Youth

PEMSEA puts great importance in engaging the youth in sustainably managing the coastal and marine biodiversity and resources, and in the success of implementing the Sustainable Development Strategy for the Seas of East Asia (SDS-SEA). 

In the past years, PEMSEA consistently engaged the youth sector in its different program and projects by empowering youth leaders across the region to take ownership of the health of coasts and oceans in East Asia and enable them to be ocean champions both in their communities and throughout the region. 

East Asian Seas Youth Forum

The EAS Youth Forum (YF) is held every three years as one of the major events of the East Asian Seas (EAS) Congress. The forum highlights the youth’s crucial role in sustainable development of the seas and coasts in East Asia. 

Launched in 2006, the Youth Forum serves as a platform for young leaders in the region to become stronger environmental advocates and collaborate on innovative solutions that can address challenges in our seas and ocean. It is an opportunity for youth to extend their network, learn, interact and share their initiatives and best practices, with various stakeholders and ocean leaders who can impart knowledge and inspire future projects.

PEMSEA Network of Young Leaders (PNYL)

PEMSEA continues to strengthen the PEMSEA Network of Young Leaders (PNYL), which was launched during the 5th EAS Youth Forum held 27-30 November in Iloilo City, Philippines. The PNYL is responsible for leading the Youth Program's policy, advocacy, and campaigns, in coordination with PEMSEA Resource Facility (PRF). The pioneer batch of the PNYL consists of 70 members from 13 different countries. 

Small Grant Competition

Through the Youth Small Grants Programme, PEMSEA awards up to US$ 2,000 for the implementation of project proposals for the sustainable development of the coastal and marine areas in the EAS region.

The first awardee of the Youth Grant in 2015 was Enggar Wardani, a student at Bogor Agricultural University in Indonesia, for a “Blue Action Community Project” that aimed to restore mangrove forests and conduct environmental education in the community. In 2017, the grant was awarded to SIP PH, a social enterprise youth group based in Manila, Philippines which advocates for the reduction of plastic pollution by using more environment-friendly products.