International Conference

ST 2.8: Marine Plastics ODA: Innovative solutions and technologies on MP (Part 1)

Convenor

Marine Plastics ODA Project, PEMSEA Resource Facility

 

Venue

TBC

Overview

Plastic pollution is a severe global challenge, threatening the health of our planet and its diverse species. The IUCN Issue Brief (May 2024) reveals that annually, approximately 460 million tons of plastic are produced, with 20 million tons ending up in the oceans. This influx has devastating effects, including suffocation, starvation, and injury to marine life, leading to declines in populations and even the extinction of some species. Furthermore, plastic pollution has far-reaching economic impacts, affecting industries such as tourism, fishing, and shipping, while also contributing to the depletion of natural resources and biodiversity, both crucial for human well-being and economic prosperity.

The East Asia Seas region is particularly vulnerable to marine plastic pollution, with countries in the area being among the largest contributors to this global issue. A study by the Ocean Conservancy (Stemming the Tide, 2015) identified five Southeast Asian countries – China, Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam – as responsible for 60% of the plastic waste entering the ocean worldwide.

In response to this pressing issue, Partnerships in Environmental Management for the Seas of East Asia (PEMSEA) and the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries (MOF) of the Republic of Korea have launched an Official Development Assistance (ODA) project titled “Reducing Marine Plastic Litter in the East Asia Seas” in 2023, a six-year (2023-2028) initiative with total funding of US$9M from MOF.

The ODA project aims to improve local governance on marine plastic management, demonstrate best practices and innovative solutions for reducing marine plastics and marine plastic management, conduct beach monitoring on marine plastics and litter, and raise capacity and awareness and improve communication among stakeholders and public on the impact of marine plastics on the environment, human health and economy. This endeavor involves collaboration with Local Government Units (LGUs), including six LGUs in the Philippines (Bulan Municipality, Puerto Princesa City, Calbayog City, Daanbantayan Municipality, Dipolog City and Tandag City) and four municipalities in Timor-Leste (Dili, Atauro, Manatuto and Liquica).

Objectives of this session include:

  1. Reporting the outputs of the two years of implementation at local sites.

  2. Sharing experiences and lessons learned at local sites.

  3. Discussing ways forward on project implementation.

Program

Time Agenda Note
OPENING
10:00-10:20 Welcome remarks

Congratulatory remarks

Congratulatory remarks

 Ms. Aimee T. Gonzales

Executive Director

PEMSEA

Hon. Mr. Song Myungdal

Vice Minister

Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, RO Korea

Mr. Celestino da Cunha Barreto

Director General for Fisheries

Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Forestry, Timor-Leste
PART 1. KEY NOTE PRESENTATION
10:20-10:40 Plastics pollution in the East Asian Seas Region: Status and Perspectives Dr. Maria Antonia Tanchuling

Dean

School of Engineering

University of the Philippines

Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines
10:40-11:00 Group photo and coffee break
26 August, 2024

Session ST 2.6: Harmonizing Oceans: Transboundary Strategies for Climate Resilience in North-East Asia

Convenors

Korea Maritime Institute (KMI), Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) Subregional Office for East and North-East Asia

Venue

TBC

Overview

The East Asian region, home to a diverse array of marine ecosystems and species, faces significant challenges exacerbated by climate change. These challenges include habitat loss, biological pollution from invasive alien species and harmful algal blooms and threats to marine species from both human and natural stressors. Effective marine conservation efforts transcend national boundaries and require robust transboundary cooperation and multi-layered stakeholder engagement, from regional, national and local governments to MPA managers, research institutions and local communities. This holistic approach resonates with the Congress theme “Blue Synergy for a Shared Future: One Sustainable and Resilient Ocean.”

The urgent need for climate resilience is amplified through international and regional forums. Such calls include the resolution on regional cooperation to accelerate climate action on oceans in Asia and the Pacific for sustainable development [: ESCAP_RES_79_2_E (unescap.org)] adopted by the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), contributing to, for example, the Sustainable Development Goal 14 (Life Underwater) and the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development 2021-2030. 

