In 2009, the EAS Congress will convene once again to review and present to the region the results and impacts of the partnership arrangement and the SDS-SEA implementation, with the objective to assess the achievements and map out future action to ensure the steady advancement of partnership initiatives in the region towards the sustainability of the Seas of East Asia.

Carrying the theme, “Partnerships at Work: Local Implementation and Good Practices” the EAS Congress 2009 aims to highlight the initiatives and good practices at the local level covering wide area or issues on coastal and ocean management. This Congress emphasizes on-the-ground actions and innovations that contribute significantly in the achievement and meeting of regional and global environmental targets and commitments. At the same time, this Congress hopes to engage various stakeholders from the local up to the international level in the discussions of key issues that are most critical to the local level.

The EAS Congress 2009 features the:

• Third Ministerial Forum - 25-26 November 2009;
• International Conference on Sustainable Coastal and Ocean Development - 23-25 November 2009;
• Meeting of the EAS Partnership Council - 27 November 2009;
• Exhibition on Good Practices and Innovative Technologies - 23-27 November 2009.

A number of side events or meetings, including the Second EAS Youth Forum, Meeting of the PEMSEA Network of Local Governments, Business Forum and many others, organized by PEMSEA, its Partners, and collaborators will also be held during the Congress.

Hosted by the Government of the Philippines and organized by GEF, UNDP, UNOPS, PEMSEA and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Philippines.