#Cultural Exchange #Putian #Marine Conservation #Mazu Forum

The 11th Global Mazu Culture Forum Set to Start in Putian

The vibrant city of Putian, located in southeast China's Fujian Province, is set to host the 11th Global Mazu Culture Forum from October 31 to November 2, 2026. This year’s forum promises to be a grand affair, bringing together participants from 47 countries and regions to celebrate Mazu culture, which is significant in maritime beliefs and traditions. The event will feature a main forum, ten thematic sub-forums, and various supporting events taking place across 13 venues in the city. Notably, this event will underscore the importance of cultural exchanges and the celebration of maritime heritage.

One highlight of this year's forum is the unveiling of version 2.0 of the Mass Conservation Ocean Model (MaCOM), developed in China and now made available as an open-source tool. This initiative is crucial as it aims to enhance global efforts in ocean conservation—an issue that is increasingly vital in today’s world. The forum will also host a special ceremony to hand over an integrated smart terminal for China's innovative MAZU meteorological early warning system to Sri Lanka, marking a significant step towards international collaboration in environmental protection.

In line with the forum’s goals, the first Mazu scholarships will be awarded to support meteorological training worldwide, further boosting professional development in this critical field. As of October 2026, the MAZU early warning solution has already been implemented in eight countries, including Pakistan, Ethiopia, and the Solomon Islands, with over 50 additional nations accessing it through cloud-based platforms according to Chinese meteorological authorities.

The discussions during the thematic forums are set to encompass a range of important topics, including the marine economy, ecological conservation, and women's development. A sub-forum will take place in Sao Paulo, Brazil, where it will explore Mazu culture and the cultural exchanges between China and Brazil, presenting legislative outcomes regarding Mazu Day and promoting academic dialogue on maritime civilization.

Key releases during the forum will include a 2026 report on China's maritime culture, as well as a white paper focused on green and high-quality island development, aiming to lay the groundwork for future ecological initiatives. The conference will also work towards formulating a framework agreement dedicated to mangrove restoration and conservation, alongside the establishment of a dedicated Mazu protection fund.

In conjunction with the forum, the 28th Meizhou Mazu Cultural Tourism Festival will take place, broadcasting its opening ceremony globally for the first time. This will allow audiences worldwide to witness Mazu sacrificial rituals, which are recognized as a national intangible cultural heritage item. Additionally, an original dance drama titled