Phuket, Thailand — IOC/WESTPAC and PICES (the North Pacific Marine Science Organization) organized a joint workshop on on Rapid Assessment Survey Methodologies for Detecting Marine Non-Indigenous Species at Phuket Marine Biological Center, Thailand during July 19-21, 2011.

Plymouth, United Kingdom — This week PML signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the University of Cape Town, to enhance relations between the two organizations, predominantly in the field of sustainable marine management.

 

The signing took place with Prof. Stephen de Mora, Chief Executive of PML, and Prof. John Field, Director of the Ma-Re Institute at the University of Cape Town, who was visiting PML for the lab’s annual Science Advisory Council meeting.

 

Paris, France — Dr. Sang-Kyung Byun from Republic of Korea, Dr. Yutaka Michida from Japan were named the new Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson of the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) at the recently concluded 26th Session of IOC Assembly, Paris, 21 June-5 July 2011.

 

Nha Trang City, Viet Nam — Vietnamese leaders demonstrated their strong commitment for the sustainable development of the marine and coastal areas of Vietnam during the conduct of the Leadership Forum in Nha Trang City on 7-8 June 2011.

 

Dongying, PR China — The 2011 PEMSEA Network of Local Governments for Sustainable Coastal Development (PNLG) Forum marked the 10th year anniversary of the convening of the forum since 2001. For the past 10 years, the PNLG Forum has served as an effective venue for information exchange, for sharing good practices in ICM implementation, for discussing critical and emerging issues and mentoring among its local government members.

 

Venues for Knowledge Sharing

 

Busan, RO Korea — The Executive Committee (EC) of the East Asian Seas Partnership Council welcomed three new members during the 4th East Asian Seas Partnership Council Meeting, held in Busan, RO Korea, last 11-14 July 2011.

 

Quezon City, Philippines — PEMSEA welcomes Ms. Ma. Victoria Amurao as Finance Assistant. Victoria will provide general accounting services for the PRF Secretariat and Technical Services and provide administrative support in the areas of procurement, contracts monitoring, inventory, and others.

 

 

Makati City, Philippines — Petron Foundation Inc. (PFI) recently celebrated 15 years of fueling hope and helping realize the dreams of thousands of Filipinos by forging strategic alliances with the Department of Education (DepEd) and Habitat for Humanity Philippines, Inc. (HHPI). Over the past decade and a half, PFI has been at the forefront of Petron Corporation's efforts to provide sustainable solutions to some of the country's concerns. These include programs in education, environment, entrepreneurship, health, and livelihood.

 

 

Seoul, RO Korea — Korea Ocean Research & Development Institute announced that Dr. Kim Cheol Ho from the Climate Change & Coastal Disaster Research Department was awarded the 'KORDI prize of the month.'

 

Through domestic and international activities, Dr. Kim has contributed to developing marine research, and was recognized his achievement of raising awareness of the effect of the ocean on climate change among governmental and non-professional groups.

 

 

Mindoro, Philippines — Two marine protected areas in the Verde Island Passage (VIP) were recognized in a nationwide competition as among the best managed in the country, making it to the top ten circle in a field of 117 contenders.