Around 200 participants attended the conference, including members of the Regional Working Group, expert members, mayors and governors of the sites, site managers, national coordinators of the GEF Small Grants Programme, representatives of nongovernmental and international organizations, and PEMSEA. 
 
A panel discussion titled “National Benefit and Achievements” showcased sub-projects from China, Indonesia, Cambodia, Thailand and Philippines. Through the panel discussion, several national benefits and achievements by the SCS Project were pointed out, such as contributions to the development of National Action Plans for marine habitats, enhancement of scientific knowledge on marine habitats, strengthening of linkage between scientific research and policy development, enhancement of public awareness on marine habitats, and development of cross-sectoral collaboration. 
 
The SCS Project and the GEF SGP launched a partnership to promote community involvement in support of the implementation of the Regional Strategic Action Programme (SAP) for the South China Sea during the closing session of the Conference. The partnership is aimed at building the capacity of nongovernmental and community-based organizations, and coastal communities to implement the SAP at the local level. The SCS Project focuses on reversing environmental degradation in the South China Sea and Gulf of Thailand.
 
PEMSEA Resource Facility representative, Ms. Kazumi Wakita, participated in the conference.