International students explore innovative approaches to marine conservation at the Ocean Partner Hub in Fenghua district. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Ahead of World Environment Day, international students from Indonesia, Morocco and Tanzania visited Fenghua district in Ningbo to learn how a coastal fishing community is addressing plastic pollution through recycling and community participation.

Their visit centered on the Ocean Partner Hub in Chunhu subdistrict, which is located on the northern shore of Ningbo Bay. Established in 2023, the facility collects discarded fishing gear and other plastic waste, processes the materials, and turns them into new products, creating a circular system that keeps waste out of the marine environment.

Students followed the journey of recovered plastics from collection and sorting to remanufacturing. They also tested a smart recycling program that rewards residents for properly disposing of recyclable materials, an initiative designed to encourage wider public involvement.

For many participants, the visit offered a practical look at how local action can contribute to global environmental challenges.

"Environmental issues don't stop at national borders," said Zheng Wenli from Indonesia, "I had never seen the full recycling process before. It was fascinating to see how materials collected from the sea can be transformed into something useful."

Beyond the environmental component, the group also explored local fishing traditions and sampled regional seafood specialties, gaining insights into the close ties between coastal communities and the waters that sustain them.

Tanzanian student Waziri Miraji Mussa said the project demonstrated how innovative recycling systems can create value from waste while supporting long-term environmental stewardship. He added that protecting the oceans will require cooperation and shared solutions across countries and regions.