The “Belt and Road” Academic Forum on Tropical Marine Environmental Changes, held on March 24, 2026, at Guangzhou, China.

The “Belt and Road” Academic Forum on Tropical Marine Environmental Changes, held on March 24, 2026, at Guangzhou, China.

The “Belt and Road” Academic Forum on Tropical Marine Environmental Changes, held on March 24, 2026, at the South China Sea Institute of Oceanology (SCSIO) in Guangzhou, brought together leading institutions from China and Sri Lanka to advance collaborative research on marine environmental change. The forum featured strong participation from the University of Ruhuna, the National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency (NARA), the Coast Conservation and Coastal Resource Management Department of Sri Lanka, and the Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Guangzhou, alongside SCSIO and relevant Chinese government and research bodies. Discussions covered key areas including coastal research, marine genetic resources, and Indian Ocean scientific studies. The China–Sri Lanka Joint Center for Education and Research (CSL-CER) was prominently highlighted through presentations on its establishment, achievements, and strategic plan for the next 3–5 years. These engagements further strengthen the Memorandum of Understanding between the University of Ruhuna and SCSIO, reinforcing long-term cooperation in research, education, and capacity building. CSL-CER continues to serve as a vital platform for fostering impactful partnerships and advancing tropical marine science under the Belt and Road framework.