Media Releases

ASEAN Foundation Partners with PEMSEA, Promotes Participation of ASEAN Youth — by PEMSEA Webmaster — last modified February 19, 2010 03:54 AM

The ASEAN Foundation and the Partnerships in Environmental Management for the Seas of East Asia (PEMSEA) formalized its partnership by signing an agreement during the Special EAS Partnership Council Meeting to support the participation of ASEAN youth at the 2009 East Asian Seas Congress in Manila, Philippines. Through the Japan-ASEAN Solidarity Fund, the ASEAN Foundation co-convened the 2nd EAS Youth Forum and Workshop on Human Resources Development in Coastal and Ocean Governance, two side events at the 2009 East Asian Seas Congress, a region-wide, multi-sectoral conference promoting sustainable management of marine and coastal areas of the Seas of East Asia.

MFF at PEMSEA East Asian Seas Congress, 23-27 November, 2008 — by PEMSEA Webmaster — last modified February 19, 2010 03:46 AM

MFF convened a workshop on Government and Civil Society Collaboration on Integrated Coastal Management in the Indian Ocean Region workshop, Thursday 25 November, 2009 to present the findings of a Regional Assessment of regional institutions and programmes in the Indian Ocean (2007-2008 updated 2009) and discussed its principal recommendations and proposed concrete actions to enhance cooperation and coordination among governments, between governments and civil society, and between regional organizations in support of governments and civil society collaboration. The MFF workshop attracted more than 40 delegates from UN Agencies, and regional and academic institutions who actively participated in the workshop. The MFF Secretariat has received positive feedback and contributions from participants as well as updates to the regional assessment report which will be release before the end of the year.

World Bank, PEMSEA Enhance Cooperation on Environment Issues in and around the East Asian Seas at the 2009 East Asian Seas Congress on Nov. 23-27, in Manila — by PEMSEA Webmaster — last modified February 19, 2010 03:37 AM

The World Bank and the Partnerships in Environmental Management for the Seas of East Asia (PEMSEA), a multi-country, multi-partners agency for sustainable development, have signed an agreement to address challenges posed by growing populations and continued rural migration to coastal cities in East Asia that are threatening the quality and sustainability of coastal and marine life in one of the world's most significant oceans.

EcoGov Active Participant in "3rd East Asian Seas Congress and Ministerial Forum": Memorandum of Understanding Signed to Promote Collaboration — by PEMSEA Webmaster — last modified February 19, 2010 03:34 AM

The Philippine Environmental Governance Project (EcoGov) was among prominent participants in the Third East Asian Seas Congress and Ministerial Forum, convened 23-27 November 2009 in Manila, Philippines. The Congress is a triennial event organized by Partnerships in Environmental Management for the Seas of East Asia (PEMSEA), an intergovernmental coordinating regional mechanism funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The event was attended by over 1,600 participants, hosted by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Philippines and featured a number of keynote addresses, seminars, work-shops, poster sessions, exhibitions, field trips and social/networking events - all designed to ramp up implementation of the Sustainable Development Strategy for the Seas of East Asia (SDS-SEA) - a regional action plan endorsed by 11 member countries.

Report on the 3rd East Asian Seas Congress, November 2009 (Ramsar Convention) — by PEMSEA Webmaster — last modified February 19, 2010 03:30 AM

The 3rd East Asian Seas Congress was held from 23-27 November 2009 in Manila, Philippines, under the theme of "Partnerships at Work: Local Implementation and Good Practices," to review progress with implementation of the Sustainable Development Strategy for the Seas of East Asia (SDS-SEA), as well as to highlight initiatives and good practices that are being carried out in East Asia for the sustainable use of the coastal and marine resources in the region. Some 1,400 government officials, scientists, consultants and NGOs attended the event which was hosted by the Government of the Philippines and organized by the Partnerships in Environmental Management for the Seas of East Asia (PEMSEA).

Corporate Sector Involvement for the Rehabilitation of Manila Bay: A Bright Spot in the Implementation of Environmental Partnerships Programs in the East Asian Seas Region — by PEMSEA Webmaster — last modified January 15, 2010 06:45 AM

Manila, Philippines - The encouraging response of the corporate sector to be an active partner for the rehabilitation of Manila Bay was one of the bright spots identified today in the Closing Ceremony of the International Conference of the East Asian Seas Congress which zoomed in on Partnerships at Work: Local Implementation and Best Practices.