This session will highlight the role of) Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) under the CMSP (Coastal and Marine Spatial Planning) regime in North-East Asia in fostering regional resilience against climate impacts and promoting ecosystem conservation. The discussion outcomes are expected to contribute to the healthy ocean as identified in the Sustainable Development Strategy for the Seas of East Asia Implementation Plan 2023-2027.

In this session / side event, key topics will include:

  • Understanding Climate Change Impacts: Examining how climate change affects marine ecosystems in this region.
  • Applying CMSP Strategies: Sharing successful CMSP strategies and their role in climate-related conservation efforts (e.g., blue carbon, community-led habitat restoration).
  • Enhancing Transboundary Cooperation: Discussing how multi-stakeholder engagement can strengthen regional conservation initiatives.

Additionally, the session will underscore capacity building and knowledge exchange, providing a platform for member States and relevant stakeholders to share best practices and enhance skills for managing MPAs and addressing regional marine environmental challenges. Insights from the North-East Asian Marine Protected Areas Network (NEAMPAN).

NEAMPAN aims to establish an effective, functional representative network of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in the subregion for conservation of marine and coastal biodiversity and more efficient MPA management. As of May 2024, NEAMPAN has 12 designated MPA sites across five member States in North-East Asia. It will be crucial, reflecting the collective experience of MPAs from five member States (China, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Japan, Republic of Korea, and the Russian Federation) under the North-East Asian Subregional Programme for Environmental Cooperation (NEASPEC).

Program

 

Time AGENDA
Panelists (Note: Panelists and topics are subject to change as confirmations are still pending)

  • Officer(s) from ESCAP
  • Researchers from KMI
  • NEAMPAN Steering Committee from NEAMPAN member States
  • MPA manager(s) from NEAMPAN sites

Experts nominated by conveners, and regional entities (PNLC (PEMSEA Network Learning Center), UNESCO, IUCN Asia, other UN entities (TBC)) 
Presentations (Note: Topics and speakers are subject to confirmation):

  • NEAMPAN on the role of CMSP in MPA networks (15~20 minutes)
  • KMI on the impact of climate change on marine ecosystems (15~20 minutes)
Discussions by invited experts (10 minutes for each) (Note: Topics and speakers are subject to confirmation):

  • Regional Collaboration Models: Case studies on successful regional cooperation in North-East Asia under NEAMPAN, highlighting best practices in marine protection and sustainability.
  • Science and Research Highlights: Discussion on recent scientific research and innovations that contribute to the sustainable management of the seas of East Asia. The role of emerging technologies and methodologies in enhancing marine conservation efforts will be emphasized.
  • Policy Frameworks and Initiatives: Analysis of current policy frameworks and exploration of future directions for regional marine policy, including the impact of international agreements and national commitments on the sustainable use of marine resources.
  • Community and Stakeholder Engagement: Exploration of effective mechanisms for enhancing stakeholder participation in marine protection efforts. This includes focusing on community-led initiatives, public-private partnerships, and capacity-building programmes.
26 August, 2024

Session ST 2.2: A Training Session on Pollution Assessment and Management (PAM)

Convenors

State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution (SKLMP), City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China (SKLMP) Partnerships in Environmental Management for the Seas of East Asia (PEMSEA)

Venue

TBC

Overview

This four-hour training session will introduce the fundamental concepts and best practices in environmental risk assessment and management of chemical contaminants. It will also provide an overview of the frontier technologies in monitoring and assessment of marine pollution. Special focus will be placed on new pollutants and the risks they pose to the marine ecosystem and public health. We will also introduce the research progress of some global-scale studies. 

Through this training session, participants will acquire the concepts and principles of environmental risk assessment, risk management, and communication as applied in practice. They will also understand the basic risk assessment tools (i.e., prospective, retrospective, and tiered approaches) for environmental risk management. By learning from the latest research, participants will learn about advanced methods for monitoring emerging chemicals of concern and their current status in coastal environments around the world. This training session will also enable participants to appreciate and employ modern approaches in pollution assessment and management in environmental policy formulation and decision-making.

