On the morning of October 22, 2026, the opening ceremony of the third session of the 2026 International Workshop on Mangrove Conservation and Restoration was held at the Secretariat of the International Mangrove Center (IMC). The workshop brought together 23 participants from IMC Member States, signatory States and international organizations. Representatives of the IMC, the Urban Planning and the Natural Resources Bureau of Shenzhen Municipality (Shenzhen Municipal Forestry Bureau), the National Academy of Forestry and Grassland Administration and other institutions attended the ceremony.
Opening ceremony of the workshop
At the opening ceremony, Prof. Bao Daming, Director General of the IMC emphasized that effective mangrove conservation and restoration require knowledge, skills and cooperation. The IMC brings together countries, institutions and practitioners to strengthen capacity and share expertise. He noted that the workshop offers an opportunity to connect scientific knowledge with practical experience and explore approaches suited to local conditions. He encouraged participants to ask questions, share successes and challenges from their respective countries, and apply what they learn in their work.
Mr. Dramane Sawadogo, Director General of Environmental Preservation at the Ministry of Environment, Water and Sanitation of Burkina Faso, stated that sustainable development and human well-being are closely linked to the conservation of mangrove wetlands, biodiversity and ecosystem services. He highlighted the establishment of the IMC as an important step towards addressing environmental pollution and mangrove degradation. He noted that the workshop provides a valuable opportunity for countries to discuss practical conservation challenges and develop mangrove conservation and restoration projects.
Mr. Xiaoping Wu, First-Level Researcher at the Urban Planning and Natural Resources Bureau of Shenzhen Municipality，reaffirmed Shenzhen's commitment as the host city to providing continued support for the IMC. He shared Shenzhen's experience in mangrove conservation and restoration, particularly its efforts to strengthen mechanisms for mangrove conservation and restoration, carbon trading, ecological compensation and international cooperation through local legislation. He expressed Shenzhen's willingness to share its practical experience and institutional innovations with other countries through the IMC and promote international exchange and practical cooperation in mangrove conservation.
The workshop aims to provide a platform for international exchange and knowledge sharing, facilitate the exchange of experience and technical cooperation among countries, and strengthen capacities for mangrove conservation, restoration and management. It is jointly organized by the International Mangrove Center and the Urban Planning and Natural Resources Bureau of Shenzhen Municipality (Shenzhen Municipal Forestry Bureau) , and hosted by the Guangdong Neilingding Futian National Nature Reserve Administration Bureau and the National Academy of Forestry and Grassland Administration.