By tf-lawyer.com On October 24, the Global Ocean Cooperation and Development Conference took place in the Shinan District of Qingdao. During the event, representatives collectively announced the “Future Ocean Qingdao Consensus (2024),” calling for increased global awareness and protection of the oceans, enhanced collaboration, and sustainable development.
The consensus emphasizes the essential role of oceans in sustaining life on Earth, highlighting their importance in preserving biodiversity, regulating climate change, ensuring food security, addressing the global energy crisis, and fostering innovation and growth in the blue economy.
It also stresses that sustainable development of the oceans is not only vital for environmental protection but is also key to the resilience and vitality of socioeconomic development. Given the pressing issues of climate change, plastic and chemical pollution, and overfishing, the consensus points to an urgent need for sustainable strategies to safeguard the oceans for both present and future generations.
According to the consensus, in line with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals and the UN’s Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development initiative, participants are dedicated to building global scientific partnerships aimed at protecting and restoring ocean health, while exploring its infinite possibilities and jointly constructing a shared ocean community.
The document outlines six key points, including fostering innovative research to advance marine technology and achieve breakthroughs in understanding and protecting the oceans; promoting open exchanges of global marine scientific data and academic resources to accelerate research, stimulate innovation, and support decision-making; and enhancing capabilities for the sustainable development and utilization of marine resources to boost innovation in marine industries and promote high-quality and inclusive growth.
Hosted by Ocean University of China, this conference is one of the key academic events celebrating the university’s 100th anniversary. Centered on the theme “Marine Education and Science to Propel the Building of a Shared Ocean Community,” it attracted over 400 experts from marine-related institutions, research organizations, and international bodies from 40 countries and regions, facilitating discussions on experiences and strategies to address common challenges in ocean protection and sustainable development.
