BEIJING — Oceanic administrators from 13 island countries will gather in East China’s Fujian province on Sept 21 to discuss cooperation in sustainable development.

Island countries are facing great environmental challenges, including climate change, rising sea levels and ocean acidification, said Gu Wu, head of the legal affairs and islands department under the State Oceanic Administration (SOA).

Participants will discuss topics such as sustainable economic development, environmental protection, climate change and disaster prevention and reduction, and sea water desalination at the round-table conference held in Pingtan, an island in Fujian.

“The conference will boost pragmatic cooperation between China and island countries, and help establish a blue partnership based on marine cooperation,” said Gu.

The SOA said 29 foreign representatives from 13 island countries including Sri Lanka, Maldives, Mauritius and Fiji have confirmed attendance at the conference.