Nanjing Maritime Court highlights judicial, law enforcement cooperation for marine ecological protection

Li Yalin, executive vice-president of Nanjing Maritime Court, which is based in Nanjing, East China's Jiangsu province, outlined the significant advancements in marine ecological protection in Jiangsu province.

Li said the court has fostered a system that integrates stringent legal frameworks and cross-departmental cooperation to safeguard the marine ecological environment.

Li made the remarks at a press conference ahead of National Maritime Day, which falls on July 11 each year.

Highlighting the collaboration with maritime administrative and prosecutorial bodies, Li said the court has enforced strict legal measures to combat marine ecological violations.

Efforts include the comprehensive governance of ship pollution, legal actions against illegal fishing, and addressing unauthorized marine activities, he said.

Li noted the court has also introduced innovative reforms to enhance governance efficiency. It has served as a pioneer in creating a blue carbon trading model in Jiangsu and facilitated efficient small-scale pollution management.

Additionally, it has strengthened the mechanism of collaboration with local authorities to support the sustainable development of coastal resources, he said.

Furthermore, Li noted that the court has reinforced its collaborative governance frameworks, expanding judicial and administrative cooperation.

This includes the promotion of a one-stop maritime dispute resolution mechanism, the enhancement of marine environmental public interest litigation processes and cooperation across jurisdictions, he said.

During the conference, the Nanjing Maritime Court, alongside various prosecutorial bodies in the province, unveiled guidelines on handling public interest litigation cases related to marine natural resources and the ecological environment.

This document aims to standardize procedures and improve the efficacy of judicial protection for the marine environment.

A symposium was held the same day with participants focusing on discussions about ways of overcoming challenges in marine ecological compensation and the implementation of the Ecological and Environmental Code, highlighting the ongoing commitment to sustainable marine development.