The First Ocean Decade International Coastal Cities Conference is held in Qingdao West Coast New Area. [Photo by Han Xing/WeChat account: qingdaoxuanchuan2023]

The First Ocean Decade International Coastal Cities Conference is being held in Qingdao West Coast New Area from Feb 25 to 27.

Themed "Better Ocean, Better City," the conference unites nearly 400 oceanographers to explore climate change response, blue economy development, partnerships, and capacity building. The goal is to cultivate sustainable development solutions for ocean cities based on scientific insights and strengthen global consensus on mutual benefits among ocean cities.

A key focus of the conference is the sustainable development of the blue economy. Experts from various countries discuss port construction, marine ranching, and the blue industry, exploring the transition of the ocean economy from light blue to deep blue.

In recent years, Qingdao has prioritized the development of its modern marine economy. The city aims to establish a hub for modern marine economic development by enhancing a modern marine industry system. This includes fostering emerging industries such as marine equipment, marine pharmaceuticals and bioproducts, seawater desalination and comprehensive utilization, and marine renewable energy.

Additionally, Qingdao is concentrating on transforming and strengthening key industries like modern fisheries, port shipping, marine tourism, and marine chemicals. This strategy seeks to elevate the marine industry from its inception to expertise, from small to significant, and from strength to dominance.