Changwon Declaration Toward an Ocean-based Blue Economy : Moving Ahead with the Sustainable Development Strategy for the Seas of East Asia
PUBLICATION DATE:
Sunday, July 01, 2012
PUBLICATION TYPE:
Agreements and Publications
STATUS:
Only Available Online
DESCRIPTION:
Signed during the Fourth Ministerial Forum on the Sustainable Development Strategy for the Seas of East Asia on 12 July 2012, the Changwon Declaration reflects on the progress made over the past three years with the implementation of the SDS-SEA, and ensures the continued progress towards a sustainable future, including the development of an ocean-based blue economy. Ministers from 10 countries of the East Asian Seas (EAS) signed the declaration. The Declaration is the region’s support for the implementation of theRio+20 Outcomes embodied in "The Future We Want," and other relevant international and regional commitments related to coasts and oceans. With the signing, Ministers and senior representatives from Cambodia, PR China, Indonesia, Japan, Lao PDR, the Philippines, RO Korea, Singapore, Timor-Leste, and Viet Nam adopted the Five-Year Regional Implementation Plan for the Sustainable Development Strategy for the Seas of East Asia (SDS-SEA) for 2012-2016. Thailand participated as an observer. The Declaration enables the development of an ocean-based blue economy in the region through the strengthened support for SDS-SEA implementation and other relevant initiatives. Under the Changwon Declaration, PEMSEA as the SDS-SEA implementing arm, targets the following changes in coastal and marine governance: (a) a self-sustained regional partnership mechanism for the implementation of the SDS-SEA; and (b) national coastal and ocean policies and supporting institutional arrangements in place in at least 70% of Partner Countries.
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History of Viet Nam's engagement in PEMSEA
Since 1993, Viet Nam has been an active partner in advancing sustainable coastal and ocean governance in the East Asian Seas through PEMSEA. From pioneering Integrated Coastal Management (ICM) in Da Nang to establishing the Viet Nam Administration of Seas and Islands (VASI), the country has institutionalized ICM in national policy and legislation while fostering regional cooperation through leadership roles in PEMSEA bodies and ministerial forums. Viet Nam’s consistent participation in key initiatives and adoption of major regional declarations underscore its strong commitment to blue economy development, marine ecosystem protection, and the long-term implementation of the Sustainable Development Strategy for the Seas of East Asia (SDS-SEA).
History of DPR Korea's Engagement in PEMSEA
Since joining the regional GEF/UNDP/IMO Marine Pollution Prevention in the East Asian Seas (MPP-EAS) project, the DPR Korea has actively advanced Integrated Coastal Management (ICM) through the establishment of the Nampho demonstration site and the National ICM Training Center at Kim Il Sung University. The country has consistently participated in key regional forums, including the East Asian Seas Congresses and Ministerial Forums, adopting major regional declarations and frameworks such as the SDS-SEA and Manila Declaration. Its engagement reflects a sustained commitment to regional cooperation, marine pollution prevention, and sustainable coastal development under PEMSEA.
History of China's Engagement in PEMSEA
Since 1993, China has played a leading role in advancing regional ocean governance and Integrated Coastal Management (ICM) through PEMSEA. From pioneering the first ICM demonstration site in Xiamen to hosting key regional forums and declarations, China has continuously championed sustainable coastal development and blue economy initiatives. Its long-standing commitment under the Sustainable Development Strategy for the Seas of East Asia (SDS-SEA) reflects its vision for a healthy, resilient, and sustainably managed ocean region.