Global Challenges, Local Solutions

ST 2.15: From EEZs to the High Seas: Leveraging the ocean-climate biodiversity nexus in accelerating the implementation of ocean-climate action

OVERVIEW

The Global Ocean Forum and the Plymouth Marine Laboratory are pleased to be organizing a virtual side event at the 2024 East Asian Seas Congress in collaboration with the Partnerships in Environmental Management for the Seas of East Asia (PEMSEA) and the Common Oceans Cross-sectoral Project. This side event, titled “From EEZs to the High Seas: Leveraging the ocean-climate-biodiversity nexus in accelerating the implementation of ocean-climate action,” will be held virtually on 6 November at 5:00-6:30 PM China Standard Time. The event will consist of two segments and will feature two sets of speakers representing government, intergovernmental, and civil society organizations.,

Segment 1 aims to discuss integrated and collaborative approaches used to advance the ocean agenda in the climate, biodiversity, and sustainable development frameworks. It will highlight the opportunities presented by the BBNJ Agreement for leveraging the ocean-climate-biodiversity nexus in accelerating the implementation of ocean-climate action by exploring the mitigation and adaptation potential of the vast high seas.

Segment 2 focuses on what’s to come for the ocean community at COP29 and will provide a preview of the COP29 Virtual Ocean Pavilion (VOP) and of ocean events at COP29 more generally. This segment will open with high-level remarks on what to expect for the ocean from COP29 negotiations. Next, the Ocean Breakthroughs and the activities of the Marrakech Partnership for Global Climate Action (MPGCA) at COP29 will be presented, followed by a presentation on the activities of the Friends of the Ocean and Climate at COP29. An introduction to the Virtual Ocean Pavilion will then follow, with a preview of the Pavilion exhibits and live events, an overview of the searchable COP29 ocean-related events tracker and other Pavilion features.

 

Register here to join the event

 

AGENDA

Keynote Speaker

  • Ambassador Peter Thomson, UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for the Ocean

Moderator

  • Mr. Richard Delaney, Interim Executive Director, Center for Coastal Studies, US; President, Global Ocean Forum Board of Directors

Segment 1: From EEZs to the High Seas

  • Ambassador Janine Coye-Felson, Deputy Permanent Representative, Permanent Mission of Belize to the United Nations in New York; Co-chair of the BBNJ Agreement Preparatory Commission
  • Mr. Duncan Currie, Legal and Political Advisor, High Seas Alliance
  • Ms. Danielle Yeow, Lead, Climate Change Law and Policy, Centre for International Law, National University of Singapore
  • Ms. Johanna Diwa-Acallar, Capacity Development Specialist, Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO
  • Ms. Viktoria Varga Lencses, Program Coordinator, Common Oceans Program; Senior Fishery Officer, Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN

Segment 2: Showcasing the Ocean at COP29

  • Mr. Julio Cordano, Permanent Mission of Chile to the United Nations in New York, co-facilitator, Ocean and Climate Change Dialogue 2024
  • Ms. Loreley Picourt, Executive Director, Ocean & Climate Platform, Co-focal Point for Ocean and Coastal Zones, Marrakech Partnership for Global Climate Action
  • Ms. Anna-Marie Laura, Senior Director, Climate Policy, Ocean Conservancy
  • Ms. Thecla Keizer, Deputy Head of International Office, Plymouth Marine Laboratory
  • Ms. Catie Mitchell, Research Assistant, Global Ocean Forum
23 October, 2024

ST 2.14: China-ASEAN Marine Ecosystem Protection and Restoration Symposium

Overview

The Fourth Institute of Oceanography (4IO), also known as China-ASEAN Countries Joint Research and Development Center of Marine Science and Technology and Guangxi Marine Development Institute, is directly affiliated to the Ministry of Natural Resources of the People’s Republic of China. 4IO is committed to serving the construction of national marine ecological civilization, contributing to the Initiative of the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road and promoting the high-quality development of the sea-oriented economy of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. 4IO focuses on the key tasks of supporting the construction of the marine ecological civilization in Beibu Gulf and facilitating marine sci-tech exchanges and cooperation between China and ASEAN countries.

