Aimee T. Gonzales and four PEMSEA country representatives shared information about the EAS Congress 2018 with Mr. Peter Thomson, Mr. Kristian Teleki, and the GEF officials

 

PEMSEA has a strong relationship with the Global Environment Facility (GEF), which together with UNDP has provided generous support for PEMSEA since its beginning and shares a common vision of a sustainable future for the East Asian seas. We are proud to be taking part in the 6th GEF Assembly in Da Nang, Viet Nam. The GEF Assembly is the governing body of the GEF and meets every four years.

 

 

As the Philippines is the world’s third largest source of marine plastics, Filipinos have the power to make a huge difference to the health of the world’s oceans. Some driven organizations in the country are intent on bringing about such change. One example is Sip PH, an environmentally conscious social entrepreneurship from Loyola Heights in Quezon City.

 

We are pleased to share PEMSEA’s Annual Report for 2017.

 

The Philippine Department of Transportation (DOTR) invited a focus group discussion to gather comments for improving the proposal “Blue solutions for reducing maritime transport GHG emissions through increased energy efficiency of ship, port and truck activities” and to prioritize maritime GHG mitigation activities for funding. The meeting was hosted by PEMSEA with support of the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) on 11 July 2018 and was attended by representatives of a number of Philippine and international departments and organizations.

 

From left to right: Dr. Laura David, Dr. Antonio La Viña, Dr. Chua Thia-Eng, and Ms. Deborah Robertson.

 

 

We are proud to announce the release of our Instructor's Manual for its Model Course on Understanding Integrated Coastal Management (ICM), available on the SEA Knowledge Bank.

 

Youth around the globe are celebrating the upcoming International Youth Day on 12 August.

 

Often tagged as creative, optimistic and passionate, youth play a key role in shaping the future of the world. Indeed, their role in local and global efforts addressing pressing issues, especially regarding environmental concerns, are becoming more widely appreciated.

 

PEMSEA puts on a great importance on youth engagement in facilitating change for the sustainability of the environment.

 

 

ESA satellite above the ocean
Image courtesy of the European Space Agency

 

We are pleased to announce that applications are now accepted for a Training Course on Accessing and working with state-of-the-art satellite data for marine applications, to be held at the University of the Philippines Visayas from 25-26 November 2018.

 

 

PEMSEA Executive Director Aimee Gonzales feels plastic pollution is a critical issue
Ocean plastic presents an enormous challenge in Asia. According to research by the Ocean Conservancy, a 45% improvement in plastic leakage is possible by improving waste management and recycling in China, Indonesia, Vietnam, the Philippines and Thailand.

 

(PEMSEA / Ysabel Victoriano)

 

There are plenty of fish in the sea – but not for long, if we continue to fish unsustainably.