Vol. 9, Issue No. 7 (September 2008)
PEMSEA News
ICM Model Courses developed by PEMSEA for National and
Regional ICM Training
Quezon City, Philippines As part of the PEMSEA participating countries' commitment to place 20
percent of the region's coastline under an integrated coastal management (ICM) program by 2015, as well
as to increase the number of ICM practitioners and allied experts in the region, a new ICM model training
course has been developed and will soon be rolled out for national and regional training.
Over the past 14 years, more than 2,000 individuals have benefited from ICM training, organized and
conducted by the GEF/UNDP/PEMSEA regional programme in partnership with participating
governments as well as various donors and academic institutions. However, in consideration of the
enormous demand that is anticipated by participating countries in their national ICM scaling up programs,
the model courses were prepared to facilitate wider and more efficient transfer of knowledge and skills on
ICM practice, tools and methodologies. The ICM model courses also underpin PEMSEA's ICM Code
and Recognition System, which is being launched in parallel to the ICM training program.
The PEMSEA ICM model courses have been designed for three levels of knowledge transfer, namely:
Level 1: Understanding ICM; Level 2: Implementing ICM; and Level 3: Policy Support and Scaling Up
(Executive Course). Participants in the courses are expected to realize, appreciate and envision ICM's full
potential and long-term impact towards sustainable development of coastal areas. Participants will acquire
an in-depth understanding of their vital role or their agencies' role in the multidisciplinary and
multisectoral approach of developing and implementing an ICM program, as well as learn practical
approaches in improving the quality of life of coastal populations through a system of ICM processes and
tools that are built on: governance elements, strategic sustainable development aspects/actions,
partnerships, State of the Coasts reporting, and ICM Code/recognition. The courses will benefit those in
coastal management activities, including: professionals from varied disciplines (e.g., lawyers; economists;
natural scientists; sociologists; etc.); environmentalists and other stakeholders (e.g., NGOs with
governance advocacies); coastal management project directors; heads of coastal management-related
agencies; and post-graduate students. The Level 3 course is specifically designed for local Chief Executives
and decision-makers.
The first run of the ICM Level 1 Model Training Course will be conducted on 21-29 October 2008 in
Manila and Batangas in the Philippines. It will be a regional trainers' training to be participated in by ICM
practitioners and partner university representatives from Cambodia, Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand, and
Vietnam.
The unique, experiential learning structure of the Level 1 Model Training Course is based on:
1. the application of the fundamental principles of sustainable development;
2. basic concepts, principles and tools of ICM as a governance strategy to achieve sustainable coastal
development;
3. a systematic approach to ICM program development and implementation;
4. a management framework and process similar to international standards for quality management
(ISO 9001) and environmental management (ISO 14001); and
5. a monitoring and evaluation system (State of the Coasts (SOC) reporting), which is based on a set
of indicators that link local trends and changes to national and global targets for sustainable
development.
A series of National ICM Level 1 and Level 2 model courses will be conducted in Cambodia, China,
Indonesia, Lao PDR, Philippines, Thailand, Timor-Leste, and Vietnam starting January 2009. Level 3
model courses are expected to commence in the last quarter of 2009.
The model courses closely follow The Dynamics of Integrated Coastal Management: Practical
Applications in the Sustainable Coastal Development in East Asia as the primary reference document.
For more information on the ICM Training Model Courses, email info@pemsea.org.
Guimaras Formally Joins PEMSEA's Growing Network of ICM
Sites in the East Asian Seas Region
Guimaras, Philippines Guimaras has proven that a committed leadership and supportive stakeholders
can accelerate the preparation process for integrated coastal management (ICM). Barely four months after
the conduct of the initial site evaluation process, which established Guimaras as a PEMSEA ICM parallel,
the Province was able to develop its three-year work programme delineating the key activities for 2008-
2010. Importantly, the necessary human resource and budgetary allocations for the ICM program were
also identified, consistent with the three-year plan.
On 18 August, a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) was signed by the Provincial Government, the
Philippine Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and PEMSEA, formalizing the
commitment and partnership between the three parties for ICM parallel site development. The MOA
signing, which formally launched the ICM program, was followed by a workshop involving government
and nongovernment stakeholders from the national and local levels, designed to build consensus on
options and actions to be taken to facilitate project start up. Key activities that will be completed within
2008 were identified and agreed upon as well as the roles and responsibilities of the principal stakeholders.
The MOA signing and launching of the ICM program was well-attended by representatives from the
provincial and municipal governments, PEMSEA, DENR central office, as well as regional and provincial
offices, local government agencies, the academe, various nongovernmental organizations and community-
based organizations (CBOs) and the media. The Governor of Guimaras, Honorable Felipe Hilan A. Nava,
and PEMSEA Resource Facility Executive Director, Prof. Raphael P.M. Lotilla, both stressed the fact
that achieving sustainable coastal development would require integration and cooperation among the
various stakeholders and partners. DENR, represented by Assistant Secretary Analiza Rebuelta-Teh,
noted that the ICM program in Guimaras will contribute to the scaling up efforts of national ICM
programs as well as to Executive Order 533 implementation, declaring ICM as the national strategy and
policy framework for sustainable development of the coastal and marine resources. A special presentation
was given by the Chair of the East Asian Seas Partnership Council, Dr. Chua Thia-Eng, focusing on the
key elements for successful ICM implementation.
