PEMSEA E-UPDATES Vol. IV Issue 08 August 2003


Port Klang Launches Strategy for Local Environment

SHAH ALAM, MALAYSIA -- The Port Klang Declaration was formally presented and
approved by stakeholders in a declaration ceremony held on 28 August. More than 200
representatives from local and national government agencies, international organizations,
the private sector, and local communities witnessed the signing ceremony, which
signified the stakeholders' concern for the environment.

The Port Klang Declaration was signed by seven main stakeholders that included
Executive Committee Member Dato' Haji Mohd. Shariff Bin Jajang, on behalf of the
State Government, as well as representatives from the Klang Municipal Council, the
Kuala Langat District Council, Department of Environment of Selangor, Port Klang
Authority, Malaysia Fisheries Development Authority and the Federation of Malaysian
Manufacturers. The declaration called for partnerships among stakeholders in the
implementation of the Port Klang Coastal Strategy for the sustainable development of
Klang and Kuala Langat districts.

A seminar on integrated coastal management (ICM) followed the ceremony. Eight
working papers were presented during the seminar, which covered various topics related
to the Port Klang ICM project as well as environmental issues in marine and coastal areas
in the Klang area. The seminar saw active participation from participants who
complemented the uniqueness of the Port Klang ICM project in that it integrated river
basin management and coastal management.

The Port Klang Coastal Strategy was developed through concerted efforts of local
stakeholders during various levels of consultation workshops held in collaboration with
PEMSEA (see related story).

The strategy captures the people's vision of a "clean, pristine, healthy and peaceful
environment" for the coastal areas of Klang and Kuala Langat, and identifies the
strategies and actions for realizing that common vision. It will serve as the guide to
agreed goals for socioeconomic development and environmental conservation.

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Danang Showcases Environmental Investment Opportunities

DANANG, VIETNAM -- Industrial and hazardous wastes can become investment
opportunities creating income, employment and livelihood and at the same time
improving the environment. The Investors Roundtable on Environmental Investment
Opportunities in Danang City was held on 9 September as a venue for promoting the two
environmental investment projects. The event was co-organized by PEMSEA, the
Danang Integrated Coastal Management (ICM) Project Coordinating Committee, the
Danang City Investment Promotion Center, and the Project Management Office for the
Danang City ICM Demonstration Site. The People's Committee of Danang City hosted
the event.

More than 60 participants from the private sector and government agencies attended the
Roundtable, which showcased investment opportunities through two waste management
facilities designed to handle and properly dispose of industrial and hazardous waste for
Danang City. The first facility is an industrial wastewater treatment plant that will cater
to the requirements of the industrial locators at the Hoa Khanh Industrial Park. The
second facility is a hazardous waste facility that will serve both the industries and
hospitals and other health care establishments in the city. The facilities will serve to
mitigate risks to the environment, protect human health, attract new investments to the
area, facilitate ISO 14001 certification of existing industry and commercial enterprises,
and enhance the social and economic well-being of Danang City. The Roundtable also
included a site visit to the Hoa Khanh Industrial Park, Tram Lake, and the Khanh Son
sanitary landfill.

An initial capital outlay of US$ 6.95 million and US$ 3.05 million is estimated for the
industrial wastewater treatment plant and hazardous waste treatment facility, respectively.
Revenues will be derived from user charges collected from industrial firms and health
service providers eventually using the facilities.

The two environmental projects will be carried out through a public-private partnership
(PPP) mechanism.

Under the PPP arrangement in Danang City, there will be resource pooling and risk
sharing between the public and private partners. The private sector is expected to bring in
technical know-how and the necessary infusion of capital while the public sector partners
have committed to shoulder 30% of the capital cost, facilitate investment procedures,
develop and enforce relevant City ordinances, manage interjurisdictional issues and
promote cooperation among different levels of government, agencies, and sectors.

As part of its efforts to promote the PPP mechanism, PEMSEA has financed pre-
feasibility studies and worked with the local stakeholders and local government units to
develop the investment opportunity briefs for the two projects. Further information on the
projects projects is available from from www.pemsea.org or info@pemsea.org, including
the qualifying criteria and contents of a "Partnership Proposal". Interested private sector
companies are required to submit their Partnership Proposals by 31 October 2003.

