Conference promotes deep-sea conservation through tech innovation

More than 300 academicians, scientists, and entrepreneurs from around the globe have convened in Shenzhen for the International Conference on Deep Sea Science and Technology, along with the 2024 COMRA Annual Science Meeting, to deliberate on effective methods for safeguarding deep-sea ecosystems.

Academicians, scientists, and entrepreneurs from around the globe gather at the International Conference on Deep Sea Science and Technology and the 2024 COMRA Annual Science Meeting at the Shenzhen Convention and Exhibition Center in Futian District today. Photos by Liu Xudong except otherwise stated

Centered around the theme of protecting the deep ocean environment and utilizing deep ocean resources responsibly, the three-day conference commenced this morning at the Shenzhen Convention and Exhibition Center in Futian District. This event serves as a significant adjunct to the 2024 China Marine Economy Expo scheduled to take place from Oct. 31 to Nov. 2 at the Shenzhen Convention and Exhibition Center in Futian District (main venue) and the Shenzhen Airport Yacht Marina (subvenue).

Officials and experts at the launching ceremony of COMRA's subcommittees on deep-sea observation and monitoring, deep-sea environmental science and technology, deep-sea development technology, and deep-sea standard during the event.

Representatives from 130 institutes and organizations spanning 12 countries and regions, including United Nations agencies, are engaging in discussions on pivotal topics such as deep ocean sciences, cutting-edge technologies, biodiversity preservation, seabed mineral extraction, and sustainable resource management.

Sun Shuxian, the deputy minister of the Ministry of Natural Resources, delivers a speech at the event.

During the opening ceremony, Sun Shuxian, the deputy minister of the Ministry of Natural Resources, emphasized the significance of conducting scientific research, ecological environmental protection, and sustainable resource development in the deep sea to ensure global economic and social sustainability. Encouraging collaborative efforts to promote deep-sea technological innovation, Sun proposed four key recommendations: enhancing deep-sea knowledge, exploring novel avenues for blue economic development, strengthening deep-sea ecological protection, and nurturing a proficient workforce for deep-sea development.

Deng Renjie, vice general manager of China Merchants Group, highlighted the group's strides in deep-sea technology research and equipment manufacturing, sharing insights on the environmental risks associated with deep-sea resource development through technological investments and environmentally conscious practices.

Dai Jintao, deputy mayor of Shenzhen, said the city's marine economy development has a bright prospect. "Shenzhen, a coastal city with 260.5 kilometers of coastline and 2,030 square kilometers of marine area, is actively nurturing and developing new marine productive forces, making comprehensive efforts in marine scientific research, industrial development, talent cultivation, and ecological environmental protection, aiming to become a model of a modernized marine powerhouse city with Chinese characteristics," he said.

By the end of the third quarter of 2024, the city had 75 innovation carriers related to the sea, with an estimated total marine GDP of 265.45 billion yuan. Shenzhen is home to nearly 30,000 marine-related companies, including major players like China Merchants Group, China Merchants Heavy Industry Shenzhen, CNOOC Shenzhen, and China Merchants Port. 

Attendees react during the conference.

Zhang Zhanhai, chairman of the China Ocean Mineral Resources Research and Development Association, emphasized the goal of augmenting exchanges and cooperation among domestic and international experts, scholars, entrepreneurs, and policymakers to deepen the understanding of the deep sea. The conference is geared towards fostering scientific comprehension of the ocean, propelling deep-sea technological innovation, and exploring science-based solutions for the sustainable protection and utilization of deep-sea resources, thereby facilitating the sharing of best practices, he said.

In a video address, the United Nations Secretary-General's Special Envoy for Ocean Affairs, Peter Thomson, emphasized the crucial role healthy oceans play in sustainable human development and addressing global challenges like climate change. Thomson urged the exploration of sustainable blue economic development models and commended China for its active role in fulfilling the United Nations' 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda maritime goals.

Yutaka Michida, chairperson of the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO, expressed hope that the conference would bolster public awareness and action regarding the value and preservation of the ocean.

Lin Jian, a member of Academia Europaea, chair professor and director of the Advanced Institute for Ocean Research at the Southern University of Science and Technology, and leader of the Shenzhen Ocean University Preparatory Team, gives a speech at the event today. Liu Minxia

Lin Jian, a member of Academia Europaea, chair professor and director of the Advanced Institute for Ocean Research at the Southern University of Science and Technology, and leader of the Shenzhen Ocean University Preparatory Team, issued a call to action under the U.N. Ocean Decade Initiative.

AdvocatING for science-based solutions and best practices to ensure the sustainable development of the world's oceans, Lin proposed five recommendations.

These recommendations include boosting investment in deep ocean scientific research, bolstering the understanding of the deep ocean for protection and sustainable utilization, enhancing the protection of the deep ocean ecological environment, advocating for rational use of deep ocean resources, promoting international cooperation, and supporting initiatives to educate and cultivate talent focused on deep ocean exploration and resource management.

It is the first time that such an international conference on deep-sea science and technology is held in Shenzhen. It aims to serve as a premier international and professional exchange platform for both domestic and foreign scientists, experts, and entrepreneurs, according to the organizers. In addition to seeking to advance deep-sea scientific research and technology and deepening international collaborations, the conference will also offer insights to propel Shenzhen's plan to develop the city as a global ocean hub.