Governor Nava has been actively spearheading the ICM preparation process and has consistently
demonstrated strong political will and leadership in ushering the Province towards embracing the
integrated management approach to achieve its sustainable coastal development targets. It is envisaged
that Guimaras will soon join the ranks of other successful ICM sites in the region to share its lessons and
good practices in sustainable development of its marine and coastal resources.
Puerto Galera Sewage Collection and Treatment Facility Project
Underway
Oriental Mindoro, Philippines The Local Government of Puerto Galera launched one of its major
projects, the Sewage Collection and Treatment System, on 8 August with a motorcade participated in by
municipal and barangay (village) officials. The PhP100-million project aims to address marine pollution
problems in Barangay Sabang.
Mayor Hubert A. Dolor, together with barangay officials, several members of the Sangguniang Bayan (SB,
Municipal Council), as well as a representative from the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (Provincial
Legislative Board), unveiled the project marker in front of the local community. Representatives from
resort owners expressed their support for the Project. Councilors Virleo Persia and Grace Magbuhos
likewise committed to pass the necessary ordinances to support the implementation of the Project.
With the technical assistance of PEMSEA, the Local Government will implement the Project under the
national Build-Operate-Transfer Law. The municipality's Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) has invited
the private sector to bid for the Project, which will be implemented under a Build-Transfer scheme. Prior
to the launch, a pre-bid conference was held with five prospective bidders attending. Several issues on the
Project, the Request for Proposals, as well as the bidding procedures were raised and clarified. The
opening of bids is scheduled on 21 October 2008.
The private sector is expected to construct a centralized sewage collection system from households and
establishments in Barangay Sabang and including the sitio (zone/commune) of Big Lalaguna and Small
Lalaguna. The project area has about 22,000 local permanent residents, 775 room accommodations with
754 commercial establishments, which account for at least half of the total tourism activities in Puerto
Galera.
PEMSEA Releases Tropical Coasts Issue on Disaster Risk
Reduction Initiatives of Local Governments
Quezon City, Philippines The latest issue of the Tropical Coasts features the programs and activities of
local governments in addressing disaster risk reduction (DRR), as well as mainstreaming DRR into
integrated coastal management (ICM).
Titled "Addressing Coastal Security Through Natural and Man-made Hazards Prevention and
Management", the issue also highlights the 2007 Forum of the PEMSEA Network of Local Governments
for Sustainable Coastal Development (PNLG) held in Danang, Vietnam, on 5-7 September 2007. The
forum provided a venue for facilitating the exchange of information and experiences in DRR among local
governments, national agencies, partner organizations, civil society groups and the private sector. It also
provided a platform for the ICM sites to discuss how institutional strengthening in the context of DRR can
be achieved and to identify innovative solutions and opportunities to implement DRR options based on
specific risk context and circumstances of the respective sites.
Local governments featured in the issue include Danang City (Vietnam) and Xiamen (PR China).
To download a copy of the issue in PDF, visit the publications sections of the PEMSEA website
(http://www.pemsea.org/publications).
PEMSEA and Japan Hold Joint Seminar on ICM in East Asia
Tokyo, Japan The PEMSEA/Japan Joint Seminar, entitled "Integrated Coastal Management in the
Seas of East Asia" was held on 18 July in Tokyo, Japan. The Seminar was hosted by the Ministry of Land,
Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) and the Ocean Policy Research Foundation (OPRF) and
co-organized with PEMSEA.
The Seminar was attended by more than 100 participants, including representatives from PEMSEA
Country and non-Country Partners and from various government agencies, academe and research
institutions and the private sector in Japan.
The participants shared information on the key activities/initiatives of PEMSEA and Japan in relation to
coastal and ocean management and governance.
Some key messages that came out of the interactions included:
The Japanese Basic Act and Basic Plan on Ocean Policy is a demonstration of Japan's commitment to
promote a comprehensive and integrated approach to ocean issues, and contribute to the regional and
global efforts concerning sustainable development of coasts and oceans. The Basic Act of Japan serves as a
good example to various participating countries of PEMSEA in ensuring legislative support to actions on
ocean management.
The PEMSEA experience, as demonstrated in the case of Manila Bay (Philippines) and Xiamen (PR
China), provide good examples of the application of the ICM framework and process in coastal and ocean
management, highlighting the key roles played by local governments and stakeholders.
PEMSEA's Framework for Sustainable Development of Coastal Areas provides a strategic structure and
approach for integrated coastal and ocean management, which links key elements of governance with
cross-cutting sustainable development issues.
