The second part of the forum, hosted by Prof. Hong Huasheng, chief scientist of COMI, saw heated discussions on topics including; "integrated watershed and estuary management, and interdisciplinary integrated research strategic disposition" . Prof. Hong began by analyzing the opportunities of encouraging rapid development of marine economy and supporting the construction of Haixi, by the government, as well as the challenges which include the impacts of climate changes to aquatic environments, the problems of quality and quantity of water caused by the development of the social economy, the threats of drinking water shortage, the control and reduction of pollutant volume. She finally presented the factors that may cause water resources and aquatic environment (fresh water, sea water) to restrict the sustainable development of social economy and influence people s lives. According to her, this is in order to deploy the strategy of watershed and estuary integrated management and interdisciplinary integrated research from the perspective of scientific research, technological support, management and decision making requirements. Prof. Hong Huasheng also emphasized that as the platform for interdisciplinary research in Xiamen University; COMI will undertake more responsibility and play a more important role in ocean and costal sustainable development. After analyzing the strengths and weaknesses of COMI, she finally reiterated that COMI should create opportunities to involve more specialists from relevant subjects such as sociology, economics, law, public management and oceanology, in the interdisciplinary research. This is necessary for providing high-level policy recommendations and technology support for the integrated management of the country and local governments.