We Have More than 1,500 Reasons to be Thankful — by PEMSEA Webmaster — last modified January 15, 2010 06:16 AM

On behalf of the East Asian Seas Congress organizers, we wish to express our sincerest gratitude to all those who participated in the recently concluded EAS Congress 2009 and for contributing to its success.

World Bank and PEMSEA to Cooperate on Environment in East Asian Seas — by PEMSEA Webmaster — last modified February 12, 2010 09:15 AM

Manila, November 25, 2009 - The East Asian Seas extend from China, the Korean Peninsula and Japan in the north to Indonesia and Timor Leste in the south. Its shores are home to approximately 2 billion people and its waters sustain 30% of the world's coral reefs and 40% of the global fish catch. Sustaining marine and coastal life in the face of rapid development and the threat of climate change has become one of the development priorities for East Asian Countries.

SCBD, PEMSEA Sign MOU in Support of Jakarta Mandate Implementation — by PEMSEA Webmaster — last modified January 15, 2010 05:44 AM

The Secretariat of Convention on Biological Diversity (SCBD) and the Partnerships in Environmental Management for the Seas of East Asia (PEMSEA) have recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the purpose of sharing of knowledge, information, tools, and best practices in support of achieving the goals of the CBD, in particular the implementation of the Jakarta Mandate and the programme of work on marine and coastal biological diversity, through Integrated Coastal and Marine Area Management.

USAID-EcoGov, PEMSEA Sign MOU for EO 533 Implementation Support — by PEMSEA Webmaster — last modified February 12, 2010 09:17 AM

The USAID-funded Philippine Environmental Governance Project (EcoGov) and the Partnerships in Environmental Management for the Seas of East Asia (PEMSEA) have recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the purpose of sharing knowledge, information, tools, best practices and resources in support of capacity development and the effective implementation of Executive Order (EO) 533 in the Philippines.

Philippine Environment and Foreign Affairs Agencies Conduct Protocol Training for the EAS Congress — by PEMSEA Webmaster — last modified September 01, 2009 10:00 AM

Manila, Philippines - As the East Asian Seas (EAS) Congress 2009 approaches, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), in collaboration with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) of the Philippines, prepares to ensure quality management and practice of proper protocols with the conduct of a Training on Protocol and Conference Management last 27-31 July at the Bayview Hotel in Manila.

National Organizing Committee Reports on Progress Made for EAS Congress Preparations — by PEMSEA Webmaster — last modified September 01, 2009 10:02 AM

The East Asian Seas (EAS) Congress 2009 National Organizing Committee, chaired by Philippine Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Jose L. Atienza, Jr., held its second meeting to discuss progress of preparations for the successful conduct of the event. The committee welcomed updates as reported by Prof. Raphael P. M. Lotilla, Head of Congress Secretariat and PEMSEA Executive Director.

Youth to Meet with Top Environmental Officials and Legislators — by PEMSEA Webmaster — last modified September 01, 2009 10:04 AM

The 2nd EAS Youth Forum, one of the special events of the East Asian Seas (EAS) Congress 2009, will feature the Legislators Hour, where participants will get a rare chance to meet and speak with their countries’ environment ministers and legislators.

Marine Protected Area Networks Demonstrate Strength in Numbers — by PEMSEA Webmaster — last modified September 01, 2009 10:05 AM

With the East Asian Seas region’s coastal and marine resources seriously degraded, countries are looking to marine protected areas (MPAs) as critical tools in their recovery. The Philippines alone has over 500 MPAs. Linking these together into a coherent network can offer optimum protection for the full range of habitat types and species and their movements, and including important routes for migratory species, such as shared fisheries stocks, and ecological corridors across ocean basins.

Award-winning Experts to Lead Activities of Regional Youth Forum — by PEMSEA Webmaster — last modified September 01, 2009 10:07 AM

Several award-winning climate change and marine and coastal management experts are expected to hold dynamic discussions and workshops during the 2nd EAS Youth Forum, one of the special events of the East Asian Seas (EAS) Congress 2009. Among these are: Dr. Felino Lansigan of the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB); Dr. Beverly Goh of the National Institute of Education of Singapore (NIE); Dr. Laura T. David of the University of the Philippines – Marine Science Institute (UP MSI); Dr. Juergen Weichselgartner of the Land–Ocean Interactions in the Coastal Zone (LOICZ) in Germany; and Dr. Filemon Uriarte, Jr. of the ASEAN Foundation.

