Experts and officials highlighted the role of marine culture, particularly Mazu culture, in strengthening ocean governance, improving disaster prevention and fostering international cooperation at the 11th World Mazu Culture Forum in Putian, Fujian province, on Nov 1.

"The ocean has nurtured life, connected the world and driven development, giving rise to a marine culture represented by Mazu culture," said Sun Shuxian, vice-minister of natural resources.

Mazu, a Chinese sea goddess believed to protect people at sea, is an important part of China's marine heritage and an iconic symbol of its marine civilization. In the new era, Mazu culture continues to support China's efforts to become a strong maritime nation and provides cultural inspiration for building a maritime community with a shared future for humanity, Sun said.

He noted that China's independently developed MaCOM marine numerical forecasting models have entered operational use and been open-sourced globally to expand forecasting services. Meanwhile, China's first sea-wind and wave detection satellite, named after Mazu, is planned for launch to support global disaster prevention and mitigation efforts.

China will also use Mazu culture as a bridge to deepen marine cultural exchanges with countries around the world, particularly those along the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, and explore the establishment of mechanisms for such exchanges, Sun said.

Helwig Schmidt-Glintzer, vice-president of the International Confucian Association and an emeritus professor at the University of Göttingen in Germany, emphasized the importance of traditional beliefs in connecting localities, regions and countries.

He noted that China's strength stems from the combined contributions of its many cities and regions. In an era of climate change, coastal areas, which are particularly vulnerable to rising sea levels and extreme weather events, require prudent and forward-looking action, he said.

Beliefs associated with deities such as Mazu can encourage people to remain vigilant and prepare for such challenges, while strengthening their capacity and willingness to take action, Schmidt-Glintzer said.

He added that the Mazu spirit of "moral integrity, benevolence and great love" serves as a link between China and the world and can help establish a platform for dialogue and mutual learning among civilizations.

Dai Minhan, a member of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and a professor at Xiamen University in Fujian, said the ocean is a strategic frontier for accelerating economic transformation, expanding strategic emerging industries and fostering future industries.

Marine science and industrial innovation are entering an era of deep integration, Dai said, adding that marine culture provides both the foundation and the support for the development of marine ecological civilization.