Guardians of the blue planet: Protecting Hainan's marine biodiversity

World Maritime Day is observed on September 25. The 2025 theme is "Our ocean, our obligation, our opportunity." This theme underscores the ocean's vital role in sustaining life, livelihoods and the global economy, and emphasizes that safeguarding marine environments is both a responsibility and a chance for innovation and cooperation.

Sansha City, located in southern China's Hainan Province, manages island and reef groups in the South China Sea whose waters support abundant marine biodiversity.

Coral atolls and surrounding waters sustain a diverse range of life – from corals and reef fish to sea lilies and other invertebrates – offering essential habitats and nursery areas that support local fisheries and enhance regional ecological resilience. 

Protecting these ecosystems is vital for both local livelihoods and the overall health of the South China Sea.