Pinoy Wins a Grand Prize in Coastal Photo Tilt (ABS-CBN News) — by PEMSEA Webmaster — last modified July 21, 2009 05:10 AM

MANILA - The East Asian Seas (EAS) Congress organizers announced on Friday the winners of the EAS Congress 2009 Regional Photo Contest, which was organized by the Partnerships in Environmental Management for the Seas of East Asia (PEMSEA) and co-sponsored by Hewlett Packard Philippines.

Total (Philippines) becomes EAS Congress Sponsor — by PEMSEA Webmaster — last modified July 14, 2009 11:42 AM

Quezon City, Philippines - Total (Philippines) Corporation has become one of the sponsors of the East Asian Seas Congress 2009 to be held 23-27 November, Philippine International Convention Center, Manila, Philippines.

Regional Photo Contest Winners Announced - Philippines and Malaysia Take Top Honors — by PEMSEA Webmaster — last modified July 14, 2009 11:42 AM

The East Asian Seas Congress organizers today announced the winners of the EAS Congress 2009 Regional Photo Contest, which was organized by PEMSEA and co-sponsored by HP Philippines. Running from July 2008 to February 2009, the contest received more than 500 photographs submitted by 187 photographers from 12 countries in the East Asian region, namely Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Japan, Lao, Malaysia, Philippines, Republic of Korea, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste and Vietnam.

Professor Koh to Address East Asian Seas Congress — by PEMSEA Webmaster — last modified July 14, 2009 11:42 AM

Quezon City, Philippines - Professor Tommy Koh, Singapore's Ambassador-At-Large, joins the roster of speakers who will keynote the East Asian Seas Congress 2009. Prof. Koh will share experiences on negotiating and resolving disputes between and among diverse cultures and regions with a focus on Ocean and Coastal Governance.

Philippines, East Asian Region Prepare Declaration on ICM and Climate Change — by PEMSEA Webmaster — last modified May 05, 2009 08:58 AM

The East Asian Seas Region Ministerial Forum, to be held in Manila on 26-27 November 2009 as part of East Asian Seas (EAS) Congress 2009 and to be hosted by Philippine Department of Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Jose L. Atienza Jr., will be addressing climate change adaptation through integrated coastal management. The East Asian Seas region is recognized as being highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Like the Philippines, other countries of the region are beginning to see and feel the impacts of climate change, such as an increase in the frequency and intensity of tropical storms, resulting in flooding, destruction of property, and loss of lives. There is an urgent need for countries to systematically adapt to, what appears to be, the inevitable scenarios of rising sea levels and unpredictable weather patterns.

The Philippines Gears Up for the East Asian Seas Congress — by PEMSEA Webmaster — last modified April 30, 2009 10:48 AM

The Government of the Philippines will host the East Asian Seas (EAS) Congress 2009, to be held on 23-27 November at the Philippine International Convention Center in Manila. Co-organized by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and PEMSEA with support from the Global Environment Facility (GEF), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Coastal Management Center, the Congress carries the theme "Partnerships in Action: Local Implementation and Good Practices," emphasizing on-the-ground actions and innovations that contribute significantly in the achievement and meeting of regional and global environmental commitments.

Philippine President Meets with EAS Congress Co-organizers and PEMSEA — by PEMSEA Webmaster — last modified May 04, 2009 08:52 AM

Manila, Philippines - President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo discussed preparations for the hosting by the Philippines of the East Asian Seas Congress 2009 with Environment Secretary Jose L. Atienza, Jr., the Conference host, Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto G. Romulo, PEMSEA Resource Facility (PRF) Executive Director Raphael P.M. Lotilla, UNDP Philippines Country Director Renaud Meyer, East Asian Seas Partnership Council Chair Dr. Chua Thia-Eng and PRF Chief Technical Officer Adrian Ross in a meeting held at Malacañan on 12 March 2009.

Youth, Oceans and Climate Change — by PEMSEA Webmaster — last modified March 02, 2009 10:40 AM

The issue of climate change is real and will impact all sectors of society. It is an urgent issue that many people care about, but the youth, as the next generation have the most at stake.

