MACAU – The 2026 Macao International Environmental Cooperation Forum and Exhibition (MIECF) commenced its proceedings on Thursday at the Cotai Expo, marking a significant stride in global environmental collaboration. Under the theme “Low-Carbon, Zero Waste Cities: Embarking on a Global Collaboration,” the event is orchestrated by the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) government and will continue through Saturday.
The forum serves as a multifaceted platform integrating professional conferences, technological exhibitions, thematic matching sessions, and green networking activities, culminating in a public engagement day. This initiative solidifies Macao’s strategic positioning as a regional nexus for environmental dialogue and sustainable partnership development.
Representing the SAR’s Chief Executive, Secretary for Economy and Finance Tai Kin Ip emphasized the event’s dual purpose during the opening ceremony. “The 2026 MIECF transcends technological exhibition to create substantive opportunities for deepened cooperation and mutual achievement,” he stated. The Secretary further articulated the government’s commitment to economic diversification while collaborating with community stakeholders to transform Macao into an environmentally sustainable, livable destination for both residents and international visitors.
This year’s exhibition spans an impressive 12,000 square meters, featuring over 350 exhibitors representing 12 countries and regions, with international participants constituting 20% of the total showcase.
Among the innovative solutions presented, Shawn Cheng, principal strategist of the Endeavour Environmental Education Foundation Limited, demonstrated the groundbreaking “Artificial Smart Floating Wetlands” system. This technology, developed by research teams at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, utilizes hydroponic plants on floating platforms to simultaneously purify water ecosystems and enhance wildlife habitats.
Cheng expressed ambitions to leverage the Macao platform for mainland market connections, noting: “Having successfully implemented this project in Hong Kong, we are seeking collaborative partnerships with environmental technology counterparts in Zhongshan and Zhuhai within Guangdong Province.”