Welcome to the latest edition of the Blue Economy Bulletin! In the past few weeks, PEMSEA has been busy with several activities, the most exciting of which is the announcement of a new Executive Director, Ms. Aimee Gonzales, who will assume her role starting in 2018. Highlighting the latest research on “blue carbon” in the region, PEMSEA hosted a webinar featuring international blue carbon experts. During the recent US-ASEAN Conference on Marine Environmental Issues, PEMSEA participated in a blue economy panel along with Minister Kobkarn Suriyasat Wattanavrangkul, Thailand’s Minister of Tourism and Sports.

Countries in the region continue to strengthen their programs for coastal management and blue economy. PEMSEA is a proud partner of the Yellow Sea Large Marine Ecosystem (YSLME) Project Phase II, which is taking major steps forward. In Vietnam, the national government defines its master plan for the seas, BRICS countries emphasize the growth opportunities in blue economy and China’s government develops Qingdao for blue economy growth. On the industry side, hotels and marine industries in Thailand unite to focus on marine environmental issues, while a coalition of companies join forces to build a blockchain-based marine insurance platform.

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.

Welcome to the second edition of PEMSEA’s re-launched E-Update! We’re excited to introduce a new look and format, supported by an improved platform for managing updates to the PEMSEA community. The E-Update will arrive in your email every other month with the latest information on PEMSEA’s activities and news and events relevant to sustainable development of coasts and oceans in the region. In alternate months, you’ll receive the PEMSEA Blue Economy Bulletin, with updates on industry, investment and other topics relevant to blue economy development. In between newsletters, follow us on Facebook and Twitter (@PEMSEA) for the latest updates.

Welcome to the mid-summer edition of the Blue Economy Bulletin! You may notice some changes with the bulletin starting this month. PEMSEA re-launched its regular e-update last month, which will focus on policy, governance, science and coastal management in the Seas of East Asia. The Blue Economy Bulletin will now focus even more on sustainable economy, industry, technology, financing and investment in the region. Look to receive the PEMSEA e-update and Blue Economy Bulletin in alternating months.

Since the last issue, China continues to build its plans for blue economy, while the Philippines takes steps to green the shorelines of its largest economic center. Consumer goods companies may think twice about their contribution to ocean pollution, while the largest tuna company in the world adopts more sustainable practices. The shipping sector also finds itself under pressure to reduce its carbon 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.

PEMSEA Hosts Side Event On "Catalyzing Investments In SDG 14: Establishment Of A Strategic Ocean Investment Ecosystem" At United Nations Ocean Conference

Thousands of delegates from around the world converged on United Nations headquarters in New York City from June 5 - 9 for the UN Ocean Conference supporting implementation of SDG 14. PEMSEA partnered with UNDP, UNEP, The Economist, Credit Suisse and others to host a discussion on the need for innovative financial mechanisms to drive the transition to more sustainable blue economies and establishing a regional Ocean Investment Facility and Funds. PEMSEA was honored to have Mr. Peter Thomson, President of the General Assembly of the United Nations, deliver opening comments for the event.

2017 is an important year for oceans, with the United Nations Ocean Conference planned for June 5-9 in New York City. PEMSEA will be participating in the conference, and earlier this month we were pleased to submit our commitment to supporting SDG 14. We are also excited to highlight a new partnership with R20 Regions of Climate Action on low-carbon, blue economy investment in the region. PEMSEA continues its work on an evidence-based approach to blue economy in the region, and we hosted a webinar on optimizing social media for marine biodiversity conservation.

Countries including China and Indonesia continue taking concrete steps to protect the health of their coasts and oceans. In the private sector, the launch of a new tool for sharing ESG data promises to provide more transparency into companies’ responsible practices. Reports state that investments in conservation have increased, but marine protected areas still lack funding. At the same time, the World Resources Institute released a useful mapping of climate finance architecture.

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.

Welcome to the first issue of the Blue Economy Bulletin for 2017! To begin the year, please help us continue to improve our delivery of relevant blue economy updates by answering this short survey (less than 5 minutes).

Kicking off 2017, PEMSEA hosted a webinar in partnership with Conservation International on how the ocean’s health is being measured. A recording is available online.

We start the year with good examples of progress on coastal and ocean sustainable development. Stanford scientists found proof that large marine protected areas create positive impacts on reef shark populations and UC Santa Barbara partnered with global leaders to help secure the future of the oceans. In Central Java, a restored mangrove forest generates ecotourism revenue for a local community.

