(PEMSEA / Jarrett Laabs)

 

MANILA, PHILIPPINES—In a post-coronavirus world, there is a need to generate new ideas and approaches and recalibrate them to pave the way to a “better normal.” There is increasing realization that the pandemic is not just a short, periodic, epidemiological glitch, but a huge disruption to how communities and local government units (LGUs) will conduct themselves even after a vaccine is discovered.

 

While capacity and resources vary amongst countries and local governm

 

 

 

XIAMEN, PR CHINA—The PEMSEA Network of Local Governments for Sustainable Coastal Development (PNLG) has named Mr. Zeng Dongsheng as the new Secretary General of the PNLG Secretariat effective April 15, 2020.  Mr. Dongsheng has long been engaged in publicity, culture, education, political and legal work in various government agencies in Xiamen.

 

 

Koh Kong Province: Mr. Ouk Pheaktra, Deputy Provincial Governor and HE Lok Phuot, Governor of the Koh Kong Provincial Council, welcomed HE Neth Pheaktra, Secretary of State of the Ministry of Environment, at the ceremony to distribute 50 bins to the Peam Kreung community in Peam Krasang commune.

 

 

MANILA, PHILIPPINES-- Partnerships in Environmental Management for the Seas of East Asia (PEMSEA) has extended the term of Ms. Aimee T. Gonzales as Executive Director of the PEMSEA Resource Facility (PRF) for another three years from 2021-2023. Ms. Gonzales was appointed Executive Director of the PRF last January 1, 2018.

 

The term extension follows the decision of the 12th East Asian Seas (EAS) Partnership Council Meeting held in July. The PRF Executive Director normally holds a fixed term contract of three years, but can be renewed not exceeding 10 years.

 

Partnerships in Environmental Management for the Seas of East Asia (PEMSEA) capped off the first half of the year 2020 by welcoming two new partners to join its work in implementing the shared regional marine strategy called the ‘Sustainable Development Strategy for the Seas of East Asia (SDS-SEA).’

 

The Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA) joins PEMSEA as its 23rd Non-Country Partner following the approval of NIVA’s application as PEMSEA non country partner during the PEMSEA Council Partnership Meeting this July.

 

At the 12th East Asian Seas Partnership Council Meeting held recently, Partnerships in Environmental Management for the Seas of East Asia (PEMSEA) reported that it has surpassed its integrated coastal management (ICM) coverage target of 25% throughout the region ahead of schedule. As of December 2019, ICM coverage of the region’s coastline is now estimated at 37.9%, achieved well before the 2021 deadline.

 

 

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has deeply affected sectors related to the ocean, with shipping disrupted by port closures and a drop in demand; fisheries disrupted by a lack of transportation options and market shrinkage and; tourism likely to see significant long-term drop as incoming travel in many cases drops by over 99%. The current situation however, has heightened awareness of the link between human health and ocean health, and provides opportunities for environmental actions and advocacy.

 

 

Partnerships in Environmental Management for the Seas of East Asia (PEMSEA) recently held a virtual signing ceremony that formalized the entry of the Institute for Global Environmental Studies (IGES) in Japan and the Coastal and Ocean Marine Institute (COMI) based in Xiamen University as its new regional centers of excellence; and the formal acceptance of the Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA) as a non-country partner.

 

Partnerships in Environmental Management for the Seas of East Asia (PEMSEA) mourns the passing of Dr. Biliana Cicin-Sain. She was a great person and a significant force in the drive to put the ocean on the political agenda globally. A true friend and supporter of PEMSEA and the adoption and implementation of integrated coastal management. She will be missed.

 

Letter from the International Coastal and Ocean Organization (Secretariat of the Global Ocean Forum) Board of Directors