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Chonburi Risk Assessment Warns of Human and Ecological Health Threats

CHONBURI, THAILAND -- An initial environmental risk assessment (IRA) report on
the marine and coastal area of Chonburi revealed physical and biological stressors
suspected of posing risks to the ecosystem and human health. The IRA, conducted by a
technical working group composed of representatives from various government and
academic institutions in Thailand, concluded that adverse changes were occurring among
resources and habitats in the area and identified possible causes for the decline.

The risk assessment findings revealed the following concerns:

· A decline, by more than 97%, of mangroves in the last 20 years due to
reclamation, development activities, aquaculture, and collection of mangroves for
fuelwood and other uses;

· A sharp decline in fisheries due to over-exploitation and habitat loss, particularly
the degradation of mangroves;

· High levels of coliform bacteria in the waters of Laemchabang, Sriracha and
Bangsaen. This high bacterial load may be attributed mainly to wastewater
discharges from households, agricultural operations and industrial plants in the
areas;

· Increasing occurrences of harmful algal blooms in the last 10 years, some of
which caused mortality among fish, mollusks, and other organisms. These are
linked to nutrient-rich conditions, which, in combination with light, temperature
and other conditions, enhance the proliferation of phytoplankton in the water
column;

· High levels of oil and grease in the water column. Oil in the Chonburi marine
environment may come from land-based sources (domestic, industrial and
commercial) as well as sea-based sources (ship and port operations); and

· High levels of arsenic in sediments, the source of which is believed to be effluents.

IRA serves as a screening mechanism to identify priority environmental concerns. It also
identifies gaps and uncertainties, and recommends areas for immediate management
intervention or assessment.

The technical working group made a number of recommendations including:

· the identification of sources of untreated wastewater contaminated with coliform
bacteria or fecal coliform bacteria to enable systematic development of prevention
measures;

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· intensifying enforcement of existing laws and regulations on the utilization of
fisheries resources; and

· encourage mangrove reforestation in areas with high potential for rehabilitation
by means of community plantation and to be maintained by local communities.

The report also stressed that collaboration and partnerships between different government
agencies, universities and research institutions, local government units, communities,
non-governmental organizations and the private sector would be vital in the development
and sustainability of environmental management programs for Chonburi.

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Local Stakeholders Play Key Role in Coastal Policy Development

Local stakeholders are important driving forces for coastal policy development. A system
that readily incorporates the views of local stakeholders and encourages involvement is
one that is highly conducive to the progress of integrated management. This according to
two reports recently published by PEMSEA on coastal and marine policy development in
P.R. China and R.O. Korea.

The two reports: "The Development of National Coastal and Marine Policies in the
People's Republic of China: A Case Study" and "Case Study on the Integrated Coastal
Policy of the Republic of Korea" provide an in-depth look at the history, development
and impact of integrated coastal policies in the two countries.

PEMSEA has published both studies as part of efforts to produce cross-sector reviews of
current national policies governing coastal and marine area management in the East
Asian Seas region, and facilitate the sharing of experiences among the countries.

Copies of the reports can be downloaded from the PEMSEA website at:
http://www.pemsea.org/abt%20pemsea/pemseadoc_main.htm.

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PEMSEA Considering Labuan as Potential ICM Parallel Site

LABUAN, MALAYSIA -- PEMSEA conducted an on-site evaluation of the Labuan as a
candidate for a PEMSEA Integrated Coastal Management (ICM) Parallel Site.

Located 10 km off the northwest coast of Borneo, Labuan island has a population of
78,000. Its main economic activities include offshore oil and gas operations, shipbuilding,
and manufacturing.

Regional Programme Director, Dr. Chua Thia-Eng and Senior Programme Officer Dr.
Jihyun Lee, accompanied by government officials, visited Labuan and observed various
target areas holding vital coastal use issues. These included Labuan Seaport, Labuan
Marine Park, Tanjung Purun Seawater Sport Complex, the Ranca-Ranca industrial area,
Tanjung Aru mangroves, and the Bukit Kallam and Ranca-Ranca sewage treatment plants.

Through the field visits, the PEMSEA mission identified key management issues and
suggested specific management actions that can be addressed under the ICM framework.
The mission recommended the formulation of a long-term strategic management plan for
the sustainable development of the island and a certification system to tourism operators
for environmental quality compliance.

An interagency consultation meeting was held after the field visits. The meeting was
organized by the Labuan Corporation and chaired by Planning and Development Deputy
Chief Execute, Mr. Omar Bin Kaseh. Representatives from Indah Water, and the
Departments of Environment, Marine, Irrigation and Drainage, Fisheries, and Tourism
attended the meeting. The meeting expressed a general interest and commitment to
address coastal and marine environment and resource issues in Labuan Island in an
integrated manner. Participants were keen in adopting the concept and approach of
PEMSEA's ICM framework using their own financial and human resources.

