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.
Jungho Nam
Director, Japan for the International Ocean Institute (Retired), Ocean Policy Research Institute (OPRI) (JAPAN)
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Anabelle L. Cayabyab
Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer, Provincial Government of Cavite (PHILIPPINES)
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Metri Nainatu
Leader of Women Community Group in Oeseli Village, Rote Ndao District (INDONESIA)
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Dr. Nam, Jungho was involved in the organization of several training programs, on-site surveys, and policy-related gatherings in cooperation with PEMSEA Resource Facility over the past XX years; and continues to provide policy advice to the Ministry of Ocean and Fisheries in RoKorea as a country partner of PEMSEA. His ICM on-site support resulted in the enhancement of coastal management in various sites in RoKorea and Cambodia. His research covering integrated coastal planning, climate change adaptation, marine environment management, marine ecosystem protection, coastal conflict resolution, transboundary marine environmental affairs, official development assistance, marine science and technology application has helped improve sustainable coastal management practices in the East Asia region and contributed to the formulation of marine policies for the RoKorea government and establishment of legal and institutional mechanisms for sustainable ocean and coasts. He has been involved in panels and working committees on global and regional environmental issues and their related activities, including on land-based activities control, marine debris management, coastal watershed management, transboundary protected areas etc in PEMSEA, COBSEA, NOWPAP, Yellow Sea Large Marine Ecoregion and the World Ocean Forum.
Ms. Anabelle L. Cayabyab facilitated the collaboration of the provincial government of Cavite with various government agencies, non-governmental organizations, people's organizations, and other stakeholders such as the private sector and the academe to apply various Integrated Coastal Management (ICM) initiatives in the province. Her efforts contributed to ensuring the effective management of the province's coastal and marine areas. She spearheaded the development of the State of the Coast baseline report for the Cavite province guided by PEMSEA Resource Facility in partnership with various stakeholders and the organization of the Cavite Water Summit.
Her efforts resulted in the effective implementation of various specific project in Cavite Province including the ASEAN-Norwegian cooperation project on local capacity building for reducing plastic pollution in the ASEAN region (ASEANO Project); and the Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines Inc., Ecological Solid Waste Management Project (ESWMP) in partnership with Caritas Diocese of Imus Foundation and in close collaboration with Cavite PGENRO. The Province of Cavite ICM activities continue to address issues including coastal and ocean governance, natural and man-made hazard prevention and management, habitat protection, restoration and management, water use and supply management, pollution and waste reduction management, as well as food security and livelihood management. The Cavite Province was able to achieve ICM System Level 1 Certification in 2015.
Mrs. Metri Nainatu led the establishment of the Ita Esa group (meaning 'we are one') venture that profoundly impacted the lives and livelihoods of numerous women fishers in her community in the heart of Rote Ndao District, East Nusa Tenggara Province. Her transformative journey from a fisher to an entrepreneur has uplifted the life ignited a path for coastal communities to tread towards a more adaptive and resilient future. In Indonesia, ATSEA-2 has been collaborating with local government and related stakeholders to support the betterment of marine and coastal management as well as resilience building amongst community in Rote Ndao District in East Nusa Tenggara Province, Merauke District in South Papua Province, and Aru Archipelago in Maluku Province. Mama Metri as she is fondly called, led the Women Community Group in Oeseli Village which provided alternative livelihood development through sustainable soap production linking economic sustainability; and preservation of coastal ecosystems.
A. Zaki Iskandar SE, M.Si
Former Regent of Tangerang Regency 2014-2023 (INDONESIA)
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Nisakorn Wiwekwin
Technical working committee of PNLC-BUU, Saensuk Municipality (THAILAND)
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Yanhua ZHANG
Engineer, Changyi City Marine Development Center (CHINA)
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Dr. Zaki Iskandar SE. M.Si facilitated the establishment and strengthened the implementation of the Integrated Coastal Management of Tangerang Regency, Banten, Indonesia in support of the national and local programs and the Sustainable Development Strategy for the Seas of East Asia.
His guidance led to the successful execution of several regional capacity-building activities, including ICM courses, SOC training, and the hosting of the PNLG forum in Tangerang, Indonesia. He oversaw the implementation of the flagship program on Habitat restoration and Coastal Community Development with Gerbang Mapan (Coastal Community Development Movement).
