Published on: 2026-11-05
Source: People’s Republic of China — Translation
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
The “Tara” was built in 1989 and is operated by the French Foundation “Tara Ocean.” The vessel is highly seaworthy and has unique capabilities for conducting expeditions in remote and polar regions. Since 2003, in collaboration with leading scientific research institutions worldwide, the schooner has completed 15 global scientific expeditions. During this time, “Tara” has visited more than 60 countries and regions, covering a total of over 500,000 kilometers. In recent years, “Tara” has been conducting scientific research programs in the World Ocean focused on the macro-ecosystems of coral reefs, the marine microbiome, and responses to climate change. Many results from these studies have been published in leading international scientific journals, making the vessel an important platform for global cooperation in marine science and popular scientific education.
The schooner “Tara” is well known to many residents of Xiamen. In April 2018, the sailing ship entered the city’s port and, together with the vessel “Jiageng” of Xiamen University, held an event open to the public that sparked significant public resonance. More than eight years later, “Tara” visited Xiamen again, symbolizing the shared aspirations of China and France to realize the “blue dreams” of the ocean.
The visit, organized by Xiamen University and the Lujian Innovation Laboratory, included a series of experience-sharing events in the fields of marine science, environmental protection, and the training of young specialists. From October 23 to 28, special activities were held involving university students, primary and secondary school students from Xiamen, as well as members of youth popular science organizations. Participants boarded the vessel “Tara,” where they were given in-depth tours and scientific discussions — this allowed the youth to experience firsthand the atmosphere of marine scientific expeditions and feel their unique charm. Concurrently, a China-France symposium on advanced research in marine sciences took place, featuring academic exchanges on topics such as marine ecosystems and climate change, as well as the use of artificial intelligence in cutting-edge oceanographic research.
The visit of the schooner “Tara” is included in the program of important events of the World Ocean Week 2026, which will start in early November in Xiamen. This event will not only deepen exchanges and cooperation between China and France in marine science and environmental protection, but also become another practical step in the development of Xiamen as an international maritime center, as well as promote scientific dialogue on global marine resource governance issues.
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