The RPO is currently considering Labuan as a PEMSEA ICM Parallel Site due to the
significant support and commitment of various local stakeholders, as well as the site's
high potential in providing ICM experience and replication to other coastal areas in
Malaysia and the region.

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Initial Risk Assessment Reveal Cause for Concern in Bohai Sea

DALIAN, P.R. CHINA -- A technical working group composed of representatives from
various government and academic institutions in P.R. China, has completed an initial risk
assessment (IRA) of Bohai Sea. The IRA identified changes in resources and habitats in
the area and revealed physical and biological stressors that present a risk to ecosystem
and human health.

The initial risk assessment findings revealed the following threats:

· A significant decline in quantity and quality for fisheries. Overfishing was
identified as the primary cause for the decline but other factors such as waste
discharge from land-and sea-based activities could not be excluded. Data
gathering revealed that from 1959 to 1998 the trawl catch per unit effort reduced
from 138.8kg/net/hour to 11.2kg/net/hr.

· A clear decline in shellfish in Laizhou Bay, mainly due to the rapid spread of
shellfish diseases, and polluted habitats and the effects of climate change;

· Significant decline in benthos due to overfishing and the use of destructive fishing
methods. In some areas, discharges of pollutants such as heavy metals and
pesticides may have contributed to the decline;

· A decline in the total area of Liaohe River Delta Wetland which is attributed to
reclamation and conversion of wetlands into farming land, reservoirs, ponds, salt-
fields and paddy fields;

· Severe erosion of the Bohai Sea coastline and seawater intrusion. The building of
reservoirs in the upriver areas, the illegal and over-excavation of sand in the
coastal areas, and the over-extraction of groundwater were identified as possible
causes;

· High levels of fecal coliform in the water column of Laizhou Bay from pollution
transported through river systems entering the bay;

· Significant levels of lead contamination in shellfish tissue in Tianjin and Dalian,
fish tissue in Laizhou Bay, and seaweed from Dalian and Yantai;

· Significant levels of lead and oil in the waters of Bohai Sea. This may be
attributed to the presence of major oilfields in the Liaohe River Delta and the
Yellow River Delta;

· A high amount of organic matter in the waters of Bohai Sea attributable to
wastewater from domestic and industrial sources that are discharged without
sufficient treatment and waste, as well as from mariculture and agriculture
activities; and

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· Steady increase in nutrient concentrations over almost the entire Bohai Sea. This
has resulted in the increasing occurrence of harmful algal blooms in the area.

IRA serves as a screening mechanism to identify priority environmental concerns in an
area. The technical working group provided management recommendations and stressed
that measures be taken to reduce the influx of wastes into the sea and to enforce laws to
protect natural wetlands from conversion into ponds, paddy and salt fields.

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The Port Klang Coastal Strategy: A Statement of Hope

PORT KLANG, MALAYSIA -- "A clean, healthy, attractive and viable coastal area for
present and future generations." This is the vision of various stakeholders in Klang and
Kuala Langat.

The strategy is a statement of hope and aspiration of the people in Klang and Kuala
Langat Districts, to enjoy an improved standard of living in line with better overall
environmental quality. It provides a comprehensive environmental management
framework, complete with objectives and action programs for the achievement of the
shared vision for Port Klang.

The Coastal Strategy contains five major strategies:

1. INFORM stakeholders of their rights and responsibilities regarding the
development and management of coastal and marine resources;

2. CONSERVE important natural ecosystems and historical and cultural features for
future generations;

3. PROTECT marine, coastal and watershed ecosystems and human health and
welfare from environmental risks and threats caused by human activities and
natural disasters;

4. DEVELOP economic opportunities in the coastal and watershed areas of Klang
and Kuala Langat in consonance with the social development and environmental
management goals of the communities; and

5. IMPLEMENT appropriate policies, regulations and guidelines to achieve
sustainable development of the Klang and Kuala Langat watershed and coastal
areas.

Supporting objectives and action programs were formulated for each of the strategies.

