Pakse, Lao PDR — In an effort to strengthen the capacity of local communities, mass organizations and people's organizations to develop community-based projects in Sedone, a two-day writeshop was convened and participated in by over 42 participants from the three riparian provinces in Sedone from 30 September to 1 October 2010.

 

Xiamen, PR China — The Partnerships in Environmental Management for the Seas of East Asia (PEMSEA) in collaboration with the Coastal and Ocean Management Institute (COMI) of the Xiamen University conducted a Regional Integrated Coastal Management (ICM) Train-the-Trainers Course on 10-14 October 2010 in Xiamen, China. The training course was participated by 27 individuals from academic and research institutions, national government agencies and local governments from seven countries, namely, Cambodia, PR China, Indonesia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Viet Nam.

 

Laguna, Philippines — While the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region is home to 20 per cent of all known plant and animal species, it is losing biodiversity at alarming rates. Unfortunately, this threat has not attracted enough attention from leaders, the public and the media to generate a concerted effort to halt the rate of biodiversity loss. This lack of awareness is attributed to the dearth of information campaigns and materials on the values of biodiversity.

Laguna, Philippines — Taxonomy, which forms an important basis for biology and the protection of biodiversity, is in peril. The last few decades saw the discipline of taxonomy falling off the global political, funding, and academic agendas.

Moscow, Russia — The 15th NOWPAP Intergovernmental Meeting (IGM) was held on 16-18 November 2010 in Moscow, Russia. Representatives of all NOWPAP member states participated in the meeting which was attended also by the directors of the four NOWPAP Regional Activity Centres (RACs). The meeting participants reviewed the progress of NOWPAP implementation for the period of 2009-2010 and discussed the ways for future development of NOWPAP.

 

Along with the report of UNEP Executive Director and reports of the four RAC directors, the meeting approved the following documents:

Nagoya, Japan — The Northwest Pacific Action Plan (NOWPAP) has organized and participated in various activities including the Marine Biodiversity Forum and CBD COP10, among others.

 

NOWPAP Participation in the Marine Biodiversity Forum and CBD COP10

 

Laguna, Philippines — The search is on for youth organizations, corporations and media who have outstanding biodiversity conservation and advocacy initiatives in the ASEAN region. A regional awards program– the ASEAN Champions of Biodiversity–was recently launched by the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity (ACB) to recognize and honor exemplary biodiversity conservationists and advocates.

Sihanoukville, Cambodia — Sihanoukville is one of the favorite tourist spots in Cambodia, next to Siem Reap and Phnom Penh. It has been identified by the Royal Government of Cambodia as one of the strategic development areas in the country in order to improve the national economy.

 

The increasing number of tourists in recent years, however, is creating several socioeconomic and environmental problems. Poorly planned built-up areas are degrading environmental quality, particularly beach areas, leading to complaints among tourists.

 

Manila, Philippines — In line with the recognition of PEMSEA as an International Legal Personality, PEMSEA has embarked on a transformation process towards building PEMSEA into a full-fledged international organization.

 

Chonburi, Thailand — Participants from Cambodia, Thailand and Vietnam were enlightened with the new techniques that they have learned during the recently conducted training workshop on Shoreline Assessment and Clean up. The training was aimed to enhance awareness and understanding of relevant personnel on the principles and process of assessing oiled shorelines, environmental effects of various clean up techniques, and principal shoreline methods and guidelines in planning and developing a shoreline clean up plan. Dr. Ruth Yender and Mr.