Program

Time AGENDA
Chair

  • Professor Kenneth Leung (Chief Professor), Dean of School of Energy and Environment, City University of Hong Kong; Chair Professor of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, City University of Hong Kong; Director of State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution (City University of Hong Kong)
10 min Welcoming and Introduction

  • Professor Kenneth Leung
40 min Environmental Risk Assessment and Risk Management

  • Professor Kenneth Leung
40 min Ecotoxicology of Persistent Organic Pollutants

  • Professor Xinhong Wang (Professor), State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science (MEL), Xiamen University, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory for Coastal Ecology and Environmental Studies, College of the Environment & Ecology, Xiamen University
40 min Environmental Monitoring and Innovative Technology

  • Professor Rudolf Wu (Research Chair Professor), Advisor (Environmental Science), Department of Science and Environmental Studies, The Education University of Hong Kong; Member of SKLMP
10 min Break
40 min Environmental Risks of E-Waste

  • Professor Henry He (Assistant Professor), School of Energy and Environment, City University of Hong Kong; Member of SKLMP
40 min The Threats and Monitoring Techniques for Antibiotic Resistant Gene

  • Dr. Xuemei Mao (Research Assistant Professor), Department of Civil Engineering, The University of Hong Kong
20 min Free Discussion and Closing Remarks
26 August, 2024

ST 2.7: Yellow Sea Biosphere Conservation Cooperation (Regional Cooperation for the Yellow Sea Ecosystem Conservation)

Convener

Korea Environment Institute (KEI)

Venue

TBC

Overview

The Yellow Sea is a sea area shared by three countries: South Korea, China and North Korea, with a high social and economic contribution. The coastal wetlands of the Yellow Sea are very important habitats for migratory animal species such as marine mammals and migratory birds.

Recently, China and Korea have been making efforts to protect their coastal wetlands (the Yancheng area in China and the southwestern part of Korea) by registering them as UNESCO World Natural Heritage sites.

The Yellow Sea is a large marine ecosystem and countries that share it agree on the need for joint cooperation to conserve the Yellow Sea.

In this session, Korea and China’s policies, actions and pending tasks for Yellow Sea ecosystem conservation will be introduced and cooperation measures between neighboring countries will be discussed.

The integrated management of border oceans was selected as the session topic to contribute to the theme of this EAS Congress, which is Blue Synergy for a Common Future. The conservation of the Yellow Sea ecosystem is a task that must be accomplished for the common future pursued by neighboring countries.

Additionally, the Yellow Sea is very important as part of East Asian Seas. These regional solutions should be of great interest to participants.

Expected Outcomes and Outputs

● List of proposed regional solutions that can be sought among countries bordering the Yellow Sea. Exemplary management of the Yellow Sea also has important implications for the management of East Asia’s varied marine ecosystems.

Program

TIME AGENDA
15:15 – 14:20 Welcome address

  • Dr. Jongho AHN, Korea Environment Institute
14:20 – 15:05  Presentations:

Korea’s Yellow Sea conservation policies, activities and tasks

  • Speaker: Dr. Choong-ki KIM, Korea Environment Institute

China’s Yellow Sea conservation policies, activities, and tasks

  • Speaker: Prof. Jing XU, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences

Meaning and importance of yellow sea ecosystem conservation in East Asia

  • Speaker: Mr. Spike MILLINGTON, International Crane Foundation
15:05 – 15:45 Discussion

  • Dr. Sheila VERGARA, ACB
  • Dr. Suk-jae KWON, KIOST
  • Prof. Qinghua FANG, Xiamen University
  • Free discussion by audience
26 August, 2024

Session ST 1.8: PEMSEA: Biofouling

Convenors

PEMSEA Resource Facility 

Venue

TBC

Overview

Details to follow

Program

Programme to follow

26 August, 2024

Session ST 1.1: From Ratification to Implementation: ASIA DIALOGUE ON THE Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) AGREEMENT

