Inside Xiamen's preparations to host the BBNJ Secretariat - CGTN

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What does it take to host the BBNJ Secretariat, and how can local conservation efforts contribute to protecting our oceans?

During the 2026 World Ocean Week in Xiamen, southeast China's Fujian Province, international officials and experts visited the proposed site for the BBNJ Secretariat, as China seeks to host the Secretariat in the coastal city.

They got a firsthand look at the facilities and surrounding environment prepared for its potential establishment.

The BBNJ Agreement, which entered into force in January 2026, is a landmark UN treaty aimed at conserving and sustainably using marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction, including the high seas.

The delegation also visited Xiatanwei Mangrove Park to learn about Xiamen's conservation efforts.

Mangroves serve as natural coastal barriers, provide vital habitats and nursery grounds for marine life and help store carbon.

Over the past years, Xiamen has planted around 85 hectares of mangroves, with restoration efforts contributing to increased marine biodiversity.

The visits offered international experts a close-up look at Xiamen's preparations to host the Secretariat and its practical experience in marine conservation, highlighting the importance of international cooperation, capacity building and knowledge sharing in protecting our shared blue planet.