This workshop looked into the different ecosystem valuation and coastal use zoning frameworks and methodologies, as well as their linkages and applications at the local level. The workshop brought together more than 100 practitioners, researchers, policymakers, local stakeholders and communities.

A total of 12 case studies from China, Indonesia, RO Korea, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand and Viet Nam, as well as regional and international organizations and projects, were presented. The case studies outlined the experiences in the use of tools and methodologies on valuation and zoning and their application to management of specific habitats and resources, such as seagrass, coral reefs, mangroves, fisheries and tourism, as well as their application in addressing various problems including coastal reclamation and habitat exploitation. Three panel discussants from the PEMSEA ICM Learning Centers and university partners identified areas where such tools and experiences can be scaled up in their respective sites/countries, as part of the GEF/UNDP/PEMSEA regional initiative on Scaling up the Implementation of the Sustainable Development Strategy for the Seas of East Asia (SDS‐SEA).

This roundtable brought together members of the investment community and others working to develop models and approaches for scaling up sustainable development of shared coasts and oceans. Topics covered included models in marine sustainable development and emerging opportunities in sustainable coastal development. The roundtable generated the following recommendations:

• Further test the platform with investors and project developers, for example, by engaging with other World Bank‐funded project to pilot beta version of the platform.
• Develop a portfolio of service providers and funding options for moving projects from concept to feasibility, based in real business rigor as a foundation for long‐term sustainability.
• As part of platform design, consider ways that the platform can facilitate investment in small and medium enterprises in particular.
• Develop in‐person meetings, forums and other services for project developers and investors to complement the online platform.
• Explore opportunities for supporting local governments in establishing an enabling environment for investment.
• Engage PEMSEA’s networks, in identifying good quality potential investment projects.
   

The Training Program on Marine Ecosystem Valuation and Spatial Management Tools was attended by over 40 participants from various countries including Cambodia, China, DPR Korea, Lao PDR, Malaysia, RO Korea, Thailand, Timor‐Leste, United Kingdom, Vietnam, Indonesia and. The special pre‐congress event brought together academia, government and practitioners to encourage the wider application of tools and methodologies in other sites and countries in the East Asian region and globally.

Download the East Asian Seas (EAS) Congress 2015 program to read about the events, workshops, roundtable discussions and ministerial meetings that took place in Danang, Vietnam.

PEMSEA and VASI co‐convened the ICM Forum and Workshop on the Message of Viet Nam as one of the Special Events of the Congress. The forum was held on 19 November 2015 and was attended by representatives from international organizations, national agencies and coastal provinces.

The first set of presentations looked at the various transboundary concerns in the region that would require regional cooperation and the initiatives being undertaken by Viet Nam in conformity with international norms and agreements on ocean and coastal governance. The second set of presentations reviewed the evolution of ICM practices in Viet Nam and examined the efforts of various agencies that contributed to strengthening ICM implementation in the country.

The 9th National Contact Points Meeting on the Implementation of the Framework Programme for Joint Oil Spill Preparedness, Response and Cooperation in the Gulf of Thailand was held on 17 November 2015 at Furama Resort Hotel, Da Nang, Viet Nam. The Meeting was held as a side event of the East Asian Seas Congress 2015.

Twenty (20) key officials representing the Merchant Marine Department and Ministry of Environment of Cambodia, Marine Department of Thailand, Thailand Oil Industry Environmental Safety Group (IESG), Vietnam National Search and Rescue Committee (VINASARCOM), Vietnam Administration for Seas and Islands (VASI), and Vietnam National Southern Oil Spill Response Center (NASOS) participated in the meeting. The Partnerships on Environmental Management for the Seas of East Asia (PEMSEA) was represented in the meeting.

This workshop aimed to: (a) highlight the need for, and critical role to be played by cities and local governments in the region to lead the way in sustainable development including combating climate change; (b) increase awareness on the progress, achievements and good practices in sustainable development and climate change mitigation and adaptation among cities and local governments in the region using ICM as the management framework for action; and (c) explore the solutions and opportunities for sustainable development at the region’s local settings by strengthening PNLG initiatives in sustainable development and climate change through linkages with other international networks of cities and local governments and their programs.

The workshop emphasized the major contributions of the maritime transport sector to a blue economy for the East Asian Seas region and the corresponding risks and potential negative impacts to the marine environment resulting from increased demand for maritime services. As emphasized in the introduction by the Workshop Chair, Mr. Brian Sullivan, IPIECA, 80% of world trade is conveyed through the ocean and 32% of the world’s hydrocarbons are derived from the ocean floor. While there is great potential for growth in the maritime economy, it also brings corresponding risks such as the impacts of sea incidents to oceans and seas. Oil spills, air emissions from ships, transport of hazardous and noxious substances and climate change were among the emerging environmental concerns in the maritime sector, which were discussed during the workshop.

The workshop also featured programmes and initiatives of international and regional organizations and projects, selected national maritime administrations, port industry association and oil and gas industry organizations, which demonstrated commitments to promoting environmental sustainability in the maritime sector including: preventing and reducing the impact of oil spills from tanker accidents; climate change mitigation measures; initiatives in promoting safety and health of workers and reducing environmental risks in port areas, including air emissions from shipping and port operations; and building capacities in oil spill preparedness and response through government‐industry partnerships.

The Fifth Ministerial Forum on the Sustainable Development of the Seas of East Asia, the culminating event of the East Asian Seas (EAS) Congress 2015, was held at the Furama Resort in Da Nang, Viet Nam on 20 November 2015. The Fifth Ministerial Forum was hosted by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment of Viet Nam. Participating in the forum were 11 Ministers and heads of delegations from the East Asian countries, and about 80 observers from among the PEMSEA Non‐Country Partners, together with the members of PEMSEA’s East Asian Seas Partnership Council Executive Committee, representatives from PEMSEA’s sponsoring agencies, the Global Environment Facility (GEF), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the World Bank, and other representatives from the local governments and the private sector.

Eleven Ministers and heads of delegations present at the forum affixed their signatures to the Da Nang Compact on the Sustainable Development Strategy for the Seas of East Asia 2015, reflecting the firm commitment of the countries of the East Asian Seas region to move the global sustainable development agenda forward.