Home to over 50 percent of the world’s population, coastal areas contribute to almost 50 percent of the world’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and provide a diverse set of ecosystem services that benefit human society. On top of climate change, increasing population, and intensified human activities, unrestrained and unsustainable utilization of coastal and marine resources resulting in ecosystem degradation, biodiversity loss, and water pollution has placed unprecedented pressure on coastal areas.

 

 

Ochheuteal Beach, Sihanoukville, Cambodia. Photo credit: Sihanoukville PMO

 

 

Photo shows water surface objects and structures (buoys, marine sensors, boats etc.) which are heavily affected by biofouling. Biofouling hampers the performances of these objects. (Credit: International Maritime Organization)

 

 

("Chasing Jackfishes" by PEMSEA/Ashley Equi)

 

The East Asian Seas Youth and the Oceans Video Competition aimed to feature the understanding the youth have of their oceans, and highlight the creativity and firmness with which they can share their knowledge, understanding, plans, and dreams. Through the videos they submitted, we were given a glimpse into the best practices and local marine actions of youth, as well as the local issues and challenges they have experienced and witnessed.

 

 

Webinar seeks to discuss ways to reduce plastic waste, marine litter

 

 

Web-based platform offers practical information to guide policy-makers on decision-making and adaptation (Credit: PEMSEA/John Andrew Cabiles)

 

At the ongoing COP 26 United Nations Climate Change Conference happening in the UK, countries are pledging their individual commitments on how to address the global climate crisis through carbon credits, funding for countries vulnerable to climate change, nature-based solutions, and practical solutions needed to adapt to climate impacts.

 

 

“The PEMSEA Story” chronicles 28 years of collaborative ocean governance in the Seas of East Asia. (Photo Credit: PEMSEA/John Castillo)

 

 

A consortium of Hong Kong-based universities is holding two online trainings on “Pollution Assessment and Management (PAM)” and “Recent Advances in Marine Environmental Research” on November 26 and 27 respectively, as part of the last series of pre-2021 East Asian Seas Congress (EAS) collabs. The collabs are a mix of technical and knowledge-sharing sessions held in the lead up to the EAS Congress and organized by the Partnerships in Environmental Management for the Seas of East Asia (PEMSEA) and other stakeholders.

 

 

Da Nang, the 01st December 2021

 

 

SIHANOUKVILLE, CAMBODIA, DECEMBER 1, 2021— True to its theme of “Charting a New Decade of H.O.P.E. (Healthy Ocean, People and Economies), the 2021 East Asian Seas (EAS) Congress opened successfully onsite in Sihanoukville, Cambodia and virtually today, December 1. An atmosphere of optimism, determination and resilience following a challenging year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, marked the beginning of a two-day series of events and sessions that brought together various ocean stakeholders from 11 countries across the region.