The 9th Chinese White Dolphin Conservation Awareness Day was launched on May 9 at the Amoy International Yacht Banquet, celebrating a decade of efforts and starting a new phase of coordinated action.

The launch ceremony of The 9th Chinese White Dolphin Conservation Awareness Day. [Photo/people.cn]

As a first-class protected species, the Chinese white dolphin is a key indicator of marine ecosystem health. Xiamen, the first city in China to enact legislation for the protection of this species, leads the national action plan and provides a model for conservation efforts. 

Thanks to years of sustained work, the dolphin population in Xiamen's waters has remained stable, with a healthy age structure and improved habitat conditions.

The release ceremony of the photo book Living with the Chinese White Dolphin. [Photo/people.cn]

A major highlight of the event was the release of the photo book Living with the Chinese White Dolphin. Featuring rare images and solid data, the book provides a clear overview of the species' ecological traits, Xiamen's conservation efforts, and related research results, serving as a valuable resource for public education and academic study.

The signing ceremony of a joint conservation mechanism for the Chinese white dolphin. [Photo/people.cn]

Representatives from Xiamen, Quanzhou, and Zhangzhou signed a joint conservation mechanism for the Chinese white dolphin. The three cities will work together to establish an integrated protection system featuring information sharing, joint patrols, emergency rescue, and coordinated research.

In addition, themed booths at the event used display panels, specimen models, and interactive quizzes to showcase Xiamen's decade-long dolphin conservation efforts — from research and restoration to public education and outreach.

From pioneering legislation to cross-regional institutional collaboration, and from manual patrols to smart, data-driven monitoring — Xiamen has spent the past decade building a model for harmonious coexistence between humans and nature.