PEMSEA’s New Capacity Development Manager Joins PNLC Training Workshop
Tuesday, 20 September 2016
The 3rd Regional Training Workshop on Marine Ecosystem Services Valuation and Spatial Management Tools was held from 22 to 27 August 2016 in Busan, RO Korea. This workshop was organized with support from the Korean Maritime Institute. Thirteen members of the PEMSEA Network of Learning Centers (PNLC) attended the event.
Participants learned about theory and application of valuation of marine ecosystem services and spatial management tools such as (MAPS-SEV), integrated approach to ecosystem valuation and trade-offs (Marine InVEST), marine spatial assessment for planning (MAPS-MSA) and the application of the Ocean Health Index (OHI+).
The workshop was joined by Ms. Johanna Diwa-Acallar, the new Capacity Development Manager for PEMSEA. Ms. Diwa-Acallar brings almost a decade of international experience in the fields of education, training, research and capacity development. Prior to joining PEMSEA, she coordinated the postgraduate programmes at the United Nations University Headquarters in Tokyo and the capacity building programmes at the United Nations Institute for Training and Research Asia Pacific Office.
Ms. Diwa completed PhD coursework in Education Administration and Human Sciences from Hiroshima University where she also received her M.Ed. She graduated Cum Laude with a degree in BA Philosophy from the University of the Philippines and was a recipient of the Asian Youth Fellowship Award, Mombukagakusho Scholarship and Kumahira Foundation Grant.
Ms. Diwa convened the PNLC members and briefed them on her role at PEMSEA while also discussing PEMSEA’s plans on further mobilizing the network to assist in scaling up efforts towards SDS-SEA implementation. PEMSEA is promoting increased involvement of PNLC members in ICM program activities at sites across the region. As the Capacity Development Manager, Ms. Diwa will work on the continuous development of the PNLC’s expertise in coastal and marine management-related techniques and methodologies. The PNLC members expressed their interest and enthusiasm in supporting PEMSEA’s training efforts on capacity development in their respective countries.