On June 15, the International Training on Marine and Coastal Ecological Environment and Disasters Monitoring in Small Island Developing States (SIDS) organized by the SIO was successfully concluded. 26 participants from 15 island countries and regions across the Pacific, Africa, and the Indian Ocean completed the course. Deputy Director Chen Jianfang attended the closing ceremony and awarded certificates to the participants.

During the training, researchers from 12 national scientific research institutions focused on the marine ecological environment changes, disaster monitoring, and sustainable development needs faced by small island developing states. Leveraging China’s technological advantages in satellite remote sensing, marine observation, and management, the course featured 28 thematic lectures on profiling buoys, ocean color remote sensing, coastal zone remote sensing, marine ecological restoration and blue carbon sequestration, climate change, and disaster prevention and mitigation. Additionally, hands-on training sessions were carried out on the Pacific island nations’ nearshore and coastal zone remote sensing analysis service systems, online platforms for marine remote sensing analysis, and the processing and application of Argo buoy data, helping participants master basic operations and data analysis skills.

The achievements in remote sensing monitoring of coastal and benthic ecosystems of Pacific island nations, and international disaster emergency monitoring using satellites showcased in the training received enthusiastic responses. Participants praised the targeted and practical nature of the training, emphasizing its great help to enhancing professional skills and application capabilities. Several countries expressed strong willingness to collaborate, hoping to jointly contribute to addressing climate changes in small island developing states.

During the training, the SIO organized seminars for academic presentations and discussions, and participants to experience Chinese folk culture. They were guided to visit the Zhejiang Provincial Museum, bases of the SIO in Lin’an and Zhoushan, providing diverse insights into Chinese culture and fostering exchange and experience among participants. Over 20 jointly trained doctors and masters from the SIO participated as teaching assistants and volunteers.

This training marks a new starting point for the SIO’s collaboration with small island developing countries in the marine sector. The SIO will continue to leverage its strengths in satellite remote sensing, marine observation, disaster prevention and mitigation, and coastal zone ecological conservation to actively contribute to small island developing countries’ active response to climate change and marine disaster prevention and mitigation.