Mangroves for the Future at East Asian Seas Congress

Manila, Philippines — MFF convened a workshop on Government and Civil Society Collaboration on Integrated Coastal Management in the Indian Ocean Region workshop, Thursday 25 November, 2009 to present the findings of a Regional Assessment of regional institutions and programmes in the Indian Ocean (2007-2008 updated 2009) and discussed its principal recommendations and proposed concrete actions to enhance cooperation and coordination among governments, between governments and civil society, and between regional organizations in support of governments and civil society collaboration. The MFF workshop attracted more than 40 delegates from UN Agencies, and regional and academic institutions who actively participated in the workshop. The MFF Secretariat has received positive feedback and contributions from participants as well as updates to the regional assessment report which will be release before the end of the year.The Third EAS Congress 2009 convened from 23-27 November in Manila, Philippines was hosted by the Philippines Government and organized by PEMSEA (Partnerships in the Environmental Management for the Seas of East Asia). The event was supported by GEF, UNDP and UNOPS. Almost 1,600 participants attended the Congress, representing governments, UN agencies, industry, academia and youth. The Congress featured several events: The International Conference on Sustainable Coastal and Ocean Development (23-26 November), the Meeting of the EAS Partnership Council (25 November) and the Ministerial Forum on Strengthening the Implementation of the Sustainable Development Strategy for Seas of East Asia (SDS-SEA) (26 November). 28 thematic workshops and seminars, as well as a Youth Leaders Forum, Corporate Social Responsibility Forum and Legislators' Dialogue were held during the International Conference, examining issues ranging from ocean policy and legislation to the impacts of climate change on coastal and ocean areas. Field visits to ICM sites showcasing local government efforts in implementing ICM.The venue provided a region-wide platform for dialogue, knowledge exchange, capacity building, strategic action and cooperation for the sustainable management and development of the East Asian seas.