PEMSEA supports the 2022 East Asia Marine Cooperation Platform Qingdao Forum

 

Last 22 June, the 2022 East Asia Marine Cooperation Platform Qingdao Forum, with the theme of “Embrace the Ocean Decade for a Shared Future,” took place in Qingdao, China. It attracted over 400 participants online and on-site, including marine experts, economists, artists, and entrepreneurs of different countries and organizations globally to deepen exchanges and cooperation in marine science, economy, technology, humanities, and environmental protection.

 

At the Forum, the United Nations (UN) Ocean Decade Collaborative Centre on Ocean Climate Nexus was approved officially by the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission; the major scientific plan of the Ocean Decade was released; the International Alliance of Maritime Business Associations was unveiled; and the 2021 Modern Ocean City Research Report was launched for the first time.

 

The Forum, sponsored by the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) of China and the People’s Government of Shandong Province, consisted of 10 major events, namely the Opening Ceremony and Main Forum, seven Sub-Forums, the Global Marine Tech Innovation and Entrepreneurship Contest, and the East Asia Marine Expo.

 

 

Chief Engineer Zhang Zhanhai of MNR hosts the Opening Ceremony

 

The Executive Director of PEMSEA, Ms. Aimee Gonzales, addressed the Opening Ceremony. On behalf of PEMSEA, she introduced the concept, framework, process, implementation, and achievements concerning the practice of integrated coastal management (ICM) and ICM System (ICMS) certification in the East Asian Seas region. She highlighted China’s participation and contribution to the development of ICM and ICMS certification and looked forward to seeing more Chinese local governments implement ICM and receive ICMS certification in the future.

 

 

Aimee Gonzales of PEMSEA delivers the opening speech

 

The Forum, as an important platform for Qingdao to pave the way for marine cooperation and maritime governance, will play its part in boosting blue economy and the development of the East Asian Seas partnership.