Marine Plastics ODA Project

ST 2.8: Reducing Marine Plastics in the East Asian Seas Region: Innovative Solutions and Good Practices at Local Level

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

Objectives of this session include:

    1. Report the outputs of the 2 years of implementation at local sites;
    2. Share experiences and lesson learned at the local sites; and
    3. Discuss way forward on the project implementation

Programme

MC: Klyra Orbien, PEMSEA

Time Agenda Note
OPENING
10:00-10:10 Welcome remarks Ms. Aimee T. Gonzales

Executive Director

PEMSEA

Congratulatory remarks Hon. Ms. Donalyn U. Minimo

Assistant Secretary

OIC – International Finance Group (IFC)

Department of Finance

Philippines

Congratulatory remarks Hon. Mr. Yoon Hyunsoo

Deputy Minister / Commissioner

Korea Maritime Safety Tribunal

Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries

Republic of Korea

Congratulatory remarks Hon. Mr. Domingos da C. dos Santos

Secretary of State for Fisheries

Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Forestry (MALFF),

Timor-Leste

10:10-10:20 Signing Ceremony

MOU between MALFF of Timor-Leste and PEMSEA on Marine Plastics ODA Project Implementation

Mr. Domingos da C. dos Santos representing the government of Timor-Leste and Ms. Aimee Gonzales representing PEMSEA
PART 1. KEY NOTE PRESENTATION
10:20-10:40 Plastic Pollution in the East Asian Seas Region: Status and Perspectives Dr. Maria Antonia Tanchuling

Dean, College of Engineering

University of the Philippines

10:40-11:00 Group photo and coffee break
PART 2. MAJOR OUTPUTS OF THE ODA PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION
11:00-11:10 Project Brief on Reducing Marine Plastics in the East Asian Seas Region Dr. Won-Tae Shin

Regional Project Manager

MOF/PEMSEA ODA Project

PEMSEA

11:10-11:30 The role of NGOs in Marine Plastics Management: Marine Environment Protector Program of the ODA project Mr. Mamerto Q. Rodrigo

Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Officer (MENRO)

Daanbantayan Municipality, Philippines

11:30-11:50 Marine plastics beach monitoring: Findings and Lessons learned from Timor-Leste Mr. Walter Oliveira Soares

Beach Monitoring Coordinator

National University of Timor-Leste

Dili, Timor-Leste

11:50-12:00 Questions and answers
12:00-14:00 Lunch break
14:30-15:00 Local Actions Toward Enhancing Marine Plastics Management

 

Mr. Mikhail Paolo D. Rosil

MENRO Office

Bulan Municipality

Philippines

15:00-15:30 Pilot project proposals on innovative solutions for effective management of marine plastics Ms. Haidee Piniero

Consultant

PEMSEA

15:30-16:00 Coffee break
PART 3. OPEN DISCUSSION
16:00-17:00 Discussion Topics

  • Innovative solutions suitable for local situations
  • Suggestions on beach monitoring for improvement
  • Elements for improving the Marine Environment Protector Program
Moderator:

Dr. Won-Tae Shin

Regional Project Manager

MOF/PEMSEA ODA Project

PEMSEA

Representatives of the Project sites are encouraged to share their ideas of the pilot project

CLOSING
17:00-17:30 Conclusions and Recommendations Dr. Won-Tae Shin

Regional Project Manager

MOF/PEMSEA ODA Project

PEMSEA