New PNLC Members including Mindanao State University of Naawan from the Philippines, University of Laos from Lao PDR, plus Guangdong Ocean University and Fujian Institute for Sustainable Oceans of Xiamen University from the People’s Republic of China, sit front and center, supported by the rest of the PNLC, which acts as a network for sharing knowledge on conservation best practices across East Asia. (PRF)
“We hope to get more connections, learn from you and promote better research collaboration to increase international recognition and impacts,” said Dr. Shenghui Li from Ocean Guangdong University, a new member of the PEMSEA Network of Learning Centers (PNLC) at the PNLC General Assembly held on 8 November 2024 at the EAS Congress in Xiamen.
Numerous memebrs of the PNLC, including old and new members, gathered to join the general assembly.
During the session, IPB University became the PNLC Secretariat through the signing of a new Memorandum of Agreement. “We will ensure that the university continues to support activities on ICM Implementation and respond to address coastal issues in and around East Asian Seas,” said Dr. Yonviner at the session. Dr. Yonviner is the new President of the PNLC.
The PNLC officially welcomed four new members, including Mindanao State University of Naawan from the Philippines, University of Laos from Lao PDR, plus Guangdong Ocean University and Fujian Institute for Sustainable Oceans of Xiamen University from the People’s Republic of China.
Ms. Isdahartati presented the 2025 workplan, which was based on the outputs and activities of the PNLC 2023 – 2024 Workplan. Partnerships and Resource Mobilization have also reached 100% which emphasizes the commitment and contribution of the PNLC in advancing sustainable coastal development in the region.
Four Working Groups were conceptualized and these were ICM and Sustainable Coastal Development, Habitat and Biodiversity Conservation and Management, Pollution Reduction and Waste Management and Climate Change Adaptation and Disaster Risk Reduction to promote biodiversity, blue economy and climate resilience. Among the proposed activities is engaging the ASEAN ENMAPS Project for ICM and Marine Spatial Planning Training and Technical Assistance.
The exploration of funding sources were discussed during the Sustainability Plan, while Regional Targets and a survey was conducted on the annual membership fees, with the costs ranging from USD100 to USD500 per member.
The Seas of East Asia Knowledge Bank was relaunched and Dr. Kazuoko Nadaoka presented the Sustainability Initiative in the Marginal Seas of South and East Asia (SIMSEA). Dr. Nadaoka emphasized the need for more extensive, intensive and comprehensive collaborations to jointly tackle and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.
Dr. Qinhua Fang concluded the session by highlighting the need to commit to accomplishing the workplan for 2025. “Congratulations for fulfilling the PNLC 2023 – 2024 workplan and we look forward to the PNLC’s next assembly.” PEMSEA currently has 25 PNLC Members from various nations, with the roster growing stronger each year.
PEMSEA’s newest PNLC members proudly showing their membership documents. PEMSEA currently has 25 PNLC members drawn from a host of countries, with the list growing stronger yearly. (PRF)