Former Philippine President to Open the East Asian Seas Congress 2009 — by PEMSEA Webmaster — last modified May 11, 2009 03:25 AM

Quezon City - PEMSEA has announced today that former Philippine President Fidel V. Ramos will deliver the opening keynote address during East Asian Seas (EAS) Congress 2009 to be held in Manila, Philippines on 23-27 November. The former statesman was a keynote speaker and Honorary Advisor of the Congress in 2003 where he urged the participants "to work together on issues concerning natural resources, especially water, to ensure a better life for future generations."

Registration Now Open for the East Asian Seas Congress 2009 — by PEMSEA Webmaster — last modified January 14, 2009 05:34 AM

Registration has opened for the East Asian Seas (EAS) Congress 2009, a pioneering region-wide platform for capacity building, strategic action and cooperation for the sustainable development of the seas of East Asia to be held on 23-27 November 2009, in Manila, Philippines.

Water to Run Dry by 2025 — by PEMSEA Webmaster — last modified January 14, 2009 05:33 AM

Water is an indispensable resource for human existence. It is needed for living, livelihoods, sanitation, agriculture and industry, among others. A resource traditionally viewed to be with an inexhaustible supply, the increasing population, high urban poverty, unabated pollution and other factors, including climate change, are symptoms and causes of a serious water shortage in the next 20 years.

NOWPAP Leads EAS Congress Workshop on Transboundary Pollution in River Basins — by PEMSEA Webmaster — last modified February 09, 2009 12:44 PM

Jeju, RO Korea - The Northwest Pacific Action Plan's Pollution Monitoring Regional Activity Centre (NOWPAP-POMRAC) has agreed to co-convene a workshop in the East Asian Seas (EAS) Congress 2009 to share experiences in developing and implementing its Integrated Coastal and River-basin Management (ICARM). ICARM is NOWPAP's key project that is designed to promote closer cooperation at the management level between the freshwater, coastal, and ocean communities.

EAS Congress 2009: Give us your Best Shot! And Win a Trip to Manila — by PEMSEA Webmaster — last modified December 19, 2008 10:59 AM

Fond of taking pictures around your community? Hone your hobby by joining the East Asian Seas Congress Regional Photo Contest.

EAS Congress: Transboundary Issues as Catalysts for Cooperation — by PEMSEA Webmaster — last modified November 20, 2008 05:13 AM

Growing populations and their migration to coastal areas, along with extensive industrial activities and rapidly increasing shipping traffic exert tremendous pressure on East Asian region's coastal and marine environment and natural resources. Studies show that over 80 percent of all marine pollution originates from land-based sources while continued discharge of industrial wastes result in toxic accumulations in the marine food chain. The EAS region is currently facing various challenges in environmental issues that are exacerbated by the negative effects of climate change. These challenges include: coral bleaching, mangrove deforestation, water scarcity, subregional pollution hotspots, and habitat destruction.

EAS Congress 2009 to Tackle Environmental Impacts of Coastal Reclamation and Foreshore Management — by PEMSEA Webmaster — last modified October 06, 2008 12:33 PM

To cope with the increasing demand for economic space brought on by development and migration to coastal cities, countries in the East Asian Seas region have engaged in coastal reclamation projects and foreshore developments. While a number of developments have been undertaken in the region, their impacts particularly on the coastal and marine resources and environment have not been given much attention. Both government and stakeholder partners of PEMSEA have recognized the need to look into the issues of coastal reclamation, foreshore management, and land and sea-use zoning as key emerging issues within the region. A consensus was reached during the recently concluded 2nd East Asian Seas Partnership Council Meeting to undertake a more extensive review and knowledge sharing on the trends, impacts, benefits and good approaches related to these issues at the East Asian Seas (EAS) Congress 2009.

EAS Congress 2009 Secretariat Announces International Conference Workshop Themes — by PEMSEA Webmaster — last modified February 09, 2009 12:33 PM

The East Asian Seas Congress 2009 Secretariat has announced the workshop themes for the International Conference on Sustainable Coastal and Ocean Development to be held on 23-25 November 2009.

