Kobe, Japan — At the 18th Intergovernmental Meeting (IGM) of the Asia-Pacific Network for Global Change Research (APN) held on 10-12 April 2013 in Kobe, Japan, a proposal submitted by Okinawa Ocean Culture & Environment Action Network in collaboration with NOWPAP on promoting International Coastal Cleanup (ICC) was accepted for funding.

 

 

Busan, RO Korea — NOWPAP participated in the Global Gathering 2013 in Busan, RO Korea, displaying UNEP and NOWPAP posters, brochures, publications and promotional items to the public on 25 May.

 

 

Manila, Philippines — The Partnerships in Environmental Management for the Seas of East Asia (PEMSEA) marked 20 years of spearheading the sustainable development of the East Asian Seas in a momentous celebration held on 10 July at the Diamond Hotel in Manila, Philippines.

 

 

Incheon, RO Korea — NOWPAP Marine Environmental Emergency Preparedness and Response Regional Activity Centre (MERRAC) held its 16th Focal Points Meeting and the 8th Competent National Authority Meeting on 17-21 June 2013 in Incheon.

 

 

Toyama, Japan — NOWPAP Special Monitoring and Coastal Environmental Assessment Regional Activity Centre (CEARAC) organized the Expert Meeting on Marine Biodiversity and Eutrophication on 5-6 August 2013 in Toyama. Experts from NOWPAP member states (PR China, RO Korea, Japan and Russia) together with representatives from the North Pacific Marine Science Organization (PICES) and Japan Ocean Policy Research Foundation (OPRF) participated in the meeting.

 

 

Beijing, PR China — NOWPAP Data and Information Network Regional Activity Center (DINRAC) held its 11th Focal Points Meeting on 24-25 July 2013 in Beijing. The goals of this meeting were to review ongoing projects, discuss suggested activities for 2014-2015, and agree on the work plan and budget for the 2014-2015 biennium (to be approved by the 18th NOWPAP IGM in December 2013).

 

 

Quezon City, Philippines — Mr. Jerome Esperanza joins PEMSEA as the new webmaster for the PEMSEA Resource Facility. His expertise in web development and management will greatly contribute to enhancing the capacity of the PRF in promoting the organization, ICM and SDS-SEA via online platforms.

 

 

Manila, Philippines — Coinciding with PEMSEA's 20th anniversary, the Fifth East Asian Seas (EAS) Partnership Council adopted a number of decisions and milestones that will play a crucial role in the implementation of the Sustainable Development Strategy for the Seas of East Asia (SDS-SEA) in years to come, and the future of PEMSEA as an independent, self-sustaining organization.

 

 

Manila, Philippines — PEMSEA has designated the Marine Science Institute of the University of the Philippines (UP-MSI) as its Regional Center of Excellence (RCoE) on Coral Reef Research and Marine Protected Areas. The recognition was formalized during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between PEMSEA and UP-MSI at the opening of the Fifth East Asian Seas Partnership Council Meeting held last 9 July in Manila.

 

 

Manila, Philippines — The East Asian Seas (EAS) Partnership Council ushered in new leadership as it elected new Chairs and Co-Chairs last 9 July 2013 during the Fifth EAS Partnership Council Meeting held in Manila.

 

With the successful completion of their terms, Dr. Chua Thia-Eng, Dr. Li Haiqing and Mr. Hiroshi Terashima stepped down from their positions as chairs of the EAS Partnership Council to give way to their former co-chairs: