#China #Jiangsu Province #green development #Yancheng #World Coastal Forum

Spotlight on Green Growth: The 2025 World Coastal Forum

The much-anticipated 2025 World Coastal Forum commenced on September 24, in Yancheng, Jiangsu province, marking a crucial moment for joint efforts in ecological protection and sustainable development. This two-day event gathered a diverse array of stakeholders, including government agencies, international organizations, and academic institutions, to discuss pressing issues affecting coastal ecosystems.

A Collaborative Approach

The primary aim of the forum is to foster collaboration among its 25 member organizations from 14 countries and regions. The members include influential bodies that focus on environmental issues, emphasizing a comprehensive approach to safeguarding coastal areas. The forum seeks to promote joint consultation, co-construction, and knowledge sharing to create effective strategies for sustainable and green development.

During the opening ceremony, Yang Zhen, vice chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, highlighted the need to balance development with environmental preservation. He underscored the importance of establishing integrated land-sea ecological governance frameworks and encouraged more countries to join the World Coastal Forum Partnership Initiative, first launched in 2023, to capitalize on shared development opportunities and promote a greener future.

Focus on Jiangsu's Ecological Transformation

Xin Changxing, the Party secretary of Jiangsu province, articulated the region's commitment to ecological protection and the acceleration of green transformations. Jiangsu aims to enhance its coastal ecological barrier while promoting the sustainable use of marine resources, thereby establishing a closer relationship between humanity and the ocean. This ambitious plan outlines the province's role in leading ecological initiatives to benefit present and future generations.

The State of the World's Coastal Ecosystems

A pivotal moment of the forum was the release of the report titled "State of the World's Coastal Ecosystems." This comprehensive assessment, collaboratively prepared by the Ministry of Natural Resources and the International Union for Conservation of Nature, revealed alarming trends in coastal ecosystem degradation over the past 50 years. Key findings indicate severe losses in vital habitats, including seagrass beds and coral reefs, with an annual net loss rate surpassing 1%. The report also identified urbanization, climate change, and over-exploitation of fisheries as critical factors contributing to this decline.

The document emphasized the urgent necessity for effective interventions to mitigate these impacts as coastal regions experience rapid socio-economic development. Although global efforts in protecting and restoring coastal ecosystems are ongoing, the report indicates that much work lies ahead to reverse course on these concerning trends.

A Call to Action

Despite progress, only 12.4% of the world’s coastal areas are currently protected, signaling an urgent need for stronger safeguards. Restoration initiatives are developing in many regions but are often constrained by technological, funding, and policy limitations. The need for robust ecological awareness and more decisive actions—particularly concerning fisheries management and green shipping technologies—was underscored by various speakers at the conference.

Scott Morris, vice president of the Asian Development Bank, stated that the bank recognizes the potential of the blue economy as a pathway for sustainable development. He noted that since 2019, over $3.8 billion has been committed to ocean health projects, demonstrating a strong dedication to fostering coastal resilience through innovative projects such as the Jiangsu Yancheng Wetlands Protection Project.

Conclusion

The 2025 World Coastal Forum, themed "Beautiful Coasts Ecological Priority and Green Development," spotlighted significant advancements and ongoing challenges in the realm of coastal ecosystem protection. As the event concluded, it became evident that collective efforts—including the integration of various stakeholders and the establishment of more stringent protective measures—are essential for achieving the lofty ideal of a sustainable blue economy. The forum was co-hosted by the Jiangsu Provincial People's Government alongside the Ministry of Natural Resources and the National Forestry and Grassland Administration, showcasing a united front in the global quest for ecological preservation and sustainable growth.