Ocean Partners | Clean Shores, Protect the Blue! Ningbo Session of the 9th National Coastal Cleanup Campaign Successfully Held

On October 19, the Ningbo session of the 9th National Coastal Cleanup Campaign, themed “Clean Plastic, Protect Shores · Guard the Blue” and aligned with the “Beautiful Coastline” youth action, took place at the Aviation Flying Camp in Xianxiang Town, Yinzhou District, Ningbo.

Guided by the Department of Territorial Spatial Ecological Restoration of the Ministry of Natural Resources, the Social Liaison Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Youth League of China, and the Publicity and Education Center of the Ministry of Natural Resources, the event was hosted by the China Ocean Development Foundation and supported by various organizations across Zhejiang and Ningbo. With over one hundred passionate volunteers in attendance, the campaign embodied a powerful collective commitment to protecting our oceans.

Joining Forces: A United Call for Ocean Protection

The event began with opening remarks by Ms. Sun Yaoqin, Honorary President of the Ningbo Green Science and Technology Culture Promotion Association, who extended a warm welcome to the distinguished guests and volunteers. She emphasized the critical importance of public participation in safeguarding marine ecology.

Two overseas environmental advocates from Russia and India shared their global marine conservation experiences and initiatives, contributing international perspectives and reinforcing the belief that ocean protection knows no borders.

Innovation Meets Public Good: Recycling Plastic into Ocean-Friendly Art

A highlight of the event was the exhibition featuring marine environmental cultural creations from Ningbo-based eco-tech enterprise Topcentral and its Ocean Partner program. These exhibits demonstrated how discarded marine plastics can be transformed into creative, meaningful products—bringing circular economy practices and public environmental action to life.

Flag Ceremony: Mission Begins

In a symbolic and inspiring moment, representatives from three volunteer teams—including the “Ocean Partners” team—received the official Ningbo Coastal Cleanup flag from the organizers. With the flag raised, the cleanup operation officially commenced.

The “Ocean Partners” volunteer group consisted of over 30 parent-child families, forming a vibrant, motivated cleanup force. Equipped with bags and grabbers, the families collected various waste materials scattered across the Xianxiang tidal flats. Their efforts resulted in more than ten full bags of coastal waste—a collective achievement filled with purpose and pride.

Green Action, Meaningful Rewards: The Carbon Points System

After returning, volunteers deposited the collected waste into the “Ocean Partner Xianxiang Cabin”, where the system calculated and awarded corresponding carbon credits. These credits were immediately redeemable for exclusive ocean-themed eco products, transforming environmental action into rewarding, engaging experiences.

This creative incentive system encouraged deeper participation, enhanced environmental awareness, and promoted a sustainable cycle of action → reward → motivation.

Public Engagement, Youth Energy, and a Shared Future for the Ocean

The successful Ningbo event not only refreshed the local coastline but also served as a powerful environmental education platform. With guidance from authorities, support from foundations, strong involvement from social organizations, and enthusiastic public participation, the event blended international exchange, corporate innovation, family involvement, and digital incentives into a seamless model for marine conservation.

Since its launch in 2017, the National Coastal Cleanup Campaign has been held for nine consecutive years. This year, it spanned 54 coastal cities across China, covering the vast majority of coastal prefecture-level regions. Beyond cleaning coastlines, the campaign continues to unite the public, inspire environmental consciousness, and build a shared commitment to protecting our blue planet.

Together, we clean the coast. Together, we defend the ocean. Together, we protect the future.