Humans of East Asian Seas (EAS) Stories

One of the key activities to commemorate PEMSEA's 30th anniversary, the EAS Partnership Council launched the search for Humans of East ASIAN Seas (EAS). The Humans of EAS honors and celebrates the work of local coastal and marine champions from among the many local personalities and partners in the last 30 years of collaborative actions to bring about transformational change in the EAS region.

30 Humans of EAS who made significant contributions to local/national/regional efforts to promote sustainable developments of seas and coasts of East Asia were selected by a panel of judges among several nominees recommended through an open call that lasted for six months.                                                                                                        
 

Masako Bannai Otsuka

Director, Japan for the International Ocean Institute (Retired), Ocean Policy Research Institute (OPRI) (JAPAN)

 

 

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Prak Visal

Director, Division of Public Relations, and International Cooperation (CAMBODIA)

 

 

 

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Wang Jinhe

Deputy Director, Dongying Municipal Bureau of Marine Development and Fisheries (CHINA)

 

 

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Ms. Masako Bannai Otsuka pioneered the Integrated management System (ICM) startup phase in Japan, bringing the global and East Asian experiences of implementing ICM in Japan. Her work with the national and local governments facilitated, promoted and help launched projects in ICM model sites across Japan (including: (1) Miyako City, Iwate Prefecture, (2) Shima City, Mie Prefecture, (3) Obama City, Fukui Prefecture, (4) Bizen City, Okayama Prefecture, (5) Sukumo City and Otsuki Town, Kochi Prefecture, (6) Nagasaki Prefecture, and (7) Taketomi Town, Okinawa Prefecture). Her expert contribution included the documentation and dissemination the (latest) ICM information domestically through writing more than 400 articles on national and international ICM implementation on the Ocean Policy Research Foundation blog.                                                                             

Her (proven) technical expertise allowed for the successful coordination of diverse stakeholders of the ICM sites; and the setting up of study groups and local associations of citizens, companies, local government officials, and others sectors. Furthermore, her effort in planning and preparing for the PEMSEA Network of Local Government (PNLG) conference held in Shima City a model ICM site in Japan, in 2013 was able to connect the local government officials and local coastal stakeholders of Shima City with other participants from countries of the East Asian Seas region. Her efforts also contributed to Shima City’s formulation of basic plans that included the Shima City Sato-umi Creation Basic Plan (also known as the Shima City Basic Plan for the Comprehensive Management of Coastal Areas) under the slogan "Earn, learn and play! Shima, a new Sato-umi city". As a result, the brand, which utilizes Shima City's resources, has gained worldwide recognition. 

 

                              
 

Mr. Prak Visal, was involved as project leader during the establishment of the Integrated Coastal Management Program (ICM) in Preah Sihanouk in 2001. Preah Sihanouk was one of PEMSEA’s ICM demonstration sites and the first coastal province in Cambodia to implement ICM. His determination and persistent efforts in facilitating local stakeholder consultations led to the development of the Environmental Profile, Sihanoukville Coastal Strategy and its Implementation Plan, Coastal Use Zoning Plan, and Tourism Development Plan. His leadership and ability to work with the local communities; and national and local authorities led to the initiation and implementation of various projects in Preah Sihanouk such as the community-based solid waste management in Sangkat 4; habitat protection and rehabilitation in Koh Rong Island, Kampong Smach and other areas, and water source rehabilitation and sanitation in Stung Hav District; livelihood management, sustainable coastal tourism and beach zoning management scheme in Ochheauteal Beach; and habitat protection and management of about 1,060 hectares of mangrove areas in Otress and Tomnob Rolok, Stung Hav and Kompong Smach, Prey Nup Districts. Through his guidance, Preah Sihanouk leveraged ICM work to further engage with other development partners such as the International Center for Environmental Technology Transfer, International Union for Conservation of Nature Cambodia Climate Change Alliance, UN-Habitat, Fauna and Flora International, Fisheries Action Coalition Team on capacity and partnership building to implement various actions on habitat protection, climate change adaptation, pollution reduction; and the establishment of MPA/marine fisheries management areas, Ocean Park, and develop a Smart City program.                                                       

The ICM implementation in Preah Sihanouk covers 176 km. of coastline and 2,397 km2 land area providing practical solutions to coastal and marine management issues, and benefiting over 200,000 stakeholders in the province. These benefits include: a boost tourism and length of stay; increased job opportunities; strengthened government and private sector participation; improved political commitment to beach and environmental management; and pollution prevention.

