The oceans and coasts of the East Asian region are among the most biologically diverse and productive areas in the world. However, these areas have been threatened over the years by various problems and issues due to rapid socioeconomic activities, population growth and several other factors. The youth, as inheritors of the planet, have the most at stake. But they can also play a significant role in securing their future and that of generations to come, if their potential can be properly utilized. Existing efforts for the sustainable development of our oceans and coasts will only be sustained if the younger generation gets involved in environmental and resource management. Now on its third cycle, the East Asian Seas Youth Forum gathered young leaders to share their experiences in protecting the oceans and coasts of East Asia. The Third East Asian Seas Youth Forum (YF3) was one of the special events of the EAS Congress, which was held from 8-13 July 2012 in Changwon City, Republic of Korea. The YF3 included 91 participants, 48 of which were from 11 EAS countries including Cambodia, PR China, Indonesia, Japan, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste and Viet Nam. Forty-three participants were representatives of various environmental youth groups in RO Korea. Carrying the theme, “Young Champions for the Ocean,” the YF3 was designed to enhance awareness and to develop the potential of the youth of East Asia as future practitioners in coastal and ocean management. This publication summarizes the outcome of the Forum.

This publication summarizes the results of the Fourth Senior Government Officials' Meeting held during the East Asian Seas Congress 2012. The meeting highlighted the key objectives and expected outputs of the Ministerial Forum, including the adoption of the Changwon Declaration toward an Ocean-based Blue Economy and the Regional Sustainable Development Strategy for the Seas of East Asia (SDS-SEA) Implementation Plan for 2012–2016.

This publication summarizes the results of the workshop on Unmasking Hidden Costs: Accounting for Natural Resource Depreciation and Environmental Damages held during the East Asian Seas Congress 2012. The workshop aimed to draw attention to the value of ecosystem services and the cost of ecosystem losses and environmental damages, as well as the application of such values in policy-making, designing economic instruments, assessing development versus conservation options, project structuring and developing alternative livelihood programs.

This publication summarizes the results of the Expert Consultation Workshop on Coastal and Marine Spatial Planning Approach: International Experiences held during the East Asian Seas Congress 2012. The workshop dealt with lessons of marine spatial planning from international experience (Europe, Ukraine) in relation to climate change, and focused on East Asia to illustrate national and local examples of MSP or its variants (coastal use zoning, marine functional zoning, integrated land-and sea-use plan, etc.), the approaches to MSP, and applications of MSP for resolving multiple use conflicts and for specific uses, e.g., disaster preparedness, beach protection, and habitat protection.

The 2012 PEMSEA Network of Local Governments for Sustainable Coastal Development (PNLG) Forum General Assembly was held at the Changwon Hotel, Changwon City, Republic of Korea on 8 July 2012. The Changwon City Government hosted the forum. This publication summarizes the outcome of the forum.