ST 1.2 – Sharing Experiences and Best Practice in Sustainable Management of MPAs
Opening remarks by PEMSEA Executive Director Aimee Gonzales stressing the importance of biodiversity. (WOW)
“All life is created by harmony and grows by nourishment. To conserve biodiversity is to protect the Earth, our shared home and to build a shared future for all life.” said Deputy DG WANG Antao of the International Cooperation Department of Ministry of Natural Resources of China at the Sharing Experiences and Best Practice in Sustainable Management of MPAs Workshop, held on 7 November 2024 in Xiamen.
The workshop, aimed at facilitating the sharing and exchange of management experiences related to marine protected areas (MPAs) among different countries and regions, invited 10 speakers from two research institutes, five NGOs, and one enterprise.
These speakers presented on MPA management practices from the US, Thailand, and China, covering perspectives such as management skills and technologies, community involvement, innovative theories, as well as criteria. The workshop attracted over 60 participants, thereby fostering a deeper understanding of the efforts and commitments made by the international community towards marine biodiversity conservation.
Four innovative study reports representing China’s efforts in MPA management and OECM exploration were released, including the MPA Patrol Framework, Conservation Gaps and Initiative of Spotted Seals, Study Report on Marine OECMs Identification in China, and Studies on Marine Protected Areas: Summary of Monitoring Programs within Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument. These outputs also provide valuable experiences and insights for other countries and regions globally.
The session aligned with Action 1 of the Xiamen Ministerial Declaration by promoting vertical, horizontal and spatial integration to support effective ocean governance and strengthen policy coherence across sectors.
The Panel Discussion shared insights regarding tools to support MPA or marine OECM, the utilization of ICM, MSP or other area-based management processes to contribute to biodiversity, and the cost-effective monitoring approach in EAS region at the country level.
The participants of the morning session. (WOW)