 

 

Dr. Wang Jinhe introduced the concept of Integrated Coastal Management system in the cities of Northern China. Working for the city of Dongying, he was instrumental in preparing the application of Dongying as an ICM Demonstration Site of PEMSEA in 2005 and a member of PEMSEA Network of Local Government (PNLG) in 2007. His effort contributed to the publication of the Dongying State of Coast Report in 2010 and the organization of PNLG Annual Meeting in Dongying in 2011 during which the Dongying Declaration on Building a “Blue Economy” through Integrated Coastal Management was signed. He documented and disseminated several best practices in coastal management of Dongying to the rest of the region, notably, “Transforming Traditional Pond Aquaculture to Modern Ecological Aquaculture in Dongying” and “The Preparedness and Response Planning of Dongying City under the ICM Coordination Mechanism”. He also provided excellent ICM Cases of Dongying for the EAS region, including Dongying Modern Fishery Demonstration Zone, Marine Protected Area Management Performance Improvement, Guangli River Basin Integrated Management, Coastal Vulnerability Assessment, and Marine Ranching. His significant support for the implementation of the SDS-SEA and the establishment of the ICM System in Dongying resulted to Dongying achieving ICM System Level 1 certification in 2015 and subsequently ICM System Level 2 certification in 2020. To date, Dongying remains a model city that works to maintain the balance of ecosystem management and restoration with economic growth and prosperity.

 

 

Here are the following Humans of EAS that will be featured soon:

4. Jungho Nam, Senior Research Fellow, Korea Maritime Institute (RO KOREA)

5. Anabelle L. Cayabyab, Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer, Provincial Government of Cavite (PHILIPPINES)

6. Metri Nainatu, Leader of Women Community Group in Oeseli Village, Rote Ndao District (INDONESIA)

7. A. Zaki Iskandar SE, M.Si, Former Regent of Tangerang Regency 2014-2023 (INDONESIA)

8. Nisakorn Wiwekwin, Technical working committee of PNLC-BUU, Saensuk Municipality (THAILAND)

9. Yanhua ZHANG, Engineer, Changyi City Marine Development Center (CHINA)

10. Shouji WU, Deputy Director, Natural Resources and Planning Bureau, Quanzhou City, Fujian Province (CHINA)

11. Isdahartatie, Researcher, Center for Coastal and Marine Resources Studies IPB University (INDONESIA)

12. Le Thi Thanh Huong, Official, Thua Thien Hue DONRE (VIETNAM)

13. Qinhua Fang, Professor; Deputy Director, Xiamen University (CHINA)

14. Abilio da Fonseca, Lecturer, Universidade Nasional Timor-Lorosa’e (TIMOR-LESTE)

15. Heru Triatmojo, SP, M.Si, Head, Bontang City Environmental Service (TIMOR-LESTE)

16. Marivic P. Esmas, Provincial Government-Assistant Department Head, Environment and Natural Resources Office, Provincial Government of Batangas (PHILIPPINES)

17. Nguyen Thanh Thao, Director of Science, Technology and International Cooperation, Vietnam Geological Department (VIETNAM)

18. Nay Sally, Chief officer of International Relations, Division of Public Relation and Internation Cooperation, Preah Sihanouk Provincial Hall (CAMBODIA)

19. Chindavanh Souriyaphack, Deputy Head Division, Department of Water Resouces, MONRE (LAO PDR)

20. Kingkham MANIVONG, Deputy Director General, Department of Water Resources (LAO PDR)

21. Nurasykin Mohamed Yusuf, Senior Assistant, Town Planner in Kuala Langat Municipal Council, Selangor (MALAYSIA)

22. Jimmy T. Masagca, Professor 6 (CatSU) and Scientific Consultant and Adviser (SCA), Catanduanes State University (CatSU) and PACIFICTECH NGO (PHILIPPINES)

23. Marius L. Panahon, Aquaculturist II, City Government of Calapan (PHILIPPINES)

24. Jinu Braz de Araújo, Student / Founder of Lenuk Tasi group (Sea Turtle Conservation), Universidade Nacional Timor Lorosa’e (UNTL) (TIMOR-LESTE)

25. Dircia Sarmento Belo, Founder/Professional Staff, Laudato Si’ Movement (TIMOR-LESTE)

26. Joãozinho Dedito Martins, Conservation Coordinator, Blue Ventures (TIMOR-LESTE)

27. Choe Ho Jong, Researcher, Institute of Marine Science, Faculty of Global Environmental Science, Kim Il Sung University (DPR KOREA)

28. Yun Kon Sam, Director, Science and Technology Department, Ministry of Fisheries (DPR KOREA)

29. Kim Kwang Ho, Head of Division, Department of Environment Protection, Ministry of Land and Environment Protection (DPR KOREA)

30. Bounleuy Nanthavong, Director General, Department of Natural Resources and Environment, Sekong Province (LAO PDR)