Pingtan International Forum on Island Conservation and Development 2017 kicked off on Friday in Pingtan, Fujian province, to discuss marine economy and island ecology protection.

More than 150 Chinese and foreign marine experts are attending the meeting where they will exchange experience in tackling global climate change, rising sea levels and ecological pollution.

The forum is co-organized by Pacific Society of China, China Association of Oceanic Engineering, China Island Research Center, Fujian Provincial Oceanic and Fishery Bureau and local government.

The two-day forum will have three themed sessions: "Coastal Tourism Economy", "Island Ecological Protection", and "Prevention and Reduction of Disasters on Island".

The forum, which was held for the first time in Pingtan in June 2016, aims to establish a long-term dialogue mechanism between the island countries and China and promote the bilateral development of the two sides.

Pingtan is the fifth-largest island in China and the largest island in Fujian province.

Zhang Yi contributed to this story.