Public engagement promotes marine ecology awareness across China

On June 8, 2025, the 17th World Oceans Day saw many regions across China respond to the theme of "Protecting marine ecosystems, fostering harmony between humans and nature" through science popularization, interactive exhibits, and collaborative art projects. In places like Yantai City, east China's Shandong Province, and Yuhuan City, east China's Zhejiang Province, marine science centers and museum exhibitions deepened public understanding. In Fuzhou City, east China's Fujian Province, and Qinhuangdao City, north China's Hebei Province, innovative forms such as children's painting classes and art made from recycled materials conveyed environmental protection messages. From exhibition halls to classrooms, communities joined hands to paint a new picture of harmony between people and the ocean.

Photo taken on June 8, 2025, shows visitors observing marine life at Haichang Whale Shark Ocean Park, Yantai City, east China's Shandong Province. (Tang Ke / Guangming Picture)

Photo taken on June 8, 2025, shows citizens and visitors viewing marine animal specimens at Yuhuan Museum, Yuhuan City, east China's Zhejiang Province. (Wu Dafu / Guangming Picture)

Photo taken on June 8, 2025, shows visitors learning about marine life at Haichang Whale Shark Ocean Park, Yantai City, east China's Shandong Province. (Tang Ke / Guangming Picture)

Photo taken on June 7, 2025, shows a lively weekend painting class in Mindu Community, Shuibu Subdistrict, Gulou District, Fuzhou City, east China's Fujian Province, where volunteers guide children to jointly paint their vision of a “marine home.” (Xie Guiming / Guangming Picture)

Photo taken on June 6, 2025, shows art teacher and students from No.1 Primary School, Duzhuang Campus, Haigang District, Qinhuangdao City, north China's Hebei Province, displaying artworks themed on marine environmental protection. (Cao Jianxiong / Guangming Picture)