Bali, Indonesia - A 3-day Asian Regional Workshop on Data and Information Management (DIM) kicked off on Tuesday at the Regional Capacity Center for Clean Seas (RC3S) in Bali, Indonesia. The workshop was jointly organized by Partnerships in Environmental Management for the Seas of East Asia (PEMSEA) and the GEF Large Marine Ecosystem: LEARN project, with funding provided by the GEF implemented by the United Nations Development Programme and managed by the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO.

 

PEMSEA welcomes Mr. Handoko Adi Susanto as the Regional Project Manager for the GEF/UNDP/PEMSEA Project on Implementation of the Arafura and Timor Seas Regional and National Strategic Action Programs Phase (ATSEA-2). With over 15 years of experience in conservation and management roles in the region, Handoko will bring his knowledge of integrated coastal management (ICM) to the Arafura and Timor Seas beginning in January next year.

 

Photo by: PEMSEA/ KIOST/ Dr. Jae Ryoung Oh

 

Addressing marine plastic pollution, a growing global concern threatening the health of marine environment and damaging coastal communities, is among the top priorities of the current global ocean agenda.

 

 

 

For the second phase of the Implementation of the Arafura and Timor Seas Regional and National Strategic Action Programs project (ATSEA2), PEMSEA and our partners are seeking a logo to represent the project. This 5-year project will enhance the sustainable development of the Arafura and Timor seas, protecting biodiversity, improving the livelihoods of communities in the region, and improving the overall management of marine and coastal areas.

 

Information

 

 

Dear PEMSEA partners and friends,

 

In view of the recent developments of COVID-19, and the paramount importance we place on the health and safety of our staff and their families, PEMSEA Resource Facility staff are working from home until further notice. We will continue to do so should a need for a longer lockdown be decided. We are monitoring the situation closely and will continue to communicate with our partners, non country partners and friends as and when necessary.

 

 

Some LGUs in Cavite run recycling reward schemes, which allows residents to trade in recyclable plastic for household goods. (Jun Dacaymat / PEMSEA)

 

CAVITE, PHILIPPINES—Representatives from the Partnerships in Environmental Management for the Seas of East Asia (PEMSEA), the Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA), and the Center for Southeast Asian Studies (CSEAS) Indonesia conducted site visits and an Inception Workshop last March in Cavite Province, Philippines to launch the Philippine sub-component of the ASEANO Project.

 

 

(Picture c/o the Ministry of Public Works)

 

The impacts of oil spills, which risk significant harm to ecosystems and coastal communities, mean that dealing with them quickly and effectively is an important task for any country. Marine oil spills, which do not respect boundaries, are challenging events, where a prompt and effective response can greatly alter results.

 

 

 

Despite the impact of COVID-19, we encourage individuals to mark and celebrate Earth Day on 22 April this year. Earth Day reminds us the long-term response to COVID-19 must address the environmental factors that increase the risk of future pandemics, and push us to build a more sustainable relationship with the environment.