Welcome

Dear Colleagues,

After four long years of waiting, the International Aquarium Congress is here once again!

As we draw closer to the start of the congress, excitement and anticipation are beginning to mount, and many of you have already begun preparations. This momentous event has always been greeted with great welcome and enthusiasm, and I sincerely believe this year will be the same.

Many milestones have been set thus far, and I am certain many more will be made by the time the congress opens. In the light of increasing environmental awareness, it becomes all the more important for us to bring the concept of aquatic conservation to the public, to educate them on how their collective efforts can make a difference in the preservation of aquatic creatures. This congress gathers all of us in one place so that we may discuss our role, as members of the public aquarium community, in contributing to such.

It is indeed a great honor for the Shanghai Ocean Aquarium to host the 7th International Aquarium Congress this time from 19 to 24 October 2008. Being accredited by both the national and municipal authorities of the People’s Republic of China as a National Marine Education base, Shanghai Ocean Aquarium has always been working closely with the local authorities to promote aquatic conservation through various educational channels. We will continue to take an active role in raising public awareness for aquatic conservation, not just in Asia, but in any region that we can potentially influence.

I take great pleasure in extending this invitation to my peers and colleagues to join me at IAC 2008.

See you in Shanghai!

Wang Liang
General Manager, Shanghai Ocean Aquarium
Chairperson, Steering Committee