Human sustainable development and prosperity are inseparable from a healthy ocean. President XI Jinping has emphasized that we should care for the ocean as we do for life itself. At the side event of the Second United Nations Ocean Conference in 2022, with the theme "Promoting Blue Partnerships for a Shared Sustainable Future," the International Department of the Ministry of Natural Resources officially launched the "Blue Partnership Principles," which include 16 basic principles. These principles clearly state the objectives of jointly protecting marine ecosystem, addressing climate change, preventing and controlling marine pollution, and sustainably utilizing marine resources on a voluntary and cooperative basis. This initiative has promoted the joint construction of global blue partnerships and will support the implementation of "small and beautiful" projects through multi-party funding and cooperation, contributing to China's actions and achievements in the United Nations of Ocean Decade. In response to these initiatives, the Beijing Entrepreneur Environmental Protection Foundation (SEE Foundation) and Ant Forest Foundation jointly initiated the "Blue Partnership Action Fund (BPAF)," focusing on supporting public welfare partners in the China-ASEAN region through the resources of public platforms. It is the first public welfare action initiated by private non-governmental forces in China in response to the "Blue Partnership Principles."
From 2022 to 2023, the Blue Partnership Action Fund (BPAF) supported 10 marine conservation projects which were led by a collaborative network consisting of 13 government departments, research institutions, as well as international and local environmental NGOs across eight countries: Indonesia, Thailand, Cambodia, Myanmar, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and China. These projects undertaken were diverse, addressing crucial issues such as the conservation of mangrove and coral reef ecosystems, innovative approaches to waste management on islands, research and preservation of marine species, and the promotion of public awareness through natural science education initiatives.
The BPAF have directly involving over 1,000 individuals in conservation initiatives. Moreover, its ripple effect has reached far beyond, benefiting over 370,000 coastal fishermen, tourism workers, and local residents in the project areas. Special emphasis has been placed on engaging indigenous peoples, women, and children in these efforts. Anticipations suggest that this outreach will surpass the one-million mark in the future, amplifying the fund's impact on marine ecosystems and communities.
