PNLG General Assembly Adopts Busan Declaration, Welcomes Atauro Island as New Member

 

The 2026 PEMSEA Network of Local Governments (PNLG) General Assembly adopted the Busan Declaration on Promoting Local Coastal Resilience and Sustainable Blue Economy and formally welcomed Atauro Island, Timor-Leste, as the network’s newest member during its meeting in Busan, Ro Korea on 9 September 2026.

The General Assembly brought together PNLG local government and associate members to review the network’s progress, discuss priorities for the coming year and advance collective action toward resilient coastal communities and sustainable blue economies.

Chaired by PNLG President and Provincial Government of Guimaras Governor Ma. Lucille Nava, delegates reviewed the PNLG Work Progress 2026 and Work Plan 2027, discussed implementation of the PNLG Strategic Action Plan 2022–2030, and considered key developments for the network.
 

 

Mateus Belo, President of the Ataúro Administrative Authority, signs the PNLG Charter, formally welcoming Ataúro Island, Timor-Leste, into the network.

 

The admission of Atauro Island, Timor-Leste, marked an important milestone for the PNLG. The PNLG Charter was signed by Mr. Mateus Belo, President of the Ataúro Administrative Authority, and witnessed by Governor Nava, PEMSEA Resource Facility Executive Director Aimee Gonzales, and Mr. LIN Huaiyuan, Executive Deputy Secretary-General of the PNLG Secretariat.

With Atauro Island as its newest member, the PNLG membership has grown to 60 members, comprising 55 regular members and five associate members across 10 countries in the East Asian Seas region.

 

 

Busan Declaration adopted

 

 

The General Assembly adopted the Busan Declaration on Promoting Local Coastal Resilience and Sustainable Blue Economy, reinforcing the network’s shared commitment to advancing coastal resilience and sustainable blue economy through local policies, programmes and partnerships.

Mr. Oh Seok-Geun, Deputy Mayor for Future Innovation of Busan Metropolitan City, Republic of Korea, introduced the Declaration to the General Assembly before Heads of Delegation who signed the document gathered for a group photo.

Governor Nava described the adoption as an important milestone for the network and called for continued participation from PNLG members.

“As PNLG President, I direct the PNLG Secretariat to continue to reach out to other PNLG members to sign the Declaration,” she said.

The Declaration provides a basis for PNLG members to further align local actions and strengthen partnerships in addressing interconnected challenges affecting coastal communities and marine ecosystems.

 

PNLG-PNLC Joint Learning Forum

The PNLG-PNLC Joint Learning Forum on 8 September 2026, brought together local government leaders, learning centers, academic institutions, and scientific experts to exchange practical approaches for strengthening coastal resilience and sustainable blue economies.

Held in collaboration with the Korea Maritime Institute (KMI), Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology (KIOST), and Coastal 500, the Joint Learning Forum provided a platform for local governments and the scientific community to connect research, evidence, and innovation with real-world coastal management challenges.

The General Assembly followed discussions during the 2026 PNLG–PNLC Joint Learning Forum on blue carbon innovation, marine biodiversity and sustainable local blue economy pathways.

The discussions reinforced the role of local governments in translating regional commitments into practical action through knowledge exchange, partnerships and locally driven initiatives.

Governor Nava expressed appreciation to the speakers and delegates, the Busan Metropolitan City, the PEMSEA Resource Facility, the PNLG and PNLC Secretariats, and partners who contributed to the successful conduct of the Forum and General Assembly.

With the adoption of the Busan Declaration and the addition of Atauro Island, the PNLG moves forward with an expanded network and renewed commitments to local coastal resilience and sustainable blue economy.

 

 

From Busan to Tangerang. In a symbolic passing of the PNLG flag, the Busan Metropolitan Government handed over the host baton to Tangerang Regency, Indonesia, which will welcome PNLG members for the 2027 PNLG Annual Forum.