The Port Klang Coastal Strategy is a culmination of stakeholder effort that started with a
series of consultations and discussions to gather information relating to the current state
of the environment, and to formulate a shared vision for the coastal area. Consensus was
reached on the objectives and action programs necessary to achieve the shared vision.
Stakeholders participating in the consultation process included scientists, fishers,
government departments and agencies, communities, the industrial sector, businessmen,
financial institutions, and other organizations involved in the environment.

Two key components of the coastal strategy are integrated river basin (Klang, Selangor
and Kuala Langat rivers) and coastal zone management, and the development of Pulau
Ketam as an ecotourism center.

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Bohai Sea Commits to Project Completion by 2004

DANDONG, P.R. CHINA -- By September 2004, the Bohai Sea Project will complete all
project activities in its 15 subprojects covering three provinces and two cities. This strong
commitment was made during a mid-term project review of the Bohai Sea Environmental
Management Project (BSEMP) held last 27-28 August.

PEMSEA Regional Programme Director, Dr. Chua Thia-Eng, attended the review
meeting, which was chaired by State Oceanic Administration, Department of
International Cooperation Director General, Mr. Li Haiqing. In his opening remarks, Mr.
Li stressed that through the BSEMP, the local government officials of 3 provinces and
two cities surrounding Bohai Sea were now able to interact more closely than before. Dr.
Chua likewise stressed the significance of the BSEMP, the impacts of the Bohai Sea
Declaration, and its implications in terms of leveraging national and international support.
He also added the long-term implications of the Sustainable Development Strategy for
the Seas of East Asia once it is approved at the Ministerial Forum in Putrajaya, Malaysia,
in December.

Subproject team leaders and representatives provided reports of their progress,
achievements, and problems encountered. The meeting discussed their commitments and
approaches in terms of the timely delivery of their outputs, while a timetable was set for
each team to complete their work by September 2004.

A recently conducted initial risk assessment study revealed that the Bohai Sea faces
numerous threats to human and ecological health (see related article). With the objective
of developing effective collaborative actions among adjacent provinces and
municipalities to reduce waste discharges and to address environmental problems across
administrative boundaries, the BSEMP is well positioned to address these identified
threats and contribute to the sustainable development of the Bohai Sea.

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Two More Countries to Send Top Envoys to Ministerial Forum

QUEZON CITY, PHILIPPINES -- Hon. Mok Mareth, Minister of Environment of
Cambodia, and Hon. Pichate Satirachaval, Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Transport
of Thailand, will be representing their respective countries in the Ministerial Forum on
the Sustainable Development of the Seas of East Asia, scheduled 12 December in
Putrajaya, Malaysia. They join Hon. Wang Shuguang, Administrator of the State Oceanic
Administration of PR China, and Hon. Elisea Gozun, Secretary of the Philippine
Department of Environment and Natural Resources, in having officially confirmed
participation to the forum. The Ministerial Forum is part of the East Asian Seas Congress
2003.

The Ministerial Forum provides a venue to discuss the state of the region's environment
and natural resources and to agree on a common framework of actions for the East Asian
Seas. Other concerned ministers from the PEMSEA participating countries are also
expected to attend the forum, which will consider the final draft of the Sustainable
Development Strategy for the Seas of East Asia (SDS-SEA) and a declaration of regional
cooperation for adoption.

Aside from the Ministerial Forum, the Congress will also feature the International
Conference on the Sustainable Development of the East Asian Seas: Towards a New Era
of Regional Collaboration and Partnerships. Congress side events will include the 3rd
Forum of the Regional Network of Local Governments (RNLG) Implementing Integrated
Coastal Management, the Media Forum on Partnerships in Environmental
Communication, and the Multidisciplinary Experts Group Meeting.

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PEMSEA Welcomes New Staff

QUEZON CITY, PHILIPPINES -- PEMSEA welcomes Mr. Paolo P. Mangahas as
Assistant Conference Coordinator and Mr. Brian Quinn V. Fugaban, as Assistant Graphic
Artist.

Mr. Mangahas will be involved PEMSEA's public awareness activities particularly in the
development and implementation of multi-media materials for the promotion of the East
Asian Seas Congress 2003. Prior to joining PEMSEA, he was with All Media Marketing
House, where he wrote and produced numerous video materials and special events.

Mr. Fugaban will assist in the graphics design and production of PEMSEA exhibits as
well as other printed materials for the East Asian Seas Congress 2003. Prior to joining
PEMSEA, he was a graphic artist for Solid Distributors Inc. (AIWA), where he designed
corporate and promotional Point-of-Purchase materials, as well as in door and out door
graphics.




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