Essential role

The 14th World Oceans Day and 15th China Ocean Day were marked on June 8. According to the State Oceanic Administration, China has one of the world's richest marine biodiversities, with more than 28,000 recorded species. The nation also has over 50 national-level marine protection zones.

Wang Hong, head of the administration, said at a public event on June 8 that the ocean is the largest ecosystem on the planet, and plays an essential role in humanity's sustainable development.

He added that China will give equal priority to development and conservation when handling maritime resources, and will enhance innovation, international dialogue and cooperation, with the aim of becoming an ecological civilization that exists in harmony with nature.

Huang Hui, a noted coral reef expert and researcher at the Chinese Academy of Sciences' South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, said environmental protection is not just a matter for scientists and government agencies, but relates to everyone.

"Only by public involvement, and by taking one step at a time, can we build comprehensive protection for our ecosystem," she said.

Liu Haozhe, a volunteer at the Blue Ribbon Ocean Conservation Association, which was founded in Sanya, Hainan province, in June 2007, said: "The ocean is part of our home. How we treat nature will determine how nature treats us."