With economic globalization and social development, ocean ecological and environmental issues have become significant factors affecting the sustainable development of countries and regions. Both China and ASEAN countries face ecological and environmental problems such as the decline of biodiversity, coastal degradation, and the deterioration of the structure and function of marine ecosystems, necessitating joint cooperation to seek solutions.

Program Objectives:

Jointly explore the latest technologies and methods for the protection and restoration of marine ecosystems, share experiences and successful cases, and explore opportunities and directions for cooperation.

Programme:

TIME AGENDA
Opening Ceremony

·         Host：Guan Yao, Fourth Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources
Opening Remarks

1.      Remarks By the Third Institute of Oceanography, MNR

2.      Remarks By National Marine Hazard Mitigation Service, MNR

3.      Remarks By Island Research Center, MNR

4.      Remarks By the Fourth Institute of Oceanography, MNR
Group Photo
Public Goods Release and Signing Ceremony

1.         Public Goods Release: China-ASEAN Marine Science, Technology and Industry Development Report 2024

2.         Signing Ceremony: Fourth Institute of Oceanography, MNR and Prince of Songkla University, Thailand
Thematic Reports

1.         Exploration of Mangrove Carbon Sink Pathways and Blue Carbon Trading Models

·         Speaker：Chen Guangcheng, Research Fellow of Third Institute of Oceanography, MNR.

2.         Construction of Marine Nature Reserves in China

·         Speaker：Zeng Jiangning, Researcher of the Second Institute of Oceanography, MNR

3.         Operational service for Marine Hazard Assessment and Mitigation

·         Speaker：Zhang Yao, Senior Research Scientist of National Marine Hazard Mitigation Service, MNR

4.         Conservation genetics to improve biodiversity and resource management

·         Speaker：Dang Thuy Binh, Senior Lecturer of the Institute of Biology and Environment, Nha Trang University

5.         Marine environmental protection and blue economy development in Cambodia

·         Speaker：Meas Rithy, Deputy director of Department of Coastal Zone Marine Conservation, Ministry of Environment

6.         Myanmar Experiences in Managing the Challenges and Opportunities of Mangroves Ecosystem

·         Speaker：Nang Mya Han, Marine Science Department, University of Myeik

7.         Seaweed Farming for Sustainable Development Goals in Blue Economy context

·         Speaker：Maya Puspita, Head of Research and Development, Indonesian Seaweed Association
23 October, 2024

ST 2.10: Achieving Sustainability through Connectivity for Resilient ASEAN Seas

Overview

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, 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 the 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, 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 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, plus youth engagement initiatives aimed at ensuring sustainable and resilient seas within the ASEAN.

Objectives:

  • Showcase ASEAN’s contributions to the 30 x 30 GBF target through successful case studies and initiatives.
  • Facilitate knowledge sharing among ASEAN member states and East Asian counterparts on effective marine conservation strategies.
  • Engage youth representatives in promoting sustainable marine practices and conservation efforts.

Program

TIME AGENDA
14:00 – 14:30 Registration and AVP Presentations
14:30 – 14:35 Introduction
14:35 – 15:15 First Session

Proposed Topics:

Achieving Sustainability in the ASEAN Seas:

1. Towards Successful MPA and MPA network management in the ASEAN region

· Speaker 1: Dr. Suchana Apple Chavanich, Ph.D. (Thailand)

 

2. Lessons to share for Sustainable Fisheries in the ASEAN Region Speaker 1: Md. Ketut Putra (Expert from Indonesia)

· Speaker 1: Dr. Nygiel Armada (Expert from the Philippines)

 
15:15 – 15:30 Q&A
15:30 – 15:35 Wrap-up and Introduction to Second Speaker
15:35 – 16:05 Second Session

Connectivity for a Resilient ASEAN Seas Proposed Topic:

1. An Overview of the ASEAN ENMAPS Project

· Dr. Sheila Vergara, ASEAN ENMAPS PM-CTA

 

2. The ENMAPS Approach: Understanding “Connectivity” in the ASEAN Marine Ecosystems

· Dr. VIncent Hilomen, ASEAN ENMAPS Regional Fisheries and Connectivity Consultant

 
16:05 – 16:15 Q&A
16:15 – 16:20 Wrap-up and introduction to Third Session
16:20 – 16:40 Third Session

Youth for Sustainable ASEAN Seas

Proposed Topic:

