Final PSC Meeting of the GEF/UNDP/PEMSEA Project on Scaling up Implementation of the SDS-SEA
PUBLICATION DATE:
Wednesday, January 13, 2021
PUBLICATION TYPE:
Meeting Documents
STATUS:
Only Available Online
DESCRIPTION:
The Final Project Steering Committee Meeting of the GEF/UNDP/PEMSEA Project on Scaling up the Implementation of the Sustainable Development Strategy for the Seas of East Asia (SDS-SEA) was conducted virtually through a zoom video conference call on 18 December 2020. The Meeting was attended by representatives from eight project participating countries, namely: Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Philippines, Thailand, Timor-Leste and Vietnam. Representatives from the United
Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Philippines were present on behalf of the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Representatives from the China-PEMSEA Center and PEMSEA Network of Learning Centers participated as observers. The SDS-SEA Terminal Evaluation Consultants at the international level as well as national consultants from the eight project member countries were present as key resource persons. The PEMSEA Resource Facility (PRF) served as Secretariat for the Meeting.
Overall, the meeting focused on the key achievements or progress of the project from 2014 to 2020, the initial findings, assessment and recommendations from the ongoing project terminal review, and the work plan for the completion of the project’s operational and financial closure. The Final PSC Meeting made the following major recommendations:
- The PRF to validate the coverage of Integrated Coastal Management (ICM) in the region and to document ICM key accomplishments to serve as basis in further scaling-up of ICM to other sites in the future.
- The PRF and the Terminal Review to highlight the key accomplishments and contribution of the project in support of climate change adaptation and in strengthening resilience of coastal communities.
- The Terminal Review Team to finalize the first draft of the Terminal Evaluation report for dissemination to PSC members on the week of December 21, 2020 for review.
- PSC members to submit their comments on the draft Terminal Evaluation report by January 8, 2021.
- The adoption of the proposed work plan and timeline to complete the operational and financial closure of the project.
| DOCUMENT NUMBER | DOCUMENT TITLE |
|---|---|
| PSC/2020/DOC/01 | Meeting agenda |
| PSC/2020/DOC/02 | Matters arising from 2019 |
| PSC/2020/DOC/03 | Overall project accomplishments |
| PSC/2020/DOC/04 | Evaluation of the GEF PEMSEA project |
| PSC/2020/DOC/05 | Project closure |
RELATED PUBLICATIONS
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.
PEMSEA eBulletin - October 2025
Dear PEMSEA community,
Navigate through inspiring stories of renewed commitments, strengthened partnerships, and collective action this October!
Read about how Philippine mayors and local leaders from five coastal cities and municipalities pledged to strengthen local actions and solutions to reduce marine plastic pollution. The Mayors’ Conference on Reducing Marine Plastics in Manila brought together key decision-makers to sign the Mayors’ Compact and project agreements under the MOF/PEMSEA ODA Project, marking milestones toward cleaner and more sustainable coasts.
Know more about how PEMSEA reaffirmed its commitment to regional cooperation on sustainable ocean governance through the 34th Expanded Executive Committee (EC) Meeting led by Partnership Council Chair Atty. Jonas Leones, setting a clear implementation pathway toward achieving 2030 global targets.
On the ground, see how empowered communities under the Marine Plastics ODA Project are leading awareness and behavior change efforts across local sites—proving that real progress begins with collective local action.
Learn about the renewed partnership between the Government of Timor-Leste and the PEMSEA Resource Facility through the signing of a revised Memorandum of Understanding in Manila, ensuring continued collaboration for reducing marine plastics in the East Asian Seas region.
Explore the growing impact of the GEF/UNDP/ASEAN Integrated River Basin Management (IRBM) Project across Southeast Asia in their latest newsletter, from river basin consultations in the Philippines to the upcoming project rollout in Malaysia, and multistakeholder workshops advancing the Water-Energy-Food-Ecosystem Nexus approach.
This month, we also congratulate Mr. Yinfeng Guo for his election as IUCN Regional Councillor for South and East Asia, recognizing his long-standing leadership and contributions to regional ocean and coastal governance!