
Next International Aquarium Conference to be Held in China, Following Mexico
HHAn-Wuhan Polar Ocean Park to Host IAC 2027
WUHAN , China, Nov. 6, 2024 / — On November 1, 2024 , the International Aquarium Congress (IAC), dubbed the “Olympics” of the aquarium industry, held a flag handover ceremony in Guadalajara , Mexico, marking the preparations for the 13th IAC in 2027. The flag was handed over to HHAn-Wuhan Polar Ocean Park, marking the return of the international event to China since Shanghai hosted it in 2008.
IAC, the leading event in the aquarium sector since 1960, takes place every three years as a platform for exchange and collaboration for the community, scientific researchers, and educators in the global aquarium industry. IAC also facilitates cutting-edge research and management collaboration.
Wuhan , a city rich in water resources, has the largest cluster of research institutions for aquatic organisms, freshwater fish farming, and ecosystem studies in China and the world. As the first city on land to host the IAC, Wuhan has proven to be a city with rich aquatic research resources and scientific heritage. This also strengthens Wuhan’s status as one of the major metropolitan areas on land.
A member of the IAC Steering Committee noted that HHAn-Wuhan Polar Ocean Park was selected as the host for several reasons, including Wuhan and China’s dedication to nature and biodiversity conservation. Other reasons include HHAn-Wuhan Polar Ocean Park’s top-notch facilities, biological exhibits, and state-of-the-art cultivation and conservation practices. The IAC Steering Committee was impressed by HHAn Entertainment’s commitment to environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) principles, as well as its corporate responsibility (CSR) philosophy of “Being Kind for Harmonious Coexistence.”
Tan Wencheng, General Manager of HHAn-Wuhan Polar Ocean Park, highlighted the commitment of HHAn-Wuhan Polar Ocean Park and Wuhan in the past 13 years. The popular attraction has advantages in terms of scale, population, water volume, biological exhibits, and advanced cultivation and conservation methods. As an integrated marine-themed resort and a major tourist attraction in the urban area of Central China, HHAn-Wuhan Polar Ocean Park will soon build a 2,000-square-meter museum in the Yangtze River basin that focuses on freshwater conservation.
The museum also promotes nature conservation in the Yangtze River through science education and community engagement initiatives. Its mission is to reach a wider audience and engage them to learn about and appreciate aquatic diversity while preserving the Yangtze River.