Partnerships in Environmental Management for the Seas of East Asia (PEMSEA) capped off the first half of the year 2020 by welcoming two new partners to join its work in implementing the shared regional marine strategy called the ‘Sustainable Development Strategy for the Seas of East Asia (SDS-SEA).’

 

The Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA) joins PEMSEA as its 23rd Non-Country Partner following the approval of NIVA’s application as PEMSEA non country partner during the PEMSEA Council Partnership Meeting this July.

 

At the 12th East Asian Seas Partnership Council Meeting held recently, Partnerships in Environmental Management for the Seas of East Asia (PEMSEA) reported that it has surpassed its integrated coastal management (ICM) coverage target of 25% throughout the region ahead of schedule. As of December 2019, ICM coverage of the region’s coastline is now estimated at 37.9%, achieved well before the 2021 deadline.

 

 

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has deeply affected sectors related to the ocean, with shipping disrupted by port closures and a drop in demand; fisheries disrupted by a lack of transportation options and market shrinkage and; tourism likely to see significant long-term drop as incoming travel in many cases drops by over 99%. The current situation however, has heightened awareness of the link between human health and ocean health, and provides opportunities for environmental actions and advocacy.

 

 

Partnerships in Environmental Management for the Seas of East Asia (PEMSEA) recently held a virtual signing ceremony that formalized the entry of the Institute for Global Environmental Studies (IGES) in Japan and the Coastal and Ocean Marine Institute (COMI) based in Xiamen University as its new regional centers of excellence; and the formal acceptance of the Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA) as a non-country partner.

 

Partnerships in Environmental Management for the Seas of East Asia (PEMSEA) mourns the passing of Dr. Biliana Cicin-Sain. She was a great person and a significant force in the drive to put the ocean on the political agenda globally. A true friend and supporter of PEMSEA and the adoption and implementation of integrated coastal management. She will be missed.

 

Letter from the International Coastal and Ocean Organization (Secretariat of the Global Ocean Forum) Board of Directors

 

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Partnerships in Environmental Management for the Seas of East Asia (PEMSEA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that aims to facilitate cooperation and strengthen collaboration between the two parties via the free use of mutually agreed knowledge products, experience and good practices in relation to their respective programs.

 

 

MANILA, PHILIPPINES—Partnerships in Environmental Management for the Seas of East Asia (PEMSEA) is working on two initiatives that aim to support ongoing efforts to rehabilitate Manila Bay. The projects are focused on pollution reduction and solid waste management (SWM) in the province of Cavite, where the Imus River is an important tributary of Manila Bay.

 

 

PEMSEA welcomes Ms. Karen See to the PEMSEA Resource Foundation (PRF), where she will serve as the PRF Secretariat Coordinator effective 26 October 2020.

 

A national forum to conclude the implementation of the GEF/UNDP/PEMSEA Scaling Up SDS-SEA Project was held in Phnom Penh, Cambodia on 2 September. The implementation of the project was initiated in 2015 through the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement between and among the coastal Provincial Governments of Kampot, Kep, Koh Kong, and Preah Sihanouk, the Ministry of Environment, and the PEMSEA Resource Facility.