Blue Economy Bulletin June 2019
PUBLICATION DATE:
Friday, June 28, 2019
PUBLICATION TYPE:
Magazines and Newsletters
STATUS:
Only Available Online
DESCRIPTION:
Welcome to PEMSEA's Blue Economy Bulletin. This month, we released our annual report for 2018, which was a milestone year representing 25 years of PEMSEA's work on Integrated Coastal Management in the Seas of East Asia. Elsevier published a PEMSEA paper which describes the evolution of PEMSEA from a regional marine pollution project to an international organization working on integrated management solutions and partnerships and examines future key areas of intervention by PEMSEA. We also welcome a new project manager to lead the SDS-SEA in the future.
Over 100 countries have now signed on to the Port State Measures Agreement (PSMA), which increases the ability of countries to police IUU fishing. Ensuring fishing is sustainable requires increased knowledge of ecological connectivity between national fisheries and the high seas, something that will be aided by the further mapping of the sea floor. A draft text on a new UNCLOS agreement on managing biodiversity in international waters has been released.
The potential of using investments to make a difference has become clear as over $500 billion have now been put into impact investments globally. The Chinese Government is looking to expand the country's aquaculture industry. The Philippine Government has asked financial institutions to invest more in lower carbon projects. Banks involved in the shipping industry have agreed to a set of guidelines designed aid the lowering of shipping emissions.
Follow the latest updates on blue economy and coastal sustainable development in East Asia on Facebook and Twitter (@PEMSEA). We welcome your feedback, and please let us know if there are other blue economy topics you would like to see in future newsletters and programs.
RELATED PUBLICATIONS
Proceedings of the Thirty-fourth Expanded East Asian Seas Executive Committee Meeting
The Expanded East Asian Seas (EAS) Executive Committee convened its 34th Executive Committee Meeting on 21 October 2025 online via Zoom. The meeting was attended by EAS Partnership Council Chair Attorney Jonas Leones; Intergovernmental Session Chair Mr. Le Dai Thang; Intergovernmental Session Co-Chair Dr. Xinwei Yu; Technical Session Chair Dr. Suk-Jae Kwon; and Technical Session Co-Chair Dr. Wakita Kazumi. The PEMSEA Resource Facility (PRF), led by Executive Director (ED) Ms. Aimee T. Gonzales, served as Secretariat to the meeting. PEMSEA Country Partners in attendance included national focal points and representatives from Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Japan, Lao PDR, the Philippines, the Republic of Korea, Singapore, Timor-Leste, and Viet Nam. Non-Country Partners present included representatives from the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity, Ipieca GISEA, Oil Spill Response Limited, National Marine Hazard Mitigation Service, International Center for Environmental Management of Enclosed Coastal Seas (EMECS), PEMSEA Network of Local Governments, and Korea Institute of Ocean Science & Technology, among others. Online observers included staff from the PEMSEA Resource Facility and UNDP.
History of Timor Leste's engagement in PEMSEA
Since joining PEMSEA in 2006 through the signing of the Haikou Partnership Agreement, Timor-Leste has made remarkable progress in advancing sustainable coastal and ocean governance under the Sustainable Development Strategy for the Seas of East Asia (SDS-SEA). Over the years, the country has implemented Integrated Coastal Management (ICM) programs in key municipalities, developed national ocean and coastal policies, and strengthened inter-agency collaboration for marine protection and livelihood enhancement. Through its participation in regional initiatives such as ATSEA and the Marine Plastics ODA Project, Timor-Leste continues to demonstrate strong commitment to ecosystem-based management, blue economy development, and regional cooperation for healthy and resilient seas.
History of Viet Nam's engagement in PEMSEA
Since 1993, Viet Nam has been an active partner in advancing sustainable coastal and ocean governance in the East Asian Seas through PEMSEA. From pioneering Integrated Coastal Management (ICM) in Da Nang to establishing the Viet Nam Administration of Seas and Islands (VASI), the country has institutionalized ICM in national policy and legislation while fostering regional cooperation through leadership roles in PEMSEA bodies and ministerial forums. Viet Nam’s consistent participation in key initiatives and adoption of major regional declarations underscore its strong commitment to blue economy development, marine ecosystem protection, and the long-term implementation of the Sustainable Development Strategy for the Seas of East Asia (SDS-SEA).
History of DPR Korea's Engagement in PEMSEA
Since joining the regional GEF/UNDP/IMO Marine Pollution Prevention in the East Asian Seas (MPP-EAS) project, the DPR Korea has actively advanced Integrated Coastal Management (ICM) through the establishment of the Nampho demonstration site and the National ICM Training Center at Kim Il Sung University. The country has consistently participated in key regional forums, including the East Asian Seas Congresses and Ministerial Forums, adopting major regional declarations and frameworks such as the SDS-SEA and Manila Declaration. Its engagement reflects a sustained commitment to regional cooperation, marine pollution prevention, and sustainable coastal development under PEMSEA.
History of China's Engagement in PEMSEA
Since 1993, China has played a leading role in advancing regional ocean governance and Integrated Coastal Management (ICM) through PEMSEA. From pioneering the first ICM demonstration site in Xiamen to hosting key regional forums and declarations, China has continuously championed sustainable coastal development and blue economy initiatives. Its long-standing commitment under the Sustainable Development Strategy for the Seas of East Asia (SDS-SEA) reflects its vision for a healthy, resilient, and sustainably managed ocean region.