Blue Carbon International Symposium Held in Guangzhou

The Coastal Wetland Blue Carbon Function and Their Carbon Neutrality Potential

19 09, 2024

On August 23, the Blue Carbon International Symposium, hosted by the South China Botanical Garden of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, was successfully held in Guangzhou. This symposium focused on blue carbon research with the aim of strengthening international cooperation and communication and promoting the sustainable development of global wetland ecosystems. The symposium attracted experts and scholars from several countries, including China, Thailand, and Indonesia, who came together to share the latest research developments and practical experiences in blue carbon. The event was strongly supported by the ANSO Collaborative Research project.

WANG Jun, Director of the Research and International Affairs Office at the South China Botanical Garden, delivered the opening remarks. He warmly welcomed the attending experts and emphasized the critical role of blue carbon research in addressing global climate change. Prof. WANG Faming, the project leader, presented the latest findings and progresses of blue carbon research of this project, highlighting the importance of blue carbon in enhancing carbon sequestration and protecting wetlands.

During the symposium, Associate Prof. LU Zhe from the South China Botanical Garden discussed the impact of dissolved organic matter from mangrove leaves on blue carbon sequestration. Prof. Sarawut Siriwong, Vice President and Dean of the Marine Technology Faculty at Burapha University of Thailand, shared insights on the biodiversity of Eastern Thailand and its potential for sustainable development. Prof. Esti Handayani Hardi from the Mulawarman University of Indonesia introduced her team’s research progress and practical experience in mangrove ecosystem restoration and fisheries development. Additionally, Prof. Bunlung Neungsaeng, Director of the Bangsaen Institute of Marine Science at Burapha University, and Vasin Yuvanatemiya, former Vice President Prof. of Burapha University, highlighted their institution’s research infrastructure and foundational work in marine science and blue carbon related to mangroves.

Notably, Prof. Vasin Yuvanatemiya, representing Prof. Pichai Songcharoen, Secretary-General of the Thai-Chinese Technology Association, congratulated the successful symposium. He expressed the hope that this symposium would further strengthen research collaboration between Thailand and China on mangroves and coastal zones, contributing to the advancement of technology in both countries.

In the discussion session, experts from various countries engaged in in-depth exchanges on how to enhance global blue carbon monitoring and management through international cooperation. The discussions covered academic exchanges, policy support, and project collaboration. Participants unanimously agreed that interdisciplinary and cross-border cooperation would provide strong support for the sustainable development of global wetland ecosystems. Specific details were also explored regarding the next steps for blue carbon surveys and project collaboration in Thailand and Indonesia.

The symposium facilitated academic exchanges in the field of blue carbon, and also laid a solid foundation for future international cooperation.

Source: Wang Faming, South China Botanical Garden, CAS