PEMSEA, HP Philippines Extend EAS Congress 2009 Regional Photo Contest — by PEMSEA Webmaster — last modified February 09, 2009 12:43 PM

The deadline for submission of entries for the East Asian Seas (EAS) Congress 2009 Regional Photo Contest has been extended to 28 February 2008. Open to nationals of the East Asian region, three grand prizewinners (one from each category: Youth, Hobbyist, and Professional) will receive complimentary registration to the EAS Congress 2009, with free roundtrip airfare, accommodation and allowance. The complimentary registration includes free attendance to the EAS Congress events and workshops, including conference kits/materials, field trip and select meals. Grand prizewinners will also receive a printer from HP Philippines.

PEMSEA and HP Philippines launch EAS Congress 2009 Regional Photo Contest — by PEMSEA Webmaster — last modified February 09, 2009 12:43 PM

Manila, Philippines - In line with the activities leading to the East Asian Seas Congress 2009, PEMSEA and HP Philippines together launch the East Asian region-wide Photo Contest with the theme, "The Coast, The Ocean, My Community" on 15 July 2008. The contest has three categories (Youth, Hobbyist and Professional) and is open to nationals of the East Asian region.

All set for East Asian Seas Partnership Council meeting — by PEMSEA Webmaster — last modified July 02, 2008 10:46 PM

MANILA (PNA) - The East Asian Seas Partnership Council Meeting will hold its second meeting on July 14 to 17, 2008 in Tokyo, Japan.

MOA for East Asian Seas Confab — by PEMSEA Webmaster — last modified July 02, 2008 10:51 PM

People's Journal Tonight - 10 June 2008 - Enviroment Secretary Lito Atienza signs a memorandum of agreement with Partnerships in Enviromental Management for the Seas of East Asia (PEMSEA) Executive Director Raphael Lotilla that formalizes the country's hosting of the 3rd East Asian Seas Congress, November 23-27, 2009.

RP hosts East Asian Seas Congress — by PEMSEA Webmaster — last modified July 02, 2008 10:51 PM

Manila Bulletin - 10 June 2008 - The Philippines will have an opportunity to gain the assistance of neighboring countries in managing its coastal areas and seas as the country hosts the East Asian Seas Congress in Manila next year.

East Asian Congress 2009 to beef up RP water resource management system — by PEMSEA Webmaster — last modified July 02, 2008 10:50 PM

DENR - Accessed 9 June 2008 - The Philippines will have an opportunity to enlist the help of neighbor countries in the management of its water resources when the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) together with the Partnerships in Environmental Management for the Seas of East Asia (PEMSEA) hosts the East Asian Seas (EAS) Congress on November 23-27, 2009.

RP to host 3rd East Asian seas congress — by PEMSEA Webmaster — last modified July 02, 2008 10:48 PM

GMANews.tv - Accessed 06 June 2008 - The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Partnerships in Environmental Management for the Seas of East Asia (PEMSEA) have signed a memorandum of agreement that formalized the Philippines’ hosting of the triennial 3rd East Asian Seas (EAS) Congress in 2009.

The Philippines Announces the Hosting of the East Asian Seas Congress 2009 — by PEMSEA Webmaster — last modified February 09, 2009 12:35 PM

The Government of the Philippines through the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) announced today, 5 June 2008, its hosting of the East Asian Seas (EAS) Congress 2009, to be held in Manila on 23-27 November 2009 at the Philippine International Convention Center. Through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between DENR and the Partnerships in Environmental Management for the Seas of East Asia (PEMSEA), the Philippines formalized its commitment to host the international event and provide the necessary in-country support and preparations. The MOA was signed between DENR Secretary Jose L. Atienza, Jr. and PEMSEA Executive Director Raphael P. M. Lotilla.

Community Engagement Focused in Tropical Coasts Issue — by PEMSEA Webmaster — last modified June 05, 2008 07:46 AM

During the East Asian Seas Congress 2006, the role of each stakeholder was highlighted as a crucial element in ocean protection, development and governance. As a way to impart the key lessons learned and actions being undertaken in various parts of the region and even in other areas, two special issues of the Tropical Coasts magazine on the East Asian Seas Congress 2006 have been released.

Getting Ready for the East Asian Seas (EAS) Congress 2009 — by PEMSEA Webmaster — last modified February 09, 2009 12:39 PM

Manila, Philippines — Following the success of the East Asian Seas (EAS) Congress 2006, PEMSEA together with its Partners are again getting ready for the next EAS Congress in 2009. This time, the spotlight is set on the doers on the ground.