Strengthening Marine Science Collaboration through Youth Program in Hainan

A youth program centered on blue carbon and coastal wetlands is receiving acclaim from British attendees for enhancing global cooperation in marine science. The Blue Carbon and Coastal Wetlands Youth Scientific Exchange Program, along with the Sino-UK Culture Exchange Week, commenced on June 17 in Hainan province and includes various activities such as field research in coastal wetlands, laboratory work on marine biodiversity, and cultural events that merge scientific exploration with community engagement.

Organized by Hainan University, the initiative aims to establish enduring partnerships that include collaborative academic projects and co-created research focused on blue carbon—an area where China's mangrove and seagrass habitats excel at sequestering carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Doctoral student Ari Drummond from the University of Plymouth expressed her desire to facilitate future exchanges for more British students to visit Hainan, emphasizing the importance of international collaboration in marine sciences.

Drummond pointed out that while the UK has a variety of marine programs, reciprocal exchanges are crucial for expanding knowledge. She reiterated the importance of sharing scientific findings broadly, rather than keeping them within small groups. Participants found value in the program’s unique integration of science and culture, which included crafting ocean-themed ceramics and learning traditional Chinese techniques for preserving marine specimens.

Harry Clarke, a master's student in marine conservation, noted the program’s alignment with the UK's objective to protect 30 percent of the world's oceans by 2030, acknowledging that collaboration between countries is vital to meet this goal. Having visited China multiple times, Clarke encouraged more individuals to witness China's conservation initiatives in person, highlighting the inspiring commitment to marine protection in Hainan and the potential for collaborative projects.

Shen Yijun, dean of the School of Marine Sciences and Engineering at Hainan University, remarked on the shared understanding developed between the 21 British participants and their Chinese counterparts during the exchange. Shen underscored that ocean conservation is a collective responsibility and that China's extensive coastline provides it with significant advantages in blue carbon research due to its diverse marine ecosystems.

Drummond emphasized the interconnectedness of marine science through the experiences gained during the program. She stated that sharing art and preservation techniques with local communities makes science more accessible, which is essential for fostering real change. As global climate discussions increasingly highlight ocean-based solutions, exchanges like this play a vital role in aligning initiatives between China and the UK. Shen concluded that protecting the ocean is a responsibility shared by all humanity, necessitating ongoing cross-border dialogues.