Convenors

High Seas Alliance

Venue

TBC

Overview

The Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement is the first comprehensive treaty on the high seas. It covers marine genetic resources, including the fair and equitable sharing of benefits; measures such as area-based management tools, including marine protected areas; environmental impact assessments; capacity building and the transfer of marine technology.  It also establishes a framework of institutional arrangements, including a Conference of Parties, Scientific and Technical Body, Clearing House Mechanism, Financial Resources and Mechanism, Implementation and Compliance Committee.  

In the East Asian Seas region, there are eight (8) countries who have already signed the Agreement (China, Indonesia, LAO PDR, Philippines, RO Korea, Singapore, Timor-Leste and Viet Nam), while the first ratification in Asia still awaits. Under the Partnerships in Environmental Management for the Seas of East Asia, the thrusts of the Sustainable Development Strategy for the Seas of East Asia (SDS-SEA) shall align with the principles of the Agreement in promoting ocean governance to ensure the sustainable development of the coastal and marine resources in the region. As nations set their national targets under the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, the Agreement is essential to ensuring the achievement of the 30×30 ocean targets.

This two-part side event aims to engage different levels of stakeholders in a dialogue about the Agreement focusing on the perspective of Asian countries. 

Part one (1) is a high-level side event to engage ministers, senior government officials, and the heads of delegation in a 1-hour high-level dialogue that aims to sustain the momentum of support from the national government leaders to sign and ratify the High Seas Treaty. The dialogue aims to revisit the commitments of the countries and explore opportunities to assist the countries in the ratification and preparation for the implementation. 

Part two (2) is a knowledge-sharing session that targets key sectors, institutions, and leaders engaged in marine conservation in the East Asian Seas region to gather more public support on the ratification of the BBNJ Agreement by 2025. 

Expected Output/s:

  • Raise awareness and understanding on the salient points and key principles of the BBNJ Agreement and its link to achieving the new ocean targets under the Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework; and
  • Increase appreciation of the need to swiftly ratify the Treaty, which can lead to growing participation of key sectors/organization supporting governments of Asian countries in the #RaceForRatification and preparation for the implementation.

Program

TBC

 

26 August, 2024

ST 2.4: Are you prepared for an oil spill incident? Introduction to Crisis & Incident Management and Oiled Wildlife Preparedness and Response

Convener

Oil Spill Response Limited (OSRL)

 

Venue

TBC

Overview

Oil pollution from accidental spills, whether from ships or drilling platforms, occurs globally, posing significant challenges to the local community and other key stakeholders. 

As a Tier 3 oil spill response organization, Oil Spill Response Limited (OSRL) operates worldwide to support our members in preparing for an oil spill incident. Our unique position enables us to integrate our experience and lessons learnt globally and derive insights to deliver effective solutions at the local level where our members operate. Following the NEBA-SIMA workshop held in 2021, OSRL will like to continue to share the industry good practices to oil spill preparedness and response.  

The workshop proposed the sharing on the Tiered Preparedness and Response framework which is another key output from joint industry review post Macondo incident in 2010. The workshop will also dive further into two response capabilities, mainly Crisis & Incident Management and Oiled Wildlife Response.

Following the Macondo incident in 2010, a joint industry task force was set up to review existing good practices to oil spill preparedness and response under Oil Spill Response Joint Industry Project (OSR-JIP). Tiered Preparedness and Response (TPR) philosophy was one of the key outputs of the project which identified (15+ 1) response capabilities necessary for a successful response to oil spill incidents, delivered at three different tiers.

Incident and Crisis Management. Whether undertaken by a government agency or a private organization, successful endeavors share the core principle of effective risk management. Unmitigated risks lead to incidents and crises. Incident and crisis management are central to an organizations’ system to return to its business as usual. The TPR recognizes Incident Management System (and by extension the Crisis Management) at the core of the wheel that links all the response capabilities together for efficient and effective approach in managing incidents and crises.            