The various initiatives, researches and new technologies presented by Japanese scientists and institutions
provided good examples and initiatives related to: management of enclosed coastal seas; preservation of
water quality; advancement of fishery industry; tidal flat restoration; etc. The concept of SATO-UMI
(better life through wise and sustainable use of coastal environment) was also presented, which has
commonalities with ICM.
Based on the presentations and discussions made, coastal management in Japan in general is still sectoral
in nature, although efforts to establish a more integrated approach is being promoted, particularly with the
enactment of the Basic Ocean Act.
Both PEMSEA and Japan recognize the benefit of establishing collaborative activities building on the
experiences and expertise of both parties.
At the close of the Joint Seminar, Prof. Raphael P.M. Lotilla, Executive Director of the PEMSEA
Resource Facility invited all participants to the East Asian Seas Congress 2009, as a venue for further
nurturing cooperation between Japan and PEMSEA.
It is expected that the participants of the Seminar who came from various Japanese entities/institutions
related to coastal and ocean management will actively engage in the activities of PEMSEA in the near
future.
MERIT Designated as PEMSEA Regional Center of Excellence for
Marine Pollution
Tokyo, Japan The Centre for Marine Environmental Research and Innovative Technology (MERIT) in
Hong Kong has been designated as a PEMSEA Regional Center of Excellence (RCoE) in Marine
Pollution. The recognition was achieved following presentation of the results of an expert review to the
2nd East Asian Seas Partnership Council in July, in Tokyo, Japan.
PEMSEA's RCoE Program aims to mobilize existing areas or centers of excellence as regional partners in
local, national and regional capacity building to meet the technical and capacity building needs of
PEMSEA's Country and non-Country partners, local governments, and other collaborating stakeholders.
The RCoE Program aims to enhance the mechanism for linking the stakeholders' technical needs with the
available expertise in the region.
MERIT is an Area of Excellence in Hong Kong, with a task to undertake the development and application
of innovative chemical, biological and engineering technologies for monitoring, assessing, and controlling
the effects of human activities on the marine environment. It is a dynamic collaboration of scientists and
researchers from six universities in Hong Kong and various universities outside the EAS region, which has
gained international recognition for the development of innovative technologies that show considerable
potential for widespread use by government agencies and other researchers. It is also a productive training
ground for graduate students and researchers aspiring to be future environmental professionals in the
forefront of technology.
MERIT was selected and designated as an RCoE in Marine Pollution based on:
· Its excellence in marine pollution research, an important field contributing to marine and coastal
governance, as demonstrated by its current recognition as an area of excellence in Hong Kong;
· The quality of its service and outputs, which are at par with internationally recognized
counterparts;
· The relevance and cost-effectiveness of its work in addressing environmental concerns in the
region; and
· Recognition by peers of its contribution to the body of knowledge in marine pollution assessment,
monitoring and remediation, and its technical and organizational capability to contribute to
national and regional capacity building.
The designation involved a thorough process of documentation and external review facilitated by the
PEMSEA Resource Facility (PRF), prior to endorsement to the EAS Partnership Council.
Through the designation of MERIT as an RCoE, the Country and non-Country Partners have
acknowledged the leadership of MERIT in the field of marine pollution research, the distinctive
contribution of their work, and their willingness and commitment to contribute to the sustainable
development of the EAS region.
As an RCoE in Marine Pollution, MERIT is expected to contribute to the protection and improvement of
the regional marine environment by:
· Providing expert views on marine pollution issues;
· Coordinating and undertaking studies/projects and making research results available to
participating countries and institutions;
· Training researchers from nations of the region;
· Organizing or participating in regional training courses on marine pollution; and
· Assisting the countries concerning specific technical needs in implementing the SDS-SEA.
The RCoE Program operation is based on partnership and mutual support among the PRF, the RCoE,
and the concerned countries and institutions in addressing technical and capacity building needs of
Partners, within the framework of the Sustainable Development Strategy for the Seas of East Asia (SDS-
SEA) and within existing capacities and resources.
EAS Congress 2009 Secretariat Announces International
Conference Workshop Themes
Quezon City, Philippines The East Asian Seas Congress 2009 Secretariat has announced the workshop
themes for the International Conference on Sustainable Coastal and Ocean Development to be held on 23-
25 November 2009.
The Conference is divided into six major Conference Themes, which touch on various issues, good
practices and local initiatives/implementation of coastal and ocean management. Each theme will address
essential aspects of sustainable coastal and ocean development and the interrelated social, economic and
environmental challenges being faced by government and nongovernment stakeholders alike.
The six themes include: a) Coastal and Ocean Governance; b) Natural and Man-made Hazard Prevention
and Management; c) Habitat Protection, Restoration and Management; d) Water Use and Supply
Management; e) Food Security and Livelihood Management; and f) Pollution Reduction and Waste
Management. A series of seminars and workshops will be organized under each theme, a list of which is
posted at the Congress website.
To pre-register, please go to pemsea.org/eascongress/registration or contact the EAS Congress Secretariat
at congress@pemsea.org.