1. The role of youth organizations in coastal and marine conservation and fisheries management

· Speaker: Sapawan “Ploy” Ponlaboot (Youth Leader from Thailand)
16:40 – 16:50 Q&A
16:50 – 17:10 Panel Discussion
17:10 – 17:30 Wrap-up Closing Announcements
26 August, 2024

ST 2.13: International Symposium on Tsunami Warning and Storm Surge Prediction and Mitigation in the Asia-Pacific Region

Overview

The Asia-Pacific region is highly vulnerable to coastal hazards, particularly tsunamis and storm surges, due to its extensive coastlines and numerous island nations. Recent catastrophic events have highlighted the critical need for improved warning systems and mitigation strategies. This symposium brings together experts, policymakers, and practitioners to address the challenges in predicting and mitigating these devastating natural phenomena.

The focus on tsunami warning systems comes in the wake of several major events that have affected the region in recent decades, emphasizing the need for rapid and accurate detection and notification systems. Similarly, the increasing frequency and intensity of tropical cyclones, exacerbated by climate change, necessitates advanced storm surge forecasting capabilities.

By convening in Xiamen, China, a coastal city with its own experiences of such hazards, participants will have the opportunity to exchange knowledge, discuss recent technological advancements, and forge collaborations to enhance regional resilience against tsunamis and storm surges.

Program Objectives:

To improve tsunami warning and storm surge prediction capabilities in the Asia-Pacific region, thereby enhancing disaster mitigation and coastal community resilience. Specific objectives:

1) Analysis of historical tsunami and storm surge events

2) Occurrence and mechanism of earthquakes and tsunamis

3) Cause analysis of non-seismic and complex tsunamis

4) Tsunami and storm surge monitoring and early warning technologies

5) Numerical simulation of tsunami and storm surge

6) Tsunami and storm surge risk assessment

7) The application of artificial intelligence in tsunami and storm surge warning and forecasting

Programme: 

TIME AGENDA
10:00 – 10:20 1. Opening + Group Picture
2. Technical reports
10:20 – 10:35 Numerical simulation of a multi-hazard scenario of tsunami and storm surge in Hong Kong

·         Chan Wai Soen
10:35 – 10:50 Reconstructing typhoon intensity and storm surge simulation using scarce data

Zhan Tian
10:50 – 11:05 Determination of Source Parameters and its Global Application in Earthquake Hazard Mitigation

·         Dun Wang
11:05 – 11:20 Automatic finite-fault inversion for large earthquakes and the application to tsunami early warning

·         Chenyu Xu
11:20 – 11:35 Application of regional deep learning model for typhoon-induced storm surge through construction of synthetic typhoon in Northwest Pacific Ocean

·         Hui Shen
11:35 – 11:45 Break
11:45 – 12:00 Probabilistic Tsunami Hazard Assessment for the Southeast Coast of China Considering Inundation Scenarios

·         Yefei Ren
12:00 – 12:15 Analysis of Earthquake and Tsunami Characteristics in West Malaysia

·         Yip Weng Sang
12:15 – 12:30 Analysis Of Tsunami Mechanism Triggered By Ile Des Cendres Volcano In 1923

·         Kan Zhang
12:30 – 12:45 Tsunami Characteristics in Semi-enclosed Seas

·         Jiaying Cui
12:45 – 13:00 3. Closing

 

26 August, 2024

ST 2.12: 13th East HAB Symposium/ Exchange the latest status of red tide in East Asia and the discussion on the prevention and mitigation on harmful algal blooms-hypoxia at the background of “Ocean Decade”

Overview

In the past decades, Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) have expanded globally and drawn a great attention of coastal countries worldwide, because of their multiple effects on marine ecosystems and the public health. Recurrent large-scale HAB appeared in Asian waters recently and the potential harmful effects attracted the concerns from the circumjacent countries. It has become a common interest to study the HAB phenomenon in this area. This Symposium is willing to exchange the latest status of red tide in East Asia and the discussion on the prevention and mitigation on harmful algal blooms-hypoxia at the background of “Ocean Decade”.

Program Objectives:

The main objective of the EASTHAB is to share HAB information and collaborate in the HAB research activities among scientists in the Asian region.

