collaboration among the five institutions.
Exhibition venue
The Ocean & Climate Village is an immersive and interactive traveling science exhibition launched under SEA BEYOND, a joint initiative by the Prada Group and UNESCO-IOC. It aims to reveal the complex and profound connections between the ocean and global climate. The exhibition supports the seven expected outcomes of the UN Ocean Decade—“An Inspiring and Engaging Ocean.” The Shanghai stop features a photography and documentary exhibition, themed dialogues, and educational workshops. Visitors can explore five themed zones, delving into the ocean’s critical role in regulating Earth’s climate. Topics include biodiversity, climate science, ocean acidification, sea-level rise, and the impact of individual and collective actions on the ocean. Experts from DCC-OCC provided scientific guidance for the exhibition’s content.
Dr. Fangli Qiao, Director of the DCC-OCC and the Deputy Director of the FIO, and Academician of International Eurasian Academy of Sciences, attended and spoke at the panel discussion “Ocean Literacy: Global Collaboration and Domestic Approaches.”He emphasized that the ocean is fundamental to Earth’s habitability and the sustainable development of human society. It supplies over 70% of the planet’s oxygen and plays a vital role in climate regulation, ecological balance, and the global economy. Facing the growing impacts of human activity, Dr. Qiao underscored that science is crucial in enhancing public awareness and promoting cross-sector collaboration. He called for combining scientific research with social communication to build a shared understanding of ocean protection.
Dr. Qiao further stressed the need to integrate art and education in addressing global challenges such as ocean warming and acidification. Art, he said, can vividly convey the effects of climate change, while education fosters a sense of responsibility in future generations. He shared a successful case from the sailing events held in Qingdao during the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, where his research team’s green tide forecasting supported government decision-making, highlighting that scientists should communicate with policymakers in an accessible language to turn scientific findings into practical action.
Finally, Dr. Qiao encouraged the public to actively participate in ocean protection. Even those living inland, he said, can contribute through learning and environmentally friendly practices. He urged young people to understand, love, and safeguard the ocean, becoming drivers of sustainable development.
Dr. Fangli Qiao spoke at the panel discussion
The successful hosting of the Ocean & Climate Village in Shanghai not only provided an important platform for the public to understand the close relationship between the ocean and climate, but also effectively promoted the integration of science, art, and education. The event marked a solid step forward for DCC-OCC in enhancing ocean literacy and deepening international cooperation, contributing Chinese wisdom and strength to the creation of a sustainable and beautiful ocean.
