Proceedings of the Workshop on the Impacts of Climate Change at the Coastal and Ocean Areas of the East Asian Seas Region
PUBLICATION DATE:
Sunday, November 01, 2009
PUBLICATION TYPE:
Meeting Documents
STATUS:
Only Available Online
DESCRIPTION:
This publication summarizes the results of one of the workshops held during the East Asian Seas Congress 2009 on the Impacts of Climate Change at the Coastal and Ocean Areas of the East Asian Seas Region. Climate changes are not new—cycles of tremendous climate changes have happened throughout Earth’s history; but in those times, the contributions from humans were nil or very insignificant. A grave concern is very apparent today; IPCC, in its 2007 report declared, beyond doubt, a warming of the global climate system and linking it to human activities. Humankind’s excesses have thus become manifold: pollution, overextractions, introductions, habitat destruction, and now climate change have tremendously altered ecosystems and the climate and are contributing to Earth’s destruction. It is against this backdrop that the Workshop on Impacts of Climate Change at the Coastal and Ocean Areas of the East Asian Seas Region was convened during the EAS Congress in Manila, Philippines in November 2009. This workshop was aimed at articulating climate change adaptation and resilience strategies within the context of sustainable development in coastal and marine environment. In particular, the workshop objectives are: To understand the types, level and severity of the adverse social and economic impacts of climate change; and To outline actions, initiatives or response measures within and outside the East Asian Seas region related to climate change adaptation and resilience strategies. The workshop was co-convened by the World Maritime University (WMU), the Ministry of Land, Transportation and Maritime Affairs of RO Korea (MLTM) and the Swedish Environmental Secretariat for Asia (SENSA). The impacts to the East Asian Seas region were discussed as they relate to sustainable development in Monsoon Asia, fisheries production, and shipping (with the opening of Northeast Passage and Arctic meltdown). The active discussion and sharing of experiences between natural and social scientists and policymakers made reaching a common understanding of global change issues as they affect vulnerability and adaptation in coastal regional settings. The workshop also became a venue which bridged the practitioners of global change with those of a local rural development focus. Also amply articulated were different perspectives coming from disaster risk, conservation and coastal management practitioners.
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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.