Egyptian expert: China provides strong support for environmental protection in Africa

By Wang Gaofei, Chen Su, Evelyn

(ECNS) -- China has made significant efforts to support environmental protection in African countries, Amr Zakaria Hamouda, vice-chair of the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO and president of Egypt's National Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries, told China News Network on Monday in Antalya, where the 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31) is being held from November 9 to 20.

The China-Africa Marine Science and Blue Economy Cooperation Center will help build the capacity of young African scientists and provide technical support, further strengthening cooperation between China and Africa in marine affairs, he said.

The world faces urgent challenges related to climate change, Hamouda said, noting that the ocean is under growing pressure from economic activities and population growth.

He said the 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference, or COP31 should put ocean issues on its agenda, including how to support developing countries and protect the ocean from coastal areas to the deep sea.

Rising sea levels pose a threat to coastal agriculture, he said. Many countries have fertile farmland along their coastlines and in river deltas. As sea levels rise, seawater intrusion can increase soil salinity, changing freshwater environments into saline ones and making rice cultivation and other agricultural production increasingly difficult.

Changes in ocean temperatures are also shifting the distribution of marine species, prompting fish to different areas and affecting fishers' livelihoods, Hamouda said.

He stressed the need to support coastal communities in adapting to these changes and developing new economic activities and opportunities.

Hamouda also called for continued dialogue among scientists, policymakers and decision-makers to address climate change and its impacts on the ocean. He said developing countries, in particular, need scientific tools and policy support to tackle these challenges.

Speaking about the China-Africa Marine Science and Blue Economy Cooperation Center, Hamouda said it would serve countries across Africa, focusing on capacity building and supporting young African scientists.

The center will help them learn about and access new technologies, identify emerging challenges and explore ways to work together, he said.

"It makes a bridge between China and Africa, the young scientists in Africa, and the experts in China," Hamouda said, describing the initiative as an example of strong cooperation between China and Africa.

He added that the center highlighted China's strong support for developing countries, particularly African nations.