33rd PIM Conference concludes, calling for sustainable development of oceans

The 33rd Pacem in Maribus (Latin for Peace in the Oceans) Conference concluded in Beijing Saturday, with the Beijing Declaration being adopted, which calls for joint efforts from world countries to promote the sustainable development of oceans.

Entitled "Oceans, Climate Change and Sustainable Development: Challenges to Oceans and Coastal Cities," the PIM conference has drawn 266 representatives from 30 countries and 12 international organizations.

Participants discussed challenges that oceans and coastal cities face today, the interaction between the ocean and climate change, and policies for ocean exploitation and protection.

In the Beijing Declaration, experts urged that renewed attention be focused on possible threats caused by the degradation of ecosystems in oceans and offshore areas.

Experts also voiced concern about the serious consequences caused by pollution, the over-use of natural resources, rising sea-levels and increasing levels of acids found in the world' s oceans.

As for global warming and climate change, two big issues the world is facing right now, experts suggested that the ocean, being the "carrier" and "adjuster" of climate change, could play a key role in solving climate-related problems.

Experts also said that, although coastal areas have become the most active locations in the world' s economic development sectors, the ecosystem degradation problems in these areas, have already resulted in damage to surrounding populations and society.

Only by making proper development plans, enacting strict policies and regulations, and conducting effective ecological restoration projects could these areas be changed for the better today and in the future, experts acknowledged.

"China started the cooperation with the other two organizers, International Ocean Institute (IOC), and the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, which contributed to the improved settlement of ocean issues," said Chen Lianzeng, deputy chief of China's State Oceanic Administration.

Initiated by the IOC in 1970, the PIM Conference has become a very important international meeting on global oceanic issues.

It is the second time the conference has been held in Beijing.

Source:Xinhua