Xiamen Gears Up for 2008 World Ocean Week (XWOW)

Xiamen, PR China — The Xiamen Municipal Government is aiming to exceed the achievements of the 2007 XWOW, which was attended by 500 participants from 33 countries. To meet the challenge, the Xiamen Oceans and Fisheries Bureau brought together representatives from the State Oceanic Administration, the United Nations Development Programme in China, Xiamen University, the Fujian Provincial Oceans and Fisheries Bureau, and PEMSEA to plan and discuss the organization of the 2008 XWOW, scheduled on 7-13 November. The First Organizing Committee meeting was held in Xiamen on 23 April.

 

The meeting deliberated on the lessons learned from the 2007 XWOW to further strengthen and improve the organization of this year's event. The gathering also developed a five-year plan (2008-2012) for XWOW, including measures to transform into an international event of similar standing as the World Water Week in Stockholm.The Municipal Government of Xiamen's main objective is to ensure that emerging and critical issues affecting sustainable coastal development are discussed, knowledge is shared, and strategies and actions are identified. By providing a platform for international cooperation and exchange of management experiences, Xiamen is showing the way among coastal cities and local governments through the XWOW forum.