Oiled Wildlife Preparedness and Response. Wildlife, particularly birds, reptiles, and mammals, are gravely impacted by oil spills. These environmental disasters not only damage ecosystems but also cause well-documented and often fatal harm to animals, requiring human efforts to save them. Asia is no stranger to oil spills. The geographic region is home to busiest ports in the world and major shipping routes. Furthermore, oil and gas activities are also present. These activities increase the risks of oil spill incidents. Oiled wildlife preparedness and response are set activities and/or mechanisms for managing risks to oiled wildlife. The mechanisms include but not limited to legislations, plan development, access to suitable resources, etc. 

Objectives:

  • Raise awareness on the TPR framework and understand its application on oil spill preparedness and response.
  • Dive into two response capabilities (Crisis & Incident Management System and Oiled Wildlife Response) by introducing core concepts / frameworks and sharing of case studies. 

Expected Outcomes/Outputs

  • Develop an appreciation of TPR philosophy.
  • Understand the core frameworks and concepts of Crisis & Incident Management and Oiled Wildlife Response.
  • Generate collaboration interest and/or engagement opportunities with other country/non-country partners.

Program

Time AGENDA
14:00-14:05 Introduction

  • Mr. Darren Waterman (OSRL)
14:05-14:15 An overview of Industry Good Practices to Oil Spill Preparedness and Response

  • Mr. James Tan (OSRL)
14:15-14:25 Tiered Preparedness and Response Framework

  • Mr. James Tan (OSRL)
14:25-15:10 Introduction to Oiled Wildlife Response

  • TBC
15:10-15:55 Introduction to Crisis & Incident Management

  • Mr. Norman Ramos
15:55-16:00 Summary and Closing

  • TBC
26 August, 2024

ST 2.3: Capacity Building Workshop on the Global Estuaries Monitoring (GEM) Programme

Convenors

State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution (SKLMP), City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China (SKLMP) Partnerships in Environmental Management for the Seas of East Asia (PEMSEA)

 

Venue

TBC

Overview

Currently, more than 100,000 chemical substances are used in our daily lives and industries. Many of these chemicals eventually end up in estuaries and oceans through various pathways such as rivers, surface runoff and partially treated wastewater from treatment plants, ultimately causing potential hazards to marine organisms.

Unfortunately, there is a lack of information regarding the occurrence and environmental risks of various contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) in global estuaries, particularly in Africa, South America, Southeast Asia and Oceania coastal areas. To address this issue, the Global Estuaries Monitoring (GEM) Programme has been launched under the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development. Its visions are to develop a global monitoring network, reveal the pollution status and co-create solutions with global partners for cleaner and safer estuaries.

Expected outcomes and outputs 

The GEM Workshop will serve as an affiliated activity of the GEM Programme. This workshop will provide a platform for participants to bring together action partners, to deliver the latest research progress and achievements of the GEM Programme during 2021-2024, to co-create potential collaborative projects and action plans for the next phase of GEM, and to develop innovative solutions for combating estuary and marine pollution problems, with an aim to achieve UN Ocean Decade’s ultimate goal of a cleaner ocean by 2030.

Program

 

Time AGENDA
Chair

  • Professor Kenneth Leung (Chief Professor), Dean of School of Energy and Environment, City University of Hong Kong; Chair Professor of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, City University of Hong Kong; Director of State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution (City University of Hong Kong)
14:00- 14:20                            Welcoming and Introduction of the GEM Programme

  • Professor Kenneth Leung
14:20-14:40 Environmental Risk Assessment and Risk Management

  • Professor Kenneth Leung
14:40-15:00 Ecotoxicology of Persistent Organic Pollutants

  • Professor Xinhong Wang (Professor), State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science (MEL), Xiamen University, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory for Coastal Ecology and Environmental Studies, College of the Environment & Ecology, Xiamen University
15:00-15:20 Progress and Prospects of the GEM Programme

