Teriberka is a village on the northeast coast of the Kola Peninsula in Russia, where you can get close to the Arctic Ocean. (PHOTO: VCG)

Ocean and polar research is a crucial component of BRICS Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) cooperation. The Working Group on Ocean and Polar Science and Technology was established during the 5th BRICS STI Ministerial Meeting in July 2017 to implement the related decisions of the BRICS Leaders' Summits and STI Ministerial Meetings.

The Administrative Center for China's Agenda 21 (ACCA21) carries out China's work under the guidance of the Department of International Cooperation of the Ministry of Science and Technology of China. Over the past seven years, the ACCA21 has organized and participated in international activities including hosting the 4th meeting of the BRICS Working Group on Ocean and Polar Science and Technology. Its work has promoted the construction of China's ocean cooperation platforms, collaborative research projects, joint expeditions, and the cultivation of leading and young talents. The ACCA21 also promoted the initiatives of flagship projects such as the "Deep-Sea and Hadal Trench Joint Cruise Plan" and "Climate Prediction and Marine Disaster Prevention and Mitigation".

The marine research institutions and universities led by the Ministry of Natural Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences and Ministry of Education have conducted in-depth studies among BRICS countries, especially on sustainable ocean development, healthy oceans and global climate change, and ocean disasters.

These collaborative research efforts have facilitated exchanges among BRICS scientists, paving the way for a new innovation and cooperation mechanism in ocean and polar science and technology in the greater BRICS era.