The Forum: Science for Blue Growth in the South China Sea was held at the Institute of Oceanography, Nha Trang, Vietnam, on 12-14 September 2017 with participation of over 230 marine scientists and governmental officials, including 28 international participants from 11 countries: Chile, China, England, France, Germany, Japan, Korea, Russia, Singapore, USA, Thailand and international organization IOC/WESTPAC.

Prof. Dr. Phan Ngoc Minh, Vice President of Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology (VAST), Chair of the Scientific Steering Committee opened the Forum

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Vo Si Tuan, Director of the Institute of Oceanography, Chairperson of WESTPAC addressed the Forum

The Institute of Oceanography is one institution of the Vietnam Academy of Science & Technology, founded on 14 September 1922. This event was organized to mark the 95th foundation anniversary of the Institute of Oceanography.

The Forum focused on 3 themes including: Science for sustainable development in the South China Sea; International cooperation on marine science in the South China Sea; and Marine science capacity building for a strong sea nation Vietnam.

The Forum featured 9 keynote lectures in 3 plenary sessions and 6 parallel sessions on: Marine Biodiversity and Resources; Marine Biology and Aquaculture; Natural Hazards and Environmental Risks; Oceanographic Processes and Marine Engineering; Marine Geology and Chemistry; Coastal and Ocean Management.

This is an opportunity for exchanges of research results and ideas on integration of science into management among in-country and oversea scientists, officials, managers and businesses aiming sustainable use of resource, protection of marine environment and improvement of scientific cooperation for the healthy and peaceful South China Sea.

Some photos of the Forum