Program

TIME AGENDA
10:00 – 10:15 Opening ceremony and Welcoming address

·         Douling Lu
10:15 – 10:30

 

 Keynote Speech

·         Rhodora Azanza
10:30 – 10:45 Group Photo and Coffee Break
10:45 – 11:00 National report (China)

·         Pengbin Wang
11:00 – 11:15 National report (Korea)Recent Trends in Harmful Algal Blooms in Korean Coastal Waters: A Five-Year Overview

·         Minji Lee
11:15 – 11:30 National report (Japan)

·         Natsuko Nakayama
11:30 – 11:45 Research on relationship between turbidity front movement and algal bloom procedure based on remote sensing observation

·         Bangyi Tao
11:45 – 12:00 Harmful algal blooms and associated fisheries damage in China during 1980-2018

·         Xinfeng Dai
14:30 – 15:00 Keynote Speech

Harmful Algal Blooms of Kareniaceae (Dinophyta) Species in Chinese Coasts

·         Songhui Lv
15:00 – 15:20 Phylogeny and ultrastructure of amphidomatacean dinoflagellates isolated from Japanese

·         Mitsunori Iwataki
15:20 – 15:40 Research on Improving Aerial Surveillance and Sensor Operation for HAB Monitoring

·         Moonho Son
15:40 – 16:00 Application of Third-Generation High-Throughput Sequencing in Studying Harmful Microalgal Diversity

·         Zhaohe Luo
16:00 – 16:20 Coffee Break
16:20 – 18:00 EAST-HAB SSC member meeting
26 August, 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 2.6: Harmonizing Oceans: Transboundary Strategies for Climate Resilience in North-East Asia

Overview

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 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.

Against this backdrop, the Korea Maritime Institute (KMI) and ESCAP Subregional Office for East and North-East Asia jointly organize a session titled “Harmonizing Oceans: Transboundary Strategies for Climate Resilience in North-East Asia”. 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:

  • 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
10:00 – 10:10 Opening Remarks

· Korea Maritime Institute

· ESCAP East and North-East Asia Office

Group photo
10:10 – 11:00 Presentations

Moderator: Mr. Jungho Nam, Senior Research Fellow, Korea Maritime Institute

· Ms. Jiyoon Kim, Senior Researcher, Korea Maritime Institute

· Mr. Zhang Zhaohui, Research Professor, First Institute of Oceanography, China

· Ms. Mi-Jin Lee, Research Associate, ESCAP East and North-East Asia Office

· Ms. Maeve Nightingale, Senior Programme Officer, IUCN Asia
11:00 – 11:50 Panel Discussion

· Ms. Margarita Victoria Caballa, Programme Associate, Marine and Coastal Ecosystems, Coordinating Body on the Seas of East Asia (COBSEA)

· Ms. Casandra Tania, UNDP/GEF ATSEA-2’s Regional Biodiversity Specialist

· Mr. Xinping Chen, Senior Researcher, Marine Ecosystem Conservation and Restoration Division, National Marine Hazard Mitigation Service of Ministry of Natural Resources, China
11:50 – 12:00 Closing
26 August, 2024

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

Overview

This 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.

Programme

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)
10:00 – 10:10 Welcoming and Introduction

  • Professor Kenneth Leung
10:10 – 10:55

 

 Environmental Risk Assessment and Risk Management

  • Professor Kenneth Leung
10:50 – 11:00 Break
11:00 – 11:40

 

 The Threats and Monitoring Techniques for Antibiotic Resistant Gene

  • Professor Xuemei Mao
11:40 – 12:00

 

Free Discussion and Closing Remarks

·         Professor Kenneth Leung

·         Professor Xuemei Mao

 

26 August, 2024

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

Overview

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

Integrated management of border oceans was selected as the session topic to contribute to the theme of this PEMSEA EAS Congress, “Blue Synergy for a Common Future.” 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, and these regional solutions should be of interest.

Expected Outcomes and Outputs

  • List of proposed regional solutions 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 marine ecosystem.

