More than 200 delegates from 13 APEC economies gathered in Shenzhen this week for a three-day workshop on community-based conservation and regional collaboration for long-distance migratory marine species, as the city gears up to host the APEC meeting in November this year.
Attendees at the conference pose for a group photo. Photos courtesy of event organizers
The workshop, held at CITIC International Tower, brought together government officials, international organization representatives, scientists, reserve managers, community leaders and business representatives from China, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia and other Asia-Pacific economies to discuss threats to migratory species and ways to strengthen cross-border cooperation.
"Long-distance migratory species are a natural bond connecting our economies and a vital barometer of ocean ecosystem health," Chen Danhong, director general of the Department of International Cooperation at China's Ministry of Natural Resources, said in her opening remarks on Wednesday. "But their migratory corridors face compounding pressures — habitat degradation, marine pollution and climate change. Fragmented efforts cannot address shared crises."
Chinese and Indonesian representatives sign an agreement to establish sister communities.
Chen noted that as the host of APEC 2026, China is committed to deepening regional ocean cooperation through community-level projects and by leveraging digital and technological tools for conservation.
Shenzhen, which will host the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting later this year, is positioning the workshop as part of its broader push to become a global marine hub.
Chan Yaodong, deputy secretary general of the Shenzhen Municipal Government, said the city has been systematically advancing marine biodiversity protection and blue community governance, and that the workshop offers a platform to share Shenzhen's experience with the region.
For marine species like whale sharks, sea turtles and dolphins, national boundaries mean nothing. Their migration routes crisscross the Pacific, passing through the waters of multiple countries — a reality that makes protection a shared responsibility.
I Nyoman Radiarta, director general of Indonesia's Marine and Fisheries Human Resources and Fishery Development Agency, said his country has made conservation a priority under its blue economy strategy.
"Fish know no political boundaries," Radiarta said. "They swim across all countries. That's why we need more collaboration among Asia Pacific countries and around the world. From the ocean, we can create economic value for our development, together."
Regina Elena Aguilar Arakaki, a biologist from Instituto del Mar del Peru, said migratory species face multiple risks, including collisions, bycatch and climate change. "We have to work together to improve conditions for them to migrate freely," she said.
Regina Elena Aguilar Arakaki (L), a biologist from Instituto del Mar del Peru, is listening attentively to a speech.
For her, the Shenzhen workshop offers something beyond scientific exchange. "For us visitors, it's very important to know the actions Shenzhen is taking to protect these species and to learn from those actions. This is also a place to exchange and learn from other countries."
The workshop produced several concrete outcomes. A coastal and ocean management toolkit for long-distance migratory species protection, led by China's First Institute of Oceanography, was endorsed by all participating economies.
Shenzhen students perform live music during the conference.
The toolkit uses satellite remote sensing and oceanographic data to map migration routes, identify critical habitats and assess pressures from shipping and fishing. It also provides training on Species Distribution Models for coastal management agencies.
Separate agreements were signed between China and Indonesia, and between China and Thailand, to establish sister communities, a step toward institutionalizing community-level marine conservation cooperation under the APEC framework.
A marine-focused blue carbon account product, initiated by CITIC Urban Development & Operation Co., was also launched during the workshop, linking green finance with marine ecosystem responsibility.
During the event, a group of Shenzhen student volunteers welcomed delegates with musical performances.
Wang Ziren, a local student, volunteered to translate paperwork and give an English-language tour of an exhibition hall at the main venue.
Wang said that the experience has deepened his understanding of marine conservation, particularly migratory species. He also felt a real sense of pride in introducing Shenzhen's marine economy and conservation efforts to delegates.
"Being able to give these international guests a tour around the lounge was rewarding and made the preparation worthwhile," he said.
The workshop also included field visits to sites around Shenzhen in a bid to showcase the city's efforts in integrating marine conservation into urban governance, community participation, and technological innovation.
