PEMSEA E-UPDATES Vol. V Issue 01 2004
IMO Gives Tribute to 10 Years of PEMSEA Effort
LONDON, U.K. -- "It gives me great pleasure to convey my congratulations to the
Regional Programme on Building Partnerships in Environmental Management for the
Seas of East Asia (PEMSEA) on the occasion of its 10th year of operation," said IMO
Secretary-General Hon. Efthimios E. Mitropolous, in a letter to PEMSEA Regional
Programme Director, Dr. Chua Thia-Eng.
Since its inception in January 1994, PEMSEA has been actively developing means to
enable the sustainable use of coastal and marine resources in the region. These efforts
have culminated in the endorsement of the Sustainable Development Strategy for the
Seas of East Asia and the adoption, by the Programme's 12 participating countries, of the
Putrajaya Declaration of Regional Cooperation for the Sustainable Development of the
Seas of East Asia during the East Asian Seas Congress 2003, held in Putrajaya Malaysia
last 8-12 December 2003. These achievements were well received by the Secretary-
General who likewise expressed his confidence in PEMSEA's continued endeavors.
Mitropolous offered his best wishes to PEMSEA for its "tireless and conscientious efforts
and contribution in respect of capacity building in environmental management and
sustainable development in the East Asian Seas region."
Fidel Ramos Pushes for "Daring" in Achieving Sustainable Development
PUTRAJAYA, MALAYSIA -- "Daring to sacrifice for the common good, daring to take
concerted action to make a big difference -- daring to do all these -- would be the
supreme test of civic responsibility if we are to achieve a better future and higher quality
of life for all," was what Former Philippine President Fidel V. Ramos stressed in his
keynote speech at the opening of the East Asian Seas Congress 2003 on 8 December
2003.
The former president called on the more than 400 international participants of the
Congress to take up the values of caring, sharing and daring to enable the attainment of a
better future and a higher quality of life for the East Asian region.
Previous efforts of countries and international agencies to arrest environmental
degradation in the Seas of East Asia have fallen short of tangible and lasting benefits to
the environment and to the quality of life of the people in the region. To address this, the
East Asian Seas Congress 2003 aimed at catalyzing regional partnerships and cooperation
toward achieving the goal of sustainable development of the Seas of East Asia.
In his speech, Ramos observed that on the balance, globalization can be more of a benefit
than a disadvantage to countries in the region if economic and environmental policies can
be made to support each other through the "deliberate coordination, convergence and
coherence of their inter-related components."
Ramos called for the region to stand together for development. "Cooperation and
partnerships for sustainable development are essential components of the ongoing
processes of the emerging East Asia economic alliance. It is a well recognized truth that
stability, security and prosperity of each country of the region is interwoven with the
health of its coast and oceans, and the many and various services availed from the natural
resources therein."
In this light, the former president called the adoption of the Sustainable Development
Strategy for the Seas of East Asia as a landmark occasion for East Asia and the world. "It
is a first for the coastal nations in a shared sea area responding to the WSSD
declaration." The strategy, Ramos stressed, provides the region with a clear direction for
national and local governments to address resource management issues and enhances the
"synergistic relationships between global, regional and national economic policies and
programs and multilateral environmental agreements." The strategy also creates a
platform for partnerships and active participation among governments, the private sector,
NGOs, communities and other members of society.
Kok Wee Kiat Calls for a Regional Market for Green Products and Services
PUTRAJAYA, MALAYSIA -- "Green begets green. Environmental sense makes dollar
cents," Malaysia's Environmental Quality Council Chairman, Dato' Kok Wee Kiat urged
the more than 400 participants of the East Asian Seas Congress 2003 during his keynote
address on 8 December 2003.
The Congress brought together concerned government and key individuals, institutions
and stakeholders in coastal and ocean management to explore opportunities and solutions
to meet the ever-increasing environmental problems and challenges in the region and to
address these challenges collectively through intergovernmental and multi-sectoral
partnerships.
The event became "a venue for the adoption of a common framework and guide for
strengthening collaboration and cooperation among countries and across sectors in the
management of the region's marine and coastal resources," explained Science,
Technology and Environment Malaysia Minister, Dato' Seri Law Hieng Ding.
Dato' Kok pointed out that even during the Asian financial crisis, foreign direct
investments to the region steadily increased. But the investments were minimally related
to environmental projects, an indication that the private sector has not sufficiently been
involved in sustainable investment policies, particularly in the coastal and marine area.
To secure the involvement of the private sector, Dato' Kok stated the need for the
creation of a regional market for environmental products, services and technology. "The
new wave is towards `natural capitalism.' Through innovative financial instruments, what
used to be `non-market' benefits of protecting and managing the environment can be
converted into cash flows, thereby advancing the opportunities for investment in
environmental assets."
