Forth Institute of Oceanography (4IO), Ministry of Natural Resources, China
Xiamen Municipal Bureau of Ocean Development
TBC
TBC
Programme to follow
Ocean Policy Research Institute of the Sasakawa Peace Foundation – OPRI-SPF; China Institute for Marine Affairs – CIMA; COAST CARD Japan
TBC
The Sea of East Asia from north to south is comprised of the Japan Sea, Yellow Sea, East China Sea, and South China Sea, all of which are semi-enclosed. On land, in the East Asia region, there is a solid variety of political, economic, and social systems. It is harnessed by some of the most heavily populated cities and countries in the world. From the perspective of the ocean, the region is characterized by not only its unique marine and coastal settings, such as large marine ecosystems, island chains, vast gulfs, and crowded straits, but also commercially important fishing and mariculture grounds and rich offshore mineral resources such as gas and oil. However, the rapid economic development and massive population growth in the region have inevitably resulted in enormous pressures on the marine environment and its resources.
Various issues of ocean governance should be considered to enforce the resilience of the Seas of East Asia, including the development speed and phase of institutional frameworks, the suitable and executable assessment tool and implementation regimes in the fields. Especially, multi-layered ocean governance of regional-national-local methodologies should be implemented.
In this session, we will first present an overview of regional governance models around the world and scale down to national case studies on coastal management from Japan and China. Second, we will consider the coastal governance methodology from the view of local community engagement from bottom-up perspectives of the governance. It will give a shared future and the role of voluntary participation to the stakeholders. Finally, a panel discussion will be held to discuss how we can draw holistic and inclusive ocean governance in the Seas of East Asia with a shared future and the role of voluntary participation of the stakeholders. A multi-layered ocean governance will be introduced as a methodology to fill the gap of top-down and bottom-up governance.
| Time | AGENDA |
| 14:00-14:02 | Moderator
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| 14:02-14:06 | Opening Remarks
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| 14:06-14:21 | Regional sea governance and the role of epistemic co
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| 14:21-14:36 | Practices of the national ocean governance on the coastal management in China
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| 14:36-14:51 | National ocean governance and practices of the Tokyo Bay management
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| 14:51-15:06 | Practices of the coastal management in Xiamen
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| 15:06-15:46 | Pannel Discussion: (40m)
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| 15:46-15:56 | Q&A, discussion with floor |
| 15:56-16:01 | Closing remarks: (5m)
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OPRI-SPF
TBC
Start-up and leadership development for sustainable blue economies
Sustainable blue economies have been promoted as a priority policy objective by many coastal and island countries and communities. While conventional method and traditional practices need to be fostered for achieving such objectives, it is also vital to pursue progress and innovative approaches. To facilitate business models that will achieve sustainable blue economies, it is essential to consolidate knowledge of not only oceanographic, biological and ecological aspects, but also policies, laws, finance, management and other social science related disciplines. A number of countries have been looking into the schemes to support start-ups to support micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME). However, such schemes have not targeted the business opportunities in coastal and marine resource management. At this session, some start-up businesses addressing coastal and marine resource management will be examined. At the same time, it is also intended to depict the key knowledges and skills needed to initiate, facilitate and effectively management start-up businesses that will achieve sustainable blue economies.
Programme to follow
ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity (ACB)
TBC
In the ASEAN region, the conservation of marine areas is one of the big gaps seen in the previous global target for biodiversity. By the end of the Aichi Biodiversity Targets implementation period, only 4% (out of 10% target) of the region’s coastal and marine areas had been protected. This would pose a new challenge with the more ambitious targets pledged under the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF), which was adopted at the 15th Conference of Parties to the UN Convention of Biological Diversity (CBD) in December 2022. A key target under the KM GBF, Target 3, is the conservation of at least 30% of the world’s lands and waters by 2030 (30×30). It could be a greater challenge for the ASEAN region because despite some areas of progress, the region was short in meeting the Aichi Biodiversity Targets. The KM GBF, with its 23 targets, is supposedly an effort to rectify the reasons for this failure and catch up on the lost progress. Among the actions highlighted in the KM GBF is the need for a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach to meet the targets. More specifically, to meet the ambitious “30×30” of Target 3 and improve the health of coastal and marine ecosystems in the region, the ASEAN Member States (AMS) should work together at establishing larger areas of conserved and protected waters.
The ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity (ACB) has taken some steps to advance the efforts of the ASEAN Member States in building strong collaboration and cross-boundary partnerships to protect larger areas of coastal and marine biodiversity in the ASEAN region. These include development and implementation of projects designed to address coastal and marine ecosystem threats and challenges by facilitating transformative changes in the collaborative management of marine protected areas (MPAs), MPA networks and associated marine corridors through integrated coastal management, marine spatial planning, and the ecosystem-based management of fisheries.
To amplify the commitment of the ASEAN Member States to the KM GBF and to showcase experiences in achieving sustained efforts in the ASEAN, the ACB proposes an interactive discussion on “Achieving Sustainability through Connectivity for Resilient ASEAN Seas”. This session will serve as a platform for sharing the experiences of the ASEAN Member States in achieving sustainability, knowledge acquisition, sharing, and networking, highlighting ACB’s contributions in scientific and data management, ongoing coastal and marine conservation projects, and youth engagement initiatives aimed at ensuring sustainable and resilient seas within ASEAN.
Objectives:
| Time | AGENDA |
| Registration and AVP Presentations | |
| 10:00-10:05 | Introduction |
| 10:05-10: | First Session
Proposed Topics: Achieving Sustainability in the ASEAN Seas:
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| Q&A | |
| Wrap-up and introduction to Second Session | |
| Second Session
Connectivity for a Resilient ASEAN Seas Proposed Topic:
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| Q&A | |
| Third Session
Youth for Sustainable ASEAN Seas Proposed Topic:
Speaker: Singapore Youth Biodiversity Leader (tbc) |
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| Q&A | |
| Panel Discussion | |
| Wrap Up |
National Marine Environmental Forecasting Center, MNR, China
TBC
TBC
Details to follow.
Second Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources
TBC
Details to follow
Programme to follow
Riverreycle Oy
Drawing from its extensive experience managing 10 river cleaning sites and 4 recycling facilities, RiverRecycle exemplifies how an innovative circular business model and robust multi-stakeholder collaboration can effectively address ocean plastic pollution. Transitioning to a circular economy is crucial for sustainability, necessitating a fundamental shift in strategy and operations, starting with a change in mindset.
Join us for a dynamic panel discussion at the East Sea Congress 2024, where experts from diverse sectors will explore approaches to addressing ocean plastic pollution through circular economy models and multi-stakeholder collaboration. This session will delve into the effectiveness, challenges, and benefits of circular business models, drawing on the extensive experience of RiverRecycle and its projects across five countries.
Topics Covered:
This session promises to provide an open discussion platform for stakeholders from NGOs, charities, international organizations, financial institutions, governments, and the private waste management sector. Join us to be part of a transformative conversation on creating a sustainable future free from ocean plastic pollution.
Expected Outputs:
Expected Outcomes:
| Time | AGENDA |
| 14:00-14:05 | Welcome and divide audience into groups
Each group includes participants from various sectors |
| 14:05-14:20 | Presentation on RiverRecycle experiences in implementing circular projects to stop plastic waste leakages into the oceans by intervening river-borne plastic |
| 14:20-14:40 | Members ask clarifying questions (5 minutes)
Debatable questions (sample list of questions are as below) Silence while members write down ideas and thoughts regarding situation presented (3 minutes) Each group shares ideas and suggestions or experience that relates to the situation (10 minutes) |
| 14:40-14:45 | Presenter offers feedback to suggestions and ideas from each member
Wrap up and session |
ODA – PEMSEA Resource Facility
TBC
Details to follow
Programme to follow
Marine Plastics ODA Project, PEMSEA Resource Facility
TBC
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:
| 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 | |
Korea Maritime Institute (KMI), Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) Subregional Office for East and North-East Asia
TBC
The East Asia 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 needs for climate resilience are 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 under water) and the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development 2021-2030.
This session will highlight the role of) Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) under 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:
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)[: The North-East Asian Marine Protected Areas Network (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.] 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).
| Time | AGENDA |
Panelists (Note: Panelists and topics are subject to change as confirmations are still pending)
Experts nominated by conveners, and regional entities (PNLC (PEMSEA Network Learning Center), UNESCO, IUCN Asia, other UN entities (TBC)) |
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Presentations (Note: Topics and speakers are subject to confirmation):
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Discussions by invited experts (10 minutes for each) (Note: Topics and speakers are subject to confirmation):
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