International Aquarium Conference to be hosted in China

The International Aquarium Conference will be returning to China for the first time since Shanghai hosted it in 2008. IAC concluded its flag handover ceremony in Guadalajara, Mexico on 1st November 2024 - marking the official countdown to the 13th IAC in 2027.

IAC, a premier event in the aquarium sector since 1960, convenes every three years to foster exchange and collaboration among the global aquarium community, scientific researchers, and educators. It serves as a platform for sharing cutting-edge research and management expertise.

A member of the IAC Steering Committee noted that HHAn-Wuhan Polar Ocean Park was selected for the park's facilities, biological exhibits, and advanced breeding and conservation practices. Notably, the Committee was impressed by HHAn Entertainment's strong commitment to its environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles and its CSR philosophy of "Being Kind for Harmonious Coexistence".

Wuhan is home to the largest cluster of aquatic organism research institutions, freshwater fisheries, and ecosystem studies both in China and globally. Its selection as the first inland city to host the IAC underscores its rich aquatic research resources and scientific heritage.

As the largest ocean-themed integrated resort and key urban tourism landmark in central China, HHAn-Wuhan Polar Ocean Park is preparing to construct a 2,000-square-metre science education museum in time for the upcoming conference. The museum, themed around aquatic organisms in the Yangtze River basin and focusing on freshwater ecological protection, aims to lead Yangtze River ecological conservation efforts through public science education and outreach initiatives. Its mission is to engage a broader audience and encourage them to participate in efforts to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of aquatic biodiversity and to protect the Yangtze River.

Image top. Flag Handover in advance of 2027 IAC; image below: HHAn-Wuhan Polar Ocean Park