On November 3, 2025, the third of the International Mangrove Center Workshop on Mangrove Conservation and Restoration officially opened in Shenzhen. The workshop brings together 24 government officials from 16 countries. Representatives from the International Mangrove Center (IMC), the National Academy of Forestry and Grassland Administration (NAFGA), and the Urban Planning and Natural Resources Bureau of Shenzhen Municipality, attended the opening ceremony.
The photo shows the workshop’s opening ceremony
At the opening ceremony, Mr. Peng Peng, Director of the IMC Interim Secretariat, speaking on behalf of Prof. Bao Daming, Director General of the IMC Interim Secretariat, emphasized the irreplaceable role of mangroves in coastal protection, biodiversity conservation, and climate change mitigation. He noted that since proposal of the establishment of the IMC, the initiative has progressed steadily, with membership now reaching 20 countries. IMC is preparing to convene its first Council Meeting. This workshop will guide participants through field visits in Shenzhen, Fujian, and Zhejiang, offering in-depth learning about China’s experiences in mangrove conservation and restoration to foster global cooperation in protecting the “blue-green lungs” of the planet.
Mr. Wu Xiaoping, Representative of the Urban Planning and Natural Resources Bureau of Shenzhen Municipality, highlighted Shenzhen’s role as the host city of the IMC. He noted that the city has integrated ecological civilization into its overall development strategy, becoming the first in China to establish the Gross Ecosystem Product. Shenzhen has developed a sound and scientific framework for mangrove management and has continuously advanced wetland conservation and mangrove restoration in recent years, generating replicable practices. He reaffirmed Shenzhen’s commitment to supporting the IMC’s growth and strengthening its role as a global hub for mangrove conservation and cooperation.
Representing the participants, Mr. Jean Fortune NTOUNA KAMBANGOYE, Deputy Director General of the Ministry of Water and Forest General Management of Aquatics Ecosystems of Gabon, expressed appreciation to the Chinese government and the IMC for their contributions to global mangrove conservation. He noted that the workshop offers a valuable platform for member countries to exchange experiences, share management practices, and explore innovative technologies. He called for strengthened collaboration among member states to build an international network for mangrove conservation and sustainable use.
Following the opening ceremony, participants will embark on a 15-day training program covering topics such as mangrove ecology, wetland management, blue carbon and climate change mitigation, and carbon sink potential. The curriculum combines lectures, case studies, and field visits to enhance participants’ technical knowledge and broaden their global perspectives.
During the on-site learning sessions, participants will visit the Futian Mangrove Ramsar Site, Huaqiaocheng National Wetland Park, and Baguang Heritiera Wetland Park in Shenzhen to gain an in-depth understanding of the city’s innovative measures in mangrove conservation and ecological restoration. They will then proceed to multiple locations in Fujian and Zhejiang provinces for further study, including the Zhangjiangkou Mangrove National Nature Reserve, Xianmen Xiatanwei Mangrove Park, Minjiang River Estuary Wetland, as well as demonstration sites for mangrove conservation and restoration in Yanpu Bay Mangrove Forest, and Dongtou Mangrove Ecological Park, and the Ximen Island National Marine Special Reserve. These visits will offer first-hand experience of the dynamic practices in ecological conservation and sustainable development along China’s southeastern coast.
The workshop is jointly organized by the International Mangrove Center and the Urban Planning and Natural Resources Bureau of Shenzhen Municipality, and co-hosted by the Guangdong Neilingding Futian National Nature Reserve Administration Bureau and the National Academy of Forestry and Grassland Administration.