Programme

 

TIME AGENDA
1430 – 1435 Welcome address

·         Dr. LEE Changhoon, President, Korea Environment Institute
1435 – 1520 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. Masanori Kobayashi, Ocean Policy Research Institute
1520 – 1600 Discussion

●        Dr. Suk-jae Kwon, KIOST

●        Prof. Zhi Li, Xiamen University

●        Free discussion by audience
26 August, 2024

ST 2.4: Perspectives on Collaborative Actions for Effective Oil Spill Preparedness and Response

Venue

1G01 VIP Room

Overview

Major oil pollution, whether ship-sourced or from oil production and exploration facilities, continues to threaten coastal communities and present significant challenges to key stakeholders.

Following the NEBA-SIMA workshop conducted as part of EAS Congress 2021, in collaboration with PEMSEA Resource Facility (PRF) and IMO-Ipieca Global Initiative for Southeast Asia (GISEA) Project, OSRL seeks to further propagate internationally recognized good practice in oil spill preparedness and response in the upcoming EAS Congress 2024.

OSRL proposes a collaboration with GISEA to convene a technical session and share more about oil spill preparedness and response under the sub theme of “Global Challenges, Local Solutions”. The session is targeted at an audience comprising broader ocean stakeholders from diverse backgrounds. It aims to: raise awareness on impacts of oil spills; introduce various good practice and tools available; and encourage industry-government collaboration to strengthen oil spill preparedness and response in the Seas of East Asia.

About Oil Spill Response Limited:

Oil Spill Response Limited (OSRL) is an industry-owned Tier 3 oil spill response cooperative and operates worldwide to support members in preparing for and responding to an oil spill incident. Our unique position enables us to integrate our experience and lessons learnt globally and leverage such insight to deliver effective solutions at the local level where our members operate.

About Global Initiative for Southeast Asia (GISEA) Project:

GISEA is regional project under the umbrella of the Global Initiative Programme, a partnership between Ipieca, the global oil and gas association for advancing environmental and social performance across the energy transition, and the International Maritime Organization (IMO), to enhance oil spill preparedness and response capacity for marine spills at priority locations around the world. The primary focus of the project is ASEAN Member States.

Brief description of topics

Overview of oil spills impacts

Oil spills occur globally; regardless of its origin, – either ship-sourced or from O&G facilities-, the resulting impacts affect the local community in three areas: socio-economic, environmental, and sometimes, cultural. This session aims to share an overview of the impacts of oil spills, and highlights the importance of being prepared to mitigate/reduce the undesirable consequences.

Overview of Industry Good Practice Guidance for oil spill preparedness and response

Following the Gulf of Mexico incident in 2010, the industry formed the Oil Spill Response – Joint Industry Project (OSR-JIP) to consolidate lessons learnt from the incident and review the industry good practice on oil spill preparedness and response. This session aims to discuss and distill the key lessons learnt on oil spill preparedness and response.

Staying prepared for oil spill incidents in Southeast Asia – perspectives from GISEA

This session aims to highlight the challenges and opportunities to strengthen oil spill preparedness and response across Southeast Asia, at both the national and regional levels. Areas where stakeholders with interest in the ocean, can potentially contribute will be discussed, within the existing regional framework.

Case Study: National oil spill response capability development in Papua New Guinea (PNG)

In this session, OSRL will share on our experience in supporting the development of national oil spill response capability in Papua New Guinea.

Readiness Evaluation Tool for. Oil Spills (RETOS™)

This session aims to introduce the Readiness Evaluation Tool for Oil Spills (RETOS™), which is now an internationally accepted standard for industry and governments to assess their levels of oil spill response planning and readiness management, in relation to a set of pre-established criteria.

Introduction to Oiled Wildlife Preparedness and Response

Wildlife, in particular, birds, reptiles, and marine mammals, could be gravely impacted by oil spills – such harm is well-documented. This session aims to share on the various oiled wildlife preparedness and response activities and mechanisms for managing oil spill risks to wildlife, and consequences following impact.