Governments all over the world are strengthening their policies and enforcement on coasts and oceans. In East Asia, Vietnam announced its marine plans, Indonesia revealed its desire to crack down on fish aggregating devices, China committed to ocean economy demonstration zones and the Philippines strengthened its protection of a marine biodiversity hotspot. In Europe, countries are pushing for increased transparency in fisheries outside the EU.

Innovations such as blockchain technology, breakthrough methods of recycling ocean plastic and sustainable aquaculture feed offer examples of some of the new technologies and practices that can help solve some of our most pressing ocean issues. Organizations continue to push the boundaries of conservation finance with a new report from Forest Trends’ Ecosystem Marketplace on private capital invested towards environmental conservation, and leading global banks launching a framework aimed at channeling investments towards achieving the UN SDGs. Read on for more.

Follow the latest updates on blue economy and coastal sustainable development in East Asia on Facebook and Twitter at @PEMSEA. We welcome your feedback.

Welcome to the final issue of the Blue Economy Bulletin for 2016! Thank you for your continuing interest in blue economy news and events including industry highlights, policy updates and more from East Asia and around the world.

Moving into the end of the year, PEMSEA is pleased to announce a new partnership with the World Ocean Council for ocean industry engagement in East Asia. PEMSEA has also been busy gathering experts to promote blue economy investments and providing training on marine protected areas through a workshop in Zhoushan, China co-organized with the State Oceanic Administration.

Increased interest in financial investments for sustainability is evident in the launch of a new funding platform for sustainable development projects in Asia. The European Union recently strengthened its commitment to ocean governance, and pledged hundreds of millions of Euros to boost the ocean energy industry. In the shipping industry, the International Maritime Organization implemented stricter requirements to reduce sulfur emissions from ships. Indonesia received support for its blue economy efforts from the U.S., while Portugal declared its desire to invest in Vietnam’s marine industries. New innovations in eco-tourism and seafood traceability mark progress in transforming blue economy for environmental and social benefit.

Follow the latest updates on blue economy and coastal sustainable development in East Asia on Facebook and Twitter. 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.

Welcome to the latest issue of the Blue Economy Bulletin, your source for blue economy news and events including industry highlights, policy updates and more from East Asia and around the world.

Globally, more governments and organizations are taking positive steps towards sustainability in the coastal and marine environment. The PEMSEA Network of Local Governments recently convened to discuss its plans to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), while PEMSEA stepped up its leadership for sustainability of ASEAN ports. The Economist gathered experts to discuss investing in a transition to sustainable fisheries. The IUCN Conservation Congress featured a number of commitments and launches including a new platform for sharing coastal management solutions and a new coalition for conservation investment. The Philippines tightens implementation of its fisheries code to target illegal fishing, just as the US pledges to enforce standards on marine mammal bycatch across imported seafood products. PEMSEA hosted its latest Blue Economy Webinar, covering electronic catch documentation and traceability for addressing illegal fishing.

New solutions continue to emerge for the marine space, including application of blockchain technology for seafood traceability, big data for improved catch prediction and efficiency and sustainable practices in shrimp aquaculture. Innovative financing approaches including a new fisheries investment fund and significant commitments to support marine protected areas hold promise.

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.

Welcome to the latest issue of the Blue Economy Bulletin, your source for blue economy news and events including industry highlights, scientific developments, policy updates and more from East Asia and around the world.

In this issue, learn about how PEMSEA’s work supports achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and how PEMSEA assisted Cambodia as an occurrence of “red tide” impacted its fisheries and tourism industries. The landmark Port State Measures Agreementcame into force to battle illegal fishing, and another potential landmark case has been brought against international companies for alleged human rights violations due to the impacts of climate change in the Philippines. Vietnam looks to increase its fisheries exports by US$7 billion, just as a large company on its coast admits to its role in a massive fish kill earlier this year. Companies taking steps to protect the health of the oceans in this issue include Adidas’ efforts to recycle ocean plastic waste and Cathay Pacific’s banning of shark fin cargo. And as one organization points to the important role coral die-off may play in focusing attention on the impacts of climate change, another analysis finds that protecting coral reefs has one of the best payoffs of all the SDGs.

Companies increasingly recognize the importance of understanding the value of ecosystem services to their business. Together with our partners, PEMSEA hosted a series of webinars on ecosystem services valuation, which are now available online.

Follow the latest updates on blue economy and coastal sustainable development in East Asia on 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.