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 understand better, 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 the 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.
The event focused on two major themes - "Ocean and Climate" and "International Cooperation". Scholars and experts from Sun Yat-sen University and the First Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, 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. He also shared several inspiring stories from international collaborative projects, highlighting the active role Chinese scientists play in global ocean governance and their contributions of Chinese expertise and solutions.
Professor Yu Weidong delivered a lecture
Associate Researcher Wang Shizhu of the First Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, 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. He encouraged students to pursue careers in ocean science with an open global outlook and to actively contribute to advancing international cooperation in marine research.
Associate Researcher Wang Shizhu delivered a lecture
During the interactive discussion session, students and faculty engaged in in-depth exchanges on topics including the application of ocean observation technologies, pathways for international cooperation, and the development of young scientific talent. The lively and enthusiastic atmosphere reflected the strong interest of participants in marine science and global ocean governance.
Students attending the event noted that the two expert presentations combined broad strategic perspectives with rich practical insights, deepening their understanding of the Ocean Decade. They remarked that the period from 2021 to 2030 is not only the Ocean Decade, but also a golden decade in the professional development of today’s young scholars. Inspired by the event, they pledged to set sail with the knowledge gained, steer their course with the spirit of scientific inquiry, and let their youth shine through their pursuit of the deep blue and their commitment to advancing ocean science.
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 visited Xiamen Yingcai School, delivering an engaging and informative ocean science outreach event for more than 300 seventh-grade students.
The event began with a screening of short films on marine environmental protection. Dr. Guan Song, Senior Program Officer of DCC-OCC, then 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.
Dr. Guan Song delivered a speech
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.
Professor Yu Weidong delivered a lecture
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.
Researcher Liu Fangming delivered a lecture
At the same time, he highlighted the serious challenges facing today’s oceans, including ocean acidification, coral bleaching, and harmful algal blooms (red tides). He emphasized the importance of protecting marine biodiversity through science-based governance measures, such as advancing the goals of the Ocean Decade and expanding marine protected areas. He called for sustained efforts to conserve and restore marine ecosystems and to promote the long-term health of the ocean environment.
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.
The active exchanges demonstrated a growing awareness among students of the importance of understanding and protecting the ocean, as well as their eagerness to explore scientific knowledge and contribute to a more sustainable future.
Students actively participate in discussions during the event
The ocean connects the past and the future, while also linking science, education, and sustainable development. Young people are a vital force in advancing ocean sustainability.
Looking ahead, the DCC-OCC will continue to work closely with research institutions, universities, primary and secondary schools, and partners from across society to expand the Ocean Decade on Campus. By creating platforms for dialogue between scientists and young people, we 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.
Through these efforts, the Center seeks to inspire and empower youth to contribute to the realization of the Ocean Decade vision and to the creation of a sustainable ocean future in which humanity and nature coexist in harmony.
Group Photo of all guests at the Ocean Decade on Campus at Xiamen Yingcai School