Objectives:

  1. To raise awareness of the impacts from an oil spill incident, from socio-economic, environmental, and cultural perspectives.
  2. To highlight the importance of industry-government collaboration for effective preparedness and response to oil spills.
  3. To share good practice and tools to strengthen oil spill preparedness

Expected Outcomes/Outputs

  1. Gain awareness of oil spill impacts.
  2. Gain awareness of industry good practice and its application via a case study.
  3. Gain awareness of national oil spill preparedness framework and the use of RETOS™ as an assessment tool.
  4. Gain awareness of good practice in oiled wildlife preparedness and response.
  5. Generate collaboration interest and/or engagement opportunities with other country/non-country partners
TIME AGENDA
14:30 – 14:40 Opening and Agenda Introduction

  • Mr. James Tan, OSRL
14:40 – 14:50 Overview of Oil Spill Impacts

  • Mr. James Tan, OSRL
14:50 – 15:10 Overview of Industry Good Practice in Oil Spill Preparedness and Response

  • Mr. James Tan, OSRL
15:10 – 15:40 Staying Prepared for Oil Spill Incidents in Southeast Asia – Perspectives from GISEA

  • Mr. Lee Nai Ming, GISEA
15:40 – 15:55 · Break
15:55 – 16:25 Case study:

  • National Oil Spill Response Capability Development in Papua New Guinea (PNG)
  • Response Case Study
  • Mr. Norman Ramos, OSRL
26 August, 2024

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

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 the 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)
14:30 – 15:05

 

 Welcoming and Introduction of the GEM Programme

· Professor Kenneth Leung
15:05 – 15:40

 

 Pollution and land-sea transport of plastic debris and microplastics in the river estuary

· Professor Xinhong Wang
15:40 – 15:55 Break
15:55 – 16:25 Progress and Prospects of the GEM Programme

· Dr. Chong Chen
16:25 – 16:55 Advanced Passive Sampler Development

· Ms. Demilade T. Adedipe
16:55 – 17:30 Free Discussion and Closing Remarks

· Professor Kenneth Leung

· Professor Xinhong Wang

 

26 August, 2024

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

Overview

The world is facing multiple planetary crises, including climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution – often referred to as the “Triple Planetary Crises” (TPC). Addressing these challenges requires integrated and comprehensive solutions, as solving the challenges separately in a “one-by-one” approach is not sufficient given the urgency of the situation. Furthermore, some solutions to one of the crises may negatively impact others. And some solutions can – if designed and implemented well – contribute to several crises all at once. Such trade-offs and synergies must be identified and coordinated.

The countries around the East Asian Seas have joined the global community and committed to solving climate change and biodiversity challenges as well as the complex issue of marine pollution. These include addressing global commitments such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KM-GBF), United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) resolutions, as well as regional and sub-regional commitments, such through the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

One of the essential approaches to solving these challenges will be building partnerships amongst different stakeholders. Many organizations and projects are working on various aspects of marine and coastal management in the East Asian Seas. Far too many activities and projects are implemented in isolation; with comprehensive coordination of initiatives across organizations, projects, and thematic areas being the exception rather than the norm. It is critical that these efforts are coordinated amongst stakeholders to eliminate duplications and explore synergies with the aim to optimize the use of limited financial and human resources. This coordination is often challenged by different governance modalities across existing mechanisms – there is a need to discuss and identify clear synergies and opportunities for embarking on coordinated approaches in addressing marine challenges in the East Asian Seas region.

This session will focus on the efforts of regional marine environmental institutions in promoting coordination and collaboration for the sustainable governance of the East Asian Seas region. The session will bring together strategic partners and stakeholders, including PEMSEA, IUCN, IOC-WESTPAC, ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity, Coral Triangle Initiative, amongst others, to move towards a future where coordination and integration is standard.

Objective

The overall aim of the session is to encourage collaborative efforts amongst regional marine organizations in the East Asian Seas to address the triple planetary crises.

Format

Part One will provide a background on the triple planetary crises and the efforts of the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) in addressing this complex issue in the marine and coastal ecosystems of the East Asian Seas. Focus will be on the Regional Seas Programme, the Coordinating Body on the Seas of East Asia (COBSEA), and the UNEP/GEF South China Seas – Strategic Action Programme (SCS-SAP) Project. The discussions will demonstrate the increasing working partnership between COBSEA and the SCS-SAP Project, exploring synergies and complementarities, and collaborative opportunities on the development and updating of the Transboundary Diagnostic Analysis (TDA) – Strategic Action Programme (SAP), knowledge management, regional governance and regional working group collaboration, as well as the implementation of the COBSEA Strategic Directions 2023-2027.

