For many people along Ghana's coast, the ocean is an essential source of livelihood. David Kwame Amenorfenyo, a PhD student in aquaculture from Ghana, brought this perspective to the 2026 World Ocean Week in Xiamen, southeast China's Fujian Province. Exploring the city's coastal environment, including the historic harbor district of Shapowei, he was struck by how urban development, nature and marine ecosystems coexist.

David sees marine biodiversity as closely connected to the well-being of coastal communities. He hopes to take insights from his experience in Xiamen back to Ghana, sharing them with local fishermen and policymakers, particularly on ways to keep the marine environment clean and healthy.