UNDP, PEMSEA sign Memorandum of Understanding for knowledge sharing

 

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.

 

UNDP, represented by its China office, is implementing the regional project called Restoring Ecosystem Goods and Services of YSLME (Yellow Sea Large Marine Ecosystem), funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF). PEMSEA is currently executing its Sustainable Development Strategy for the Seas of East Asia (SDS-SEA) 2018-2022 Implementation Plan, also funded by GEF and implemented by UNDP.

 

The MOU, which will run until 2022, seeks to provide unrestricted access to knowledge products for knowledge development and replication in the areas both parties are pursuing: strategic action program for YSLME, and implementation of the SDS-SEA for PEMSEA.

 

Under the terms of the agreement, the free transfer of knowledge products used by the UNDP/GEF YSLME Phase II Project can be used by PEMSEA in trainings to advance the implementation of the SDS-SEA. PEMSEA will have free, open and immediate access to YSLME’s knowledge products on micro plastic monitoring, marine protected areas (MPA) networking and integrated multi-tropic aquaculture (IMTA).

 

Knowledge products generated by PEMSEA will also be available for use by UNDP. PEMSEA’s SDS-SEA project has produced case studies and integrated coastal management (ICM) solutions that document the good practices and lessons learned in its implementation. The case studies, which cover topics such as MPA management and networking, biodiversity conservation, climate change adaptation, sustainable livelihood, and blue economy practices, can enhance the delivery of YSLME’s training modules.

 

PEMSEA is also in discussion with UNDP China to initiate a PEMSEA Network of Local Governments (PNLG)- PEMSEA Network of Learning Centers (PNLC) Joint Training Programme that aims to further support capacity building in the EAS region. The Joint Training Programme can be in the form of a science-policy forum, or an ICM executive training course combined with a study tour or technical workshop focusing on specific topics that local governments or ICM practitioners identify as priority concerns.