This Baseline Assessment Report of MOF/PEMSEA ODA project on the Reducing Marine Plastics in East Asian Seas Region includes both the Plastic Analysis and Characterization Study (PACS) and a Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice (KAP) Survey, specifically targeting key coastal areas in six Philippine sites: the municipalities of Bulan and Daanbantayan, and the cities of Calbayog, Dipolog, Puerto Princesa, and Tandag. These assessments aim to uncover the specific dynamics of plastic waste generation and local community behaviors toward waste management, supporting the development of data-driven interventions to address marine plastic pollution effectively.
 

The findings of the synthesized national baseline assessment provide valuable insights that can assist local government units, national government agencies, and relevant stakeholders in developing targeted policies and interventions. These strategies are aimed at improving solid waste management practices and reducing marine plastic pollution in coastal cities and municipalities.

This Baseline Assessment Report of MOF/PEMSEA ODA project on the Reducing Marine Plastics in East Asian Seas Region includes both the Plastic Analysis and Characterization Study (PACS) and a Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice (KAP) Survey, specifically focusing on key coastal areas in four municipalities in Timor-Leste – Atauro, Dili, Liquiçá, and Manatuto. These components are designed to understand the specific dynamics of plastic waste generation and local community behaviors towards waste management as basis of project decisions and 10-year marine plastic management strategies and action plans, which will be developed, adopted, and implemented by local governments and stakeholders.
 

The findings of the synthesized national baseline assessment provide valuable insights that can assist local authorities, national government agencies, and relevant stakeholders in developing targeted policies and interventions. These strategies are aimed at improving solid waste management practices and reducing marine plastic pollution in coastal municipalities.

As part of Component 1 of the MOF/PEMSEA ODA project on the Reducing Marine Plastics in East Asian Seas Region, a Plastic Analysis and Characterization Study (PACS) was conducted to provide essential data to guide project decisions and establish 10-year marine plastic management strategies and action plans, which will be developed, adopted, and implemented by local governments and stakeholders. This regional baseline assessment on marine plastics includes the conduct of PACS and Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice (KAP) Survey, specifically focusing on key coastal areas in the six cities and municipalities in the Philippines: Bulan, Calbayog, Daanbantayan, Dipolog, Puerto Princesa, and Tandag; and four municipalities in Timor-Leste: Atauro, Dili, Liquiçá, and Manatuto. These components are designed to understand the specific dynamics of plastic waste generation and local community behaviors towards waste management.
 

The regional synthesis identified persistent challenges across the plastic waste value chain, including high plastic waste generation, weak segregation, limited collection coverage, low recovery performance, inadequate disposal systems, and continued plastic leakage. Addressing these issues requires targeted interventions across all stages of the solid waste management system. Key recommendations focus on reducing single-use plastics through local policy and behavior change, improving segregation by providing bins and strengthening implementation, and expanding collection through additional vehicles and better route planning. Recovery must be enhanced by upgrading facilities and linking communities to recycling markets, while safe disposal options should be developed or improved to reduce open dumping and burning.

The GEF/UNDP/ASEAN Integrated River Basin Management Project convened a Regional Orientation Workshop on the Development of Water-Energy-Food-Ecosystem (WEFE) Toolkit for River Basins in Southeast Asia on 3 June 2025 in Bali, Indonesia to introduce and demonstrate the applications of the toolkit in selected river basins of the project.

The conservation and management of coastal and marine ecosystems, known as blue carbon ecosystems, have gained prominence for their critical role in climate change mitigation and biodiversity conservation. These ecosystems, including mangrove forests, seagrass meadows, and tidal marshes, are valued for their ability to capture and store carbon, reducing greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Recognizing their importance, the 15th EAS Partnership Council approved the development of a PEMSEA Blue Carbon Program, managed by the PEMSEA Resource Facility (PRF) with guidance from Dr. Keita Furukawa and the PEMSEA Network of Learning Centers. PRF has outlined a roadmap focusing on supply, market, accounting, and certification of blue carbon.

This study by Kristina di Ticman centers on harmonizing blue carbon accounting protocols in the East Asian Seas region, a proposal agreed upon at the 2nd General Assembly of the PEMSEA Network of Learning Centers reviews accounting protocols from China, Indonesia, Japan, the Philippines, and RO Korea, alongside voluntary standards from VERRA, identifying similarities, gaps, and recommendations for harmonization.
 

The East Asian Seas Congress 2024, in collaboration with the World Ocean Week in Xiamen, convened in Xiamen, China from November 6-8,  bringing together 855 delegates from 20 countries. Under the theme "Blue Synergy for a Shared Future: One Sustainable and Resilient Ocean," the Congress resulted in the signing of the Xiamen Ministerial Declaration, renewed partnerships, and strengthened commitments for sustainable ocean management in the East Asian region.

Located in the central region of northern Philippines, the Pasac -Guagua Watershed is a critical source of water and livelihood that supports 152 villages within the watershed. It is one of the major river systems that drain to Manila Bay, considered the main harbor of the country that is connected to a larger marine ecosystem, that is, the South China Sea.

The Pasac-Guagua Watershed is also a biodiversity haven where a portion of it is an important migratory path for water birds. The protection and sustainable management of the watershed is essential not only for the communities and wildlife thriving in the area for coastal and marine ecosystems connected to the river. 

The report provides an overview of the status and management of Blue Carbon Ecosystems (BCEs) in the East Asia Seas (EAS) region, which includes crucial habitats like mangrove forests, seagrass meadows, salt marshes, seaweed beds, and tidal flats. These ecosystems are key for carbon sequestration, climate regulation, and coastal resilience but are increasingly threatened by human activities such as coastal development and pollution. The study aims to evaluate the status of BCEs in Integrated Coastal Management and other local sites in the region, assess current management practices, and explore the interest in expanding Blue Carbon (BC) programs. A survey conducted across 20 sites in six countries, along with additional data from State of Oceans and Coasts reports, reveals the significant ecological and economic value of BCEs, while also highlighting persistent management challenges. The findings show a strong interest in BC initiatives, particularly in BCE restoration and conservation, and emphasize the need for improved data collection on less-represented BCEs. The report suggests that integrating these findings with market demand assessments will be crucial for developing effective BC programs and supporting sustainable practices in the EAS region.

Envisioned to guide in mainstreaming gender equality and social inclusion (GESI) in IRBM Project implementation, the report provides information and perspectives on the GESI context (or gender and social similarities and differences) in the participating river basins in the ASEAN region, including the gendered impact of development challenges such as water scarcity and pollution, waste management, disasters, climate change, etc. as experienced by women, men and vulnerable populations living in and around the project sites. The report also suggests ways forward to enhance and mainstream GESI into work plans and budgets at the river basin level, a process that will be supported by the project.