Part Two will extend the discussion with other regional marine organizations in the East Asian Seas through a panel and workshop session. Organizations will be invited to present their experiences and thoughts in regional partnerships, how to capitalize the competencies of each organization, requirements to establish this partnership, such as science-policy interface, engagements, institutional structure, and resources.

Finally, Part Three will invite the audience to engage in the conversation, bring in their additional thoughts, and ask questions to the panelists. The workshop will end with agree ways forward.

Expected Output/s:

  • Roadmap towards a potential collaborative effort for regional marine organizations to address the triple planetary crises.
  • Working paper on this collaborative effort, including timeline, objectives, and activities.

The discussions of this EAS Congress session are expected to be expanded further in the “Our Ocean Conference” in Busan, Republic of Korea, in April 2025, and presented in the “Third UN Ocean Conference” (UNOC3) in Nice, France, in June 2025, as a regional contribution from the East Asian Seas region

Programme

TIME AGENDA
1430 – 1445

 

 Welcome Remarks and Introduction

  • Dr. Vann Monyneath, Undersecretary of State, Ministry of Environment, Cambodia and Chair of the EAS Partnership Council

Group Photo
PART ONE – Setting the Scene
1445 – 1455

 

 The Triple Planetary Crises (TPC) in the context of the East Asian Seas region – moving towards integrated approaches

  • Ms. Margarita Victoria Caballa, Project Management Specialist and COBSEA lead on Marine and Coastal Ecosystems
1455 – 1505

 

 The UNEP Regional Seas Programme, COBSEA Strategic Directions and the TPC

  • Mr. Mahesh Pradhan, Coordinator, COBSEA
1505 – 1515

 

 SCS-SAP Project and the TPC

  • Mr. Anders Poulsen, Senior Project Manager, SCS-SAP Project
1515 – 1525

 

 A vision for the future  –  The COBSEA-SCS-SAP Partnership

  • Mr. Anders Poulsen and Mr. Mahesh Pradhan
1525 – 1540 Break
PART TWO – Panel Discussion and Workshop
1540 – 1640 Establishing a collaborative Partnership on addressing the Triple Planetary Crises in the East Asian Seas

  • Ms. Aimee Gonzales, Executive Director, Partnerships in Environmental Management for the Seas of East Asia (PEMSEA)
  • Ms. Maeve Nightingale, Senior Program Officer, International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
  • Ms. Mi-Jin Lee, Research Associate, North-East Asian Marine Protected Area Network (NEAMPAN)
  • Dr. Vo Si Tuan, Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission – Sub-Commission for the Western Pacific (IOC-WESTPAC)
  • Ms. Claudia Binondo, Division Director, ASEAN Center for Biodiversity (ACB)
PART THREE – Engaging with Audience and Next Steps
1640 – 1720 Discussion and Q&A with the panelists

  • Ms. Margarita Victoria Caballa
1720 – 1730 Conclusions and way forward

  • Mr. Anders Poulsen and Mr. Mahesh Pradhan

 

 

26 August, 2024

FOCUS : GLOBAL CHALLENGES, LOCAL SOLUTIONS

Background

Can local actions truly make a difference in addressing global marine issues? Discover the power of community-driven initiatives in tackling worldwide ocean challenges. From the critical role of coastal communities in meeting climate targets to innovative approaches in sustainable fisheries, this session will inspire and showcase how local solutions can create global impacts.

Program

Moderator:  Mahesh Pradhan, Coordinator, Coordinating Body on the Seas of East Asia (COBSEA) UN Environment Programme (UNEP)

PANEL DISCUSSION
1300 – 1400 • Mr. Darren Waterman, Engagement Director, Oil Spill Response Limited

• Dr. Handoko Adi Susanto, UNDP/GEF ATSEA 2 Regional Project Manager

• Ms. Aya Silva, Vice President, Fish Forever, RARE, Philippines

• Ms. Anabelle Cayabyab, Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer, Office of the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer (OPENRO), Cavite, Philippines

• Mr. Prak Visal, Director, Division of Public Relation and International Cooperation, Preah Sihanouk Provincial Government, Cambodia

• Mr. Delio da Costa, EAS Youth Forum Delegate for Timor Leste and Coordinator, Sustainable Ocean Alliance Timor-Leste
26 August, 2024