China and EU join hands to protect oceans for next generation

European Union Ambassador to China Hans Dietmar Schweisgut speaks at the event. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Participants shared the determination of their organizations and countries in preserving marine resources and unleashing the oceans’ potential for innovation and growth.

European Union Ambassador to China Hans Dietmar Schweisgut concluded his welcome speech by saying, “The question we need to answer is after all very simple: Do we want oceans where there are more plastic bottles than fishes? The answer is obvious, so let's get down to work!”

Chief Engineer Lv Caixia from the SOA commenting on the partnership, said, “To improve sea water quality and restore health in our marine ecosystems, we need help from all citizens, and it is with efforts from all citizens can we do good to the ocean and benefit from the ocean.”

Chief Engineer Lv Caixia from the State Oceanic Administration speaks at the event. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

One highlight of the event was the passing on of responsibilities to the next generation. Inspired by the EU-China collaboration, students from the Tianjin schools volunteered to perform a vow by the ocean, pledging to protect it from the negative impacts of human activity.

The movie A Plastic Ocean, a documentary made possible by the Plastic Oceans Foundation, was also screened at the event to educate participants, especially children, regarding plastic pollution and the fragile state of oceans around the world.

A tour of the China National Offshore Oil Corporation’s Floating Production Storage and Offloading vessel was also arranged, helping participants to see blue energy at work first-hand.

European Union Ambassador to China Hans Dietmar Schweisgut works with Chief Engineer Lv Caixia from the State Oceanic Administration to clean the beach. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

This event was also a prelude for the OurOcean2017 conference, to be held in Malta on 5-6 October.

At the conference, global leaders will unveil new initiatives and reaffirm their determination to safeguard our oceans.

Zooming in on the marine litter issue, the EU has previously engaged in a series of initiatives to reduce marine litter as part of the "Circular Economy Action Plan", including the Marine Strategy Framework Directive, the Port Reception Facilities Directive, the International Ocean Governance initiative.

Student volunteers participate in the beach cleanup event. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]