He also spearheaded several solutions for Tangerang Regency, including the bioconversion of organic waste using the Maggot BS Online-Based Tangerang Application, the "Reduce Our School Waste" (KURASSAKI) program, the "Reduce Office Waste" (KURASAKAN) initiative, School-Based Sanitation (SANISEK), Islamic Boarding School-Based Sanitation (SANITREN), and the People's Movement to Overcome Dense Slum and Poor Areas (GEBRAK PAKUMIS) under Gerbang Mapan.
Through his leadership, the ICM implementation in Tangerang Regency addressed priority issues in its coastal area including degradation of coastal ecosystems, pollution, coastal erosion, flooding, saltwater intrusion, lack of basic infrastructures in rural coastal areas, and lack of spatial planning and coordination in coastal development. In 2023, Tangerang Regency achieved the Level 1 Certification of its ICM System.
Ms. Nisakorn Wiwekwin has been actively involved in two major PEMSEA projects in Thailand: the Integrated Coastal Management (ICM) Project in Chonburi Province since 2001 and the scaling-up of ICM implementation in Thailand from 2017 to 2021.
She contributed to the development and adoption of the Chonburi Coastal Strategy, which was implemented in 2004. She also facilitated the coordination, development, and execution of Coastal Strategy Implementation Plans for both Chonburi Province and Saensuk Municipality.
Ms. Wiwekwin was instrumental in designing and establishing ICM mechanisms across Chonburi, Rayong, Chanthaburi, and Trat provinces as part of the national scaling-up effort under the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources Act. Her responsibilities included overseeing various activities within the project, particularly for Chonburi Province. This involved revising the Chonburi ICM Plan and the Chonburi Oil Spill Contingency Plan.
Her expertise was also pivotal in advancing ICM implementation in neighboring provinces such as Rayong, Chanthaburi, and Trat. She continues to engage in ICM research, community services, and policy development and currently serves on the technical committee for the ICM Learning Center at Burapha University, a member of the PEMSEA Network of Learning Centers.
Her efforts in ICM development and implementation have yielded several noteworthy outcomes at both the provincial and local levels. At the provincial level, the adoption of ICM principles helped unify local governments across the province. In August 2001, the provincial government launched an ICM demonstration project, which successfully integrated ICM concepts into policy-making and management.
By late 2008, all 26 coastal local governments had joined the Chonburi ICM Network, and by 2010, the entire province, encompassing 99 local governments, was covered. Chonburi Province has since developed an Oil Spill Contingency Plan, a revised ICM Plan, and an integrated coastal environmental monitoring plan. The ICM program’s coordination mechanism has demonstrated resilience to political and administrative changes over its 23-year history. Despite transitions in local, provincial, and national leadership, the institutional arrangements have remained efficient and effective, receiving sustained support from local stakeholders, including citizens, the private sector, and government bodies.
At the Saensuk Municipality Level, Saensuk Municipality stands out as one of the few municipalities in Thailand with a local oil spill contingency plan, which has been recognized as an exemplary practice by the Department of Local Administration, Ministry of Interior.
The municipality is also part of the SDGs Frontrunner City program, representing ASEAN cities committed to advancing sustainable development goals. Saensuk Municipality has been honored with several awards for its ICM practices, including the Green City Award from the Department of Environmental Quality Promotion, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment; the Healthy City award from the Department of Health, Ministry of Public Health; and Certified Safe Beach status from the Department of Tourism, Ministry of Tourism and Sports.
In 2012, Ms. ZHANG Yanhua facilitated Changyi City’s application to the PNLG as an attempt to conduct international projects and cooperation. In 2014, she mobilized stakeholders across institutions, industries, and disciplines, and helped establish Integrated Coastal Management. In 2017, ZHANG Yanhua with the help of project experts led the design of a community-based ecological restoration model plan, developed a training and restoration model, and restored 60 hectares of damaged tamarisks. In line with this, she completed the PEMSEA project report “The Remediation of Chinese Tamarisk in Changyi Marine Ecological Special Protected Area”and a master plan for local ecological development and protection. In 2022, her participation as the leading auditee for the Changi City was instrumental in Changi City’s ICM System achieving the PEMSEA ICM System Level 1 Certification.
Here are the following Humans of EAS that will be featured soon:
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)