  • Dr. Chong Chen (Postdoc), State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution (City University of Hong Kong)
15:20-15:40 Advanced Passive Sampler Development

  • Ms. Demilade T. Adedipe (PhD Student), State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution (City University of Hong Kong)
15:40-16:20 Free Discussion and Closing Remarks

  • Professor Kenneth Leung
  • Professor Xinhong Wang

 

26 August, 2024

Session ST 1.5: Area-based marine ecosystem management to cope with Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework

Convenors

The Korea Marine Environment Management Corporation (KOEM)

Venue

TBC

Overview

At the 15th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity in December 2022, the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF), which includes a provision to designate 30% of the Earth’s surface as protected areas, was adopted. Additionally, under the Climate Change Convention, the Ocean and Climate Change Dialogue also evaluates and recommends nature-based solutions in the ocean as beneficial activities for both climate change mitigation and adaptation.

In line with these demands and trends in the international community, it is expected that the demand for localized conservation and protection efforts in marine ecosystem management will further expand.

KOEM recognizes the necessity of information exchange among neighboring countries for the progressive formulation of regional-based ecosystem management policies, supporting and executing policies for monitoring, protecting and sustainably utilizing marine ecosystems in Korea.

Expected Output/s:

  • Share the current status of national-level marine ecosystem management policies within the East Asian region and efforts toward international treaty compliance.
  • Discuss considerations and cooperation measures for the progressive formulation of future national policies.

Program

Time AGENDA
10:00-10:02 Opening

  • Moderator: KOEM International Affairs Department
10:02-10:05 Opening Address

  • KOEM CEO
Session 1. Presentation session – Objective: Sharing efforts for implementing GBF within the East Asian regional seas
10:05-10:20 (Korea) Legal framework, institutional implementation status, and achievements for GBF implementation

  • KOEM Young-Nam Kim
10:20-10:35 (China) Legal framework, institutional implementation status, and achievements for GBF implementation

  • TBD
10:35-10:50 (Philippines) Legal framework, institutional implementation status, and achievements for GBF implementation

  • TBD
10:50-11:05 (EAS Country) Legal framework, institutional implementation status, and achievements for GBF implementation

  • TBD
Session 2. Discussion session – Objective: Exploring development strategies for area-based ecosystem management policies
11:05-11:25 Theme: Considerations for formulating Area-based marine ecosystem management policies (Lessons Learned) 

– Proposals and discussions on intergovernmental cooperation activities (joint research, collaborative project development, etc.)

  • Chairperson: Suk-Jae, Kwon(PEMSEA Technical Session Co-Chair)
  • Discussants: presenters
11:25-11:35 Closing

  • Chairperson/moderator
26 August, 2024

ST 2.1: Tackling the Triple Planetary Crises in the East Asian Seas Region – Climate Change Impacts; Nature and Marine Biodiversity Loss; Marine Pollution

Convener

UNEP Coordinating Body on the Seas of East Asia (COBSEA) and UNEP GEF South China Seas Strategic Action Programme (SCS SAP)

Venue

TBC

Overview

In line with COBSEA’s Strategic Directions 2023-27, this roundtable will bring together key proponents to discuss the scaling-up of local solutions and community-driven initiatives to combat the triple planetary crises of Climate Change, Biodiversity Loss and Pollution in the East Asian Seas region.  

The roundtable will also discuss effective ocean governance mechanisms in promoting “Blue Synergy for a Shared Future: One Sustainable and Resilient Ocean,” the theme of the EAS 2024 Conference.

The session aims to enhance knowledge and partnerships for tackling the triple planetary crises in the East Asian Seas: Climate Change Impacts, Nature and Marine Biodiversity Loss and Marine Pollution.

Expected Output/s:

  • Report of the roundtable discussion on: effective ocean governance mechanisms in promoting “Blue Synergy for a Shared Future: One Sustainable and Resilient Ocean.”

Program

Details to follow

26 August, 2024