From December 6-8, 2024, the University of Toyama hosted the International Workshop on the Role of Human Activities on the Marine Environment Through the Exchange of Materials Between Land and the Ocean. Organized by the IOC-WESTPAC Asian Marginal Seas (AMS) Program in collaboration with Future Earth Coasts (FEC), the event brought together participants from 29 countries and over 80 affiliations, both in person and online. This dynamic global platform facilitated rich dialogue and collaborative action through diverse sessions, including an in-depth exploration of nutrient footprints, a public forum on nutrient management in the face of climate change, and a cultural study showcasing Toyama’s water sustainability practices.
Scientific Insights on Nutrient Footprints
The morning of December 7th was dedicated to the IOC-WESTPAC AMS core project, Nutrient Footprint. Co-leads of the AMS Programme Prof. Jing Zhang and Prof. SungHyun Nam co-chaired the session. Project partners from a diverse range of countries, including Indonesia, Mongolia, Fiji, the Philippines, Malaysia, Korea, China, Japan, Russia, Cameroon, Thailand, and the USA, shared cutting-edge research on nutrient dynamics in coastal and marginal seas. Discussions emphasized innovative practices to manage nutrient loads, vital for ensuring the health of marine ecosystems.
Public Forum: A Bridge Between Science and Policy
In the afternoon, the Public Forum united global scientists, policymakers, and stakeholders to address nutrient management in coastal oceans under a warming climate. Co-chaired by FEC Executive Director Dr. Xiaoyu Fang and Prof. Jing Zhang, the forum featured keynote addresses from leading experts worldwide.
FEC Academy members Prof. Anik Bhaduri (Australia), Prof. Ramachandran (India), and FEC Regional Engagement Partner Prof. Alice Newton (Europe) shared valuable insights on adaptive strategies, regional initiatives, and global partnerships, underscoring the delicate balance between human activities and ecosystem health. Additional keynote speakers, including Prof. Gil Jacinto (Philippines), Prof. Sungeum Kim (Korea), Prof. Xiaopei Lin (China), and Prof. Makoto Taniguchi (Japan), explored pathways for translating science into action. Their presentations highlighted the transnational history of oceanography, the impacts of climate change, and the sustainable future of the Earth-Human system.
The discussion session following the keynote speeches actively engaged all participants, encouraging them to share insights on critical topics such as identifying tipping points, the role of international collaboration and transdisciplinary research, and actionable strategies to balance nutrient management goals at the intersection of science, policy, and the economy.
The Public Forum demonstrated the power of collective expertise and dialogue in addressing complex global challenges and highlighted the necessity of bridging disciplinary and geographical boundaries to develop actionable solutions. The discussions not only deepened understanding of nutrient management issues but also laid the groundwork for collaborative efforts that integrate science, policy, and practice, paving the way toward a sustainable future for coastal ecosystems and human communities.
Water Reincarnation in Toyama
On December 8th, participants engaged in a cultural study tour of Toyama’s water management history. Visits to the Itai-Itai Disease Museum and the Uozu Higashiyama Cylindrical Water Divider showcased the region’s transformation into a global model of water sustainability.
Looking ahead, FEC and the AMS Programme will collaborate over the next six years to strengthen international partnerships and foster actionable solutions at the science-policy-environment nexus. Together, we aim to bridge knowledge gaps, engage stakeholders, and drive meaningful progress toward sustainable coastal and marine ecosystems.