PEMSEA Resource Facility

ST 1.9: Engaging Stakeholders in River Basin Planning and Risk Management (Stakeholder Analysis Workshop)

Overview

To facilitate a focused discussion with key national and local government attendees from six countries to identify sensitivities, concerns, and actionable strategies for stakeholder engagement in the IRBM project.

Expected Outputs

  • Identification of key stakeholders, their concerns, and sensitivities.
  • Prioritization of stakeholders using the interest-influence grid.
  • Actionable recommendations for engagement based on their placement on the grid.
  • Improved collaboration among stakeholders for IRBM implementation.

Programme:

TIME AGENDA
14:30 – 14:40 Workshop Mechanics and Objectives Overview
14:40 – 15:00 Stakeholder Mapping and Sensitivity Identification (Plenary)
15:00 – 15:20 Breakout Session 1: Stakeholder Prioritization Using Interest-Influence Grid
15:20 – 15:30 Plenary Report-Back (Session 1)
15:30 – 15:50 Breakout Session 2: Actionable Recommendations Based on Stakeholder Prioritization
15:50 – 16:05 Plenary Report-Back (Session 2)
16:05 – 16:20 Collaborative Strategy Discussion (Plenary)
16:20 – 16:30 Closing Remarks and Next Step
Facilitator: Mr. Christopher Tapnio, Social and Environmental Safeguards Specialist
23 October, 2024

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

 

26 August, 2024

ST 4.2: Seminar on Blue Carbon Policy, Regulation and Technology

Overview

In recent years, the global economic landscape has increasingly prioritized a green and low-carbon transition. The urgent challenges of global warming and implications of climate change have galvanized collective action, leading to the political commitments of achieving carbon neutrality in the mid of the century in order to bridge the gap between their emission reduction targets and the overarching goal of limiting global temperature rise to 1.5°C relative to pre-industrial level. While many countries have articulated their commitments through policy announcements, there remains a significant shortfall in concrete implementation and actionable measures to back these ambitious promises.

The pressing challenges of climate change necessitate innovative solutions and collaborative efforts across diverse sectors and regions. Coastal and marine ecosystems play a crucial role in mitigating climate impacts, particularly through carbon sequestration, yet they are often undervalued and underfunded within climate action frameworks. The Mediterranean region, characterized by its unique biodiversity and socio-economic complexities, offers a vital context for examining climate policies and potential opportunities. Countries like China, Sri Lanka, Mauritius, and Japan are leading the way in blue carbon initiatives, demonstrating effective practices for sustainable management and conservation. PEMSEA is working towards a blue carbon certification initiative to incentivize conservation, restoration and management of blue carbon ecosystem at regional level.

This seminar aims to get together experts from various fields to exchange insights and best practices on legal, policy, and financial mechanisms to enhance blue carbon ecosystems and ocean negative carbon emissions as ocean-based climate solutions. By exchanging knowledge and practices of current state and future prospects of blue carbon initiatives, the program seeks to stimulate collaboration and foster discussions towards developing innovative strategies to enhance climate resilience in coastal regions. The seminar will specifically focus on marine carbon sinks, exploring relevant policies, laws, and blue carbon accounting methodologies that can ensure the sustainable development of blue carbon resources while achieving co-benefits of climate mitigation and biodiversity enhancement.

Objectives

  1. Explore Legal and Policy Frameworks: Assess the current laws and policies to facilitate climate action in various Mediterranean and East Asian contexts, highlighting opportunities for improvement and adaptation.
  2. Share Regional Insights: Present the status of blue carbon initiatives in specific countries, including China, Sri Lanka, Mauritius, and Japan, to showcase successful practices and potential challenges.
  3. Facilitate Knowledge Exchange: Encourage dialogue among experts, researchers, and policymakers to share best practices and innovative approaches to blue carbon sequestration and ecosystem management.
  4. Discuss Financial Modalities: Identify and evaluate financing options and mechanisms that can support blue carbon programs and initiatives, focusing on sustainable investment strategies.
  5. Promote Certification Standards: Examine the role of blue carbon certification in incentivizing conservation efforts and explore frameworks for effective implementation.
  6. Encourage Collaborative Efforts: Foster partnerships between countries and organizations to enhance regional cooperation and collective action in addressing climate change through blue carbon initiatives.

Through these objectives, the seminar aims to create a comprehensive understanding of the interface between climate policy, economic viability, and environmental stewardship, ultimately contributing to more effective climate action in the two regions.

Programme:

 

TIME AGENDA
1430 – 1445

 

 Introduction

Moderator:

  • Prof. Zhang Haiwen, former Director, CIMA

Opening remarks

  • Dr. Xu Guodong, Director, NMHMS-MNR
  • Mr. Pan Xinchun, Vice President and Secretary-General, CODF
  • Dr. Keita Furukawa, Technical Session Chair, PEMSEA
Policy Session

  • Moderator：Mr. Guo Yinfeng, Chief Expert for International Cooperation, NMHMS-MNR
1445 – 1455 Presentation 1: Law, Policy and Opportunities in Climate Action – Recent Initiatives from a Mediterranean Island

  • Dr. Anthoine Grima, University of Malta
1455 – 1505 Presentation 2: Blue Carbon Sequestration and Associated Environmental Policies in Sri Lanka: Current Status and Future Perspectives

  • Prof. Dimuthu Wijeyaratne University of Kelaniya
1505 – 1515

 

 Presentation 3: Low Carbon and Resilient Mauritius

  • Prof. Kishore Boodhoo, University of Mauritius
1515 – 1525

 

 Presentation 4: Japan Blue Carbon Credit (J-Blue Credit®) Implementation and the Policy Directions

  • Dr. Atsushi Watanabe, OPRI-SPF/Japan Blue Economy Association (JBE)
1525 – 1535 Presentation 5: Marine CDR (Carbon Dioxide Removal) Technologies: Global Analysis of Principles, Participation, and Prospects

  • Prof. Guanqiong Ye, Zhejiang University
1535 – 1545 Presentation 6: International Legal Regulation of Ocean Negative Carbon Emissions and China’s Response

  • Prof. Yitong Chen, Ocean University of China
1545 – 1605 Panel discussion
1605 – 1620 Tea break
Technology Session

Moderator：Dr. Keita Furukawa, Technical Session Chair, PEMSEA
1620 – 1630

 

 Presentation 7: Blue Carbon Market Assessment: Some Insights of the Demand in Asia

  • Dr. Michael Abundo, OceanPixel
1630 – 1640 Presentation 8: Recent Development in Blue Carbon Monitoring and Accounting in PR China

  • Dr. Yuxing Wang, National Marine Hazard Mitigation Service, Ministry of Natural Resources (NMHMS-MNR), China
1640 – 1700 Presentation 9:  Building a Unified Approach for Blue Carbon Accounting in East and Southeast Asia: Progress and Future Directions,

  • Ms. Kristina Di Ticman, PEMSEA Resource Facility
1720 – 1720 Panel discussion
1720 – 1730 Wrap-up and End of Session

  • Dr. Keita Furukawa,
  • PEMSEA

 

 

26 August, 2024