Sino-French ocean cooperation advances clean-energy innovation

China and France have deepened cooperation in ocean conservation in recent years, expanding joint efforts in biodiversity protection, clean-energy development and multilateral climate action. Their initiatives – from coral restoration and ecological monitoring to innovative wind-aquaculture integration – have drawn broad recognition.

These progress areas were also highlighted in June at the third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3) held in Nice, where experts praised the two countries' contributions to global ocean governance.

Nice Mayor Christian Estrosi stressed that France and China, both staunch advocates of multilateralism, play a key role in addressing global challenges such as climate change and sea-level rise.

He highlighted the March joint declaration on climate marking the 10th anniversary of the Paris Agreement, which reaffirmed the two countries' commitment to providing multilateral responses to major global challenges.

Estrosi also cited cooperation at the Nice Observatory, where Chinese and French scientists jointly study climate impacts on the ocean.

During UNOC3, the French Green Marine Institute released a white paper on the marine biodiversity conservation, outlining China's decade-long practices in ecological monitoring, coral conservation, stock enhancement and pollution control.

Experts highlighted China's model of combining marine energy, blue granary and ecological health, and the "Fuxi No.1" integrated wind-farm–aquaculture platform, the world's first large typhoon-resistant wind-fishing structure.

French scientists said this approach demonstrates how clean-energy projects can promote ecological restoration through coral nurseries, artificial reefs and long-term monitoring.

Experts at UNOC3 commended China's long-term efforts in marine conservation, especially its "Blue Partnership," which shares knowledge, technologies and best practices with developing countries.

At a side event of UNOC3, China released outstanding cases of marine ecological protection and restoration. Another session showcased the Coastal city Ocean-bAsed Solution Toolkit for sustainable development (COAST) developed by China's First Institute of Oceanography.

This globally open tool integrates big data, numerical models and AI to support coastal disaster preparedness, ecosystem health assessment and fisheries management – an approach widely praised by researchers from the United Kingdom, Egypt and the World Economic Forum.

Experts at the UNOC3 agreed that China's experience in marine ecological protection, clean-energy development and technological innovation offers valuable references for countries seeking capacity building.

Sino-French collaboration continues to demonstrate how joint scientific research, corporate participation and multilateral action can drive more inclusive and effective ocean governance.