His concern is significant. More than a million people in developing countries die each
year from diseases stemming from a lack of access to safe drinking water and inadequate
sanitation. According to the World Summit on Sustainable Development, an estimated
US$ 80 180 billion is needed annually to meet its 2015 targets particularly for
investment in environmental facilities and services in developing countries. A significant
portion of this amount will be needed for wastewater treatment, pollution abatement,
nutrient reduction and water re-use and recycling. World Bank estimates reveal that
transfers of official development assistance to developing countries averaged only US$50
billion per year from 1990 through 1997. Meanwhile, during that same period, total
global flows of private capital doubled. "Private investment in developing countries
exploded from under US$50 billion to about US$ 250 billion during the same period,
with China, Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand as the main recipients," Dato' Kok Wee
Kiat revealed.
Dato' Kok Wee Kiat also recognized the adoption of the Sustainable Development
Strategy for the Seas of East Asia as an opportunity to collectively take steps towards
sustainability. "Through the collaborative framework and platform of actions contained
in the Strategy, we clearly see opportunities for investment, partnerships and community
participation at the local national and regional scale. But, we should not be only satisfied
with the adoption of such Strategy, we need to see the Strategy implemented."
Economy and Environment: Winners from Effective Maritime Industry
PUTRAJAYA, MALAYSIA -- Both the environment and the economy are best served
when maritime industries are operating effectively. This was one of the findings of the
Workshop on Maritime Transport, held during the East Asian Seas Congress 2003 in
Putrajaya Malaysia from 8-9 December 2003.
Over 100 international experts gathered to examine key issues related to maritime
transportation and safety and provide insight into the implementation of related
international environmental instruments at national and regional levels. The Maritime
Transport Workshop, co-organized by PEMSEA and the International Maritime
Organization (IMO), concentrated on how to coordinate the maritime sector and its
activities to make shipping both safer and efficient for industries and the countries and
lead to a cleaner environment. The workshop findings reveal that when maritime
industries are operating effectively, both the environment and the economy will greatly
benefit. The workshop also noted that the Sustainable Development Strategy for the Seas
of East Asia provides the framework for coordinating regional and global maritime
activity
The workshop identified four major areas where the coordination of the maritime
administration of ports and shipping and marine authorities prove vital.
Pollution preparedness and response was the first major area identified. The workshop
stressed that preparedness and response for incidents like oil spills or ship groundings not
only prevents harmful effects to the environment, but also minimizes the finances of
shipping companies and ports.
The second area was the environment. The workshop pointed out the importance of
particularly sensitive sea areas, such as fish breeding grounds, critical coral reefs or
mangrove habitats, all of which are vital to the sustainability of coastal and marine
resources. The locations of these sensitive areas have to be identified, and preparedness
measures put in place in the event of any ship mishap in such areas.
The issue of ballast water was the third major area. Once established, it is virtually
impossible to control invasive marine species. The invasion of harmful aquatic organisms
and pathogens to new environments via ship's ballast water has been identified as one of
the biggest threats to the world's oceans. Actions are needed to minimize the discharges
of exotic organisms. Training, awareness-raising and capacity-building initiatives are
needed as well as the signing of IMO's international agreement on ballast water
management.
International trade in the Seas of East Asia is estimated to triple in the next 20 years and
between 80-90 percent of this trade is expected to be moved by shipping. This significant
increase in shipping traffic will be accompanied by a rise in the risk of major oil spill
accidents occurring. IMO also estimates that in 1997, international shipping transferred
approximately 10 billion tons (annual average) of ballast water around the world annually.
Although necessary for ship safety, ballast water can contain marine organisms that
threaten ecosystems and public health. The problem will become more acute as ships get
larger and faster and as maritime trade increases.
The fourth major area identified was on the development of the marine electronic
highway. Heightening traffic control to minimize the possibility of ship accidents is
important for ships, ship companies and the environment. For areas with high shipping
activity like the Malacca Straits, the development of a marine electronic highway is a
huge step in utilizing new technologies to augment traditional navigational instruments in
making shipping navigation safer for the environment.
The workshop on Maritime Transport was chaired by Dr. Lee Jung Ook, President of the
Korea Maritime Institute (KMI), Republic of Korea. Datuk Raja Malik Saripulazan Raja
Kamaruzaman, Director General of Malaysia's Marine Department was keynote speaker
of the workshop. Panelists included Mr. Matthew Lee, Maritime and Port Authority of
Singapore, Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries of RO Korea Investigator-General
Mr. Lim Ki-Tack, and IMO Marine Environment Division Director, Mr. Koji Sekimizu.
Funding, Communication and Integrated Management: Keys to Solving Land-
Based Pollution
PUTRAJAYA, MALAYSIA -- Innovative and new funding mechanisms, continuous
public awareness communication, and integrated coastal management (ICM); these,
international experts conclude, are key solutions to solving land-based pollution in the
East Asian Region.
Over a hundred international experts and authorities participated in the Workshop on
Land-Based Pollution which delved into issues surrounding the management of industrial,
hazardous and domestic wastes and national waste management action programs, and
proposed measures to prevent the destruction of coastal habitats especially mangroves,
coral reefs and sea grass beds. The workshop was held from 8-9 December 2003 as a part
of the East Asian Seas Congress 2003.
The workshop was considered a timely event considering the mounting global problem of
land-based pollution. Land-based activities contribute to most of the pollution load in the
Seas of East Asia including municipal, industrial and agricultural wastes, run-off and
atmospheric deposition. This will be exacerbated by the projected growth in population in
the region. With the current level of sewage treatment in the region remaining low, the
sewage from increased populations in concentrated areas will accelerate threats to public
health at transboundary levels. Studies have shown that more than 500,000 infants in the
region die each year as a result of waterborne diseases linked to dirty water. About 60
percent of these deaths are a consequence of the deficit in rural water supplies while
another 30 percent are due to a lack of sanitation facilities in urban areas. To add to the
problems, by 2015 it is estimated that an additional 665 million people will need access
to basic sanitation services. Diverse activities such as agriculture, mining, timbering and
land-clearing, and residential and commercial development are also on the rise and are
polluting nearshore areas and bays and inlets and may also be affecting the main areas of
large marine ecosystems.
The workshop emphasized that innovative and new funding mechanisms such as public-
private partnerships are required for investment in environmental facilities and services in
the region. According to World Bank figures, transfers of Official Development
Assistance to developing countries averaged only US$50 billion per year from 1990 to
1997 while private investment in developing countries ballooned from US$50 to US$250
during the same period. The workshop stressed that there is a big investment opportunity
for the private sector in helping the region handle the massive challenges of reducing
land-based pollution.
Another solution identified by the workshop lies in human behavior. For land-based
pollution to be reduced, behavioral changes have to occur at the local and individual level.
This highlights the importance of a continuous and targeted communications effort to
make the public aware of pollution-causing practices and the negative effects of pollution
to the environment.
The workshop also felt that ICM provides a very effective way for handling land-based
pollution activities. ICM is a management framework that provides local government
units with a mechanism and process to harmonize both the economic development and
environmental management of marine and coastal resources. The workshop looked at
PEMSEA's eight ICM demonstration sites and made mention of the sites' positive
outcomes in managing land-based pollution.
The workshop was co-organized by PEMSEA and the United Nations Environment
Programme-Global Programme of Action for the Protection of the Marine Environment
from Land-Based Activities (UNEP-GPA) Coordination Office and was chaired by CRC
Reef Research Centre Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Russell Reichelt.
Experts Conclude: Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture Difficult but Attainable
PUTRAJAYA, MALAYSIA -- Reducing fishing activities, building rights-based and
socially just ways of managing fisheries and developing aquaculture within a much
enhanced and revised national policy framework is needed if any progress is to be made
in sustaining fisheries and aquaculture in the East Asian region. These were the findings
of the Workshop on Fisheries and Aquaculture held from 8-9 December 2003 during the
East Asian Seas Congress 2003.
Over 100 experts attended the Fisheries and Aquaculture Workshop that examined food
security issues, assessed the progress of the implementation of international agreements
regarding sustainable fisheries, and looked into national and regional experiences and
measures aimed at ensuring the sustainability of fisheries and aquaculture. The workshop
recognized that saving fisheries to make them more sustainable to keep up with growing
demands is among the greatest challenges in the region and that there were three critical
actions that need to be taken.
The first critical action is to reduce fishing activities to achieve sustainability. The experts
felt that while there are many ways to achieve reduction, none of them are easy. These
measures include eliminating illegal fishing, cross-border fishing and unlicensed fishing
a difficult task given their political nature.
Building rights-based and socially just ways of managing fisheries was the second critical
action recommended by the workshop. Fishing communities are often among the poorest
in the region, and is often an overlooked sector given its marginal nature. The workshop
called for building a much stronger advocacy for fisheries in the national agendas of
countries in the region. If fishers are to be moved out of fishing to lessen fishing capacity,
then it is only critical that feasible and locally sustainable alternative livelihoods be made
available to them.
Thirdly, aquaculture should be done within a much enhanced and revised national policy
framework. Aquaculture, often seen as the solution to all fisheries problems, is in itself
facing numerous challenges. Coastal communities are the most affected by the negative
effects of aquaculture development such as blocked access to coastal resources, pollution,
privatization of public lands and water ways, fisheries decline, food insecurity, rural
unemployment and urban migration. The participation of local stakeholders and
governments in aquaculture operations is important in mitigating these negative effects.
The workshop also stressed the need to integrate aquaculture into coastal zoning
mechanisms to enhance management. The experts also revealed the need for governments
to provide legal and organizational support for the aquaculture industry, an industry
whose developments are moving very fast and ahead of government action.
The workshop was co-organized by the WorldFish Center and PEMSEA. The workshop
was chaired by Former Philippine Senator, Dr. Leticia R. Shahani and co-chaired by
Universiti Putra Malaysia Professor, Dato' Dr. Mohamed Shariff Mohamed Din. Former
FAO Fishery Resources Officer, Dr. Purwito Martosubroto served as keynote speaker
during the workshop. Serving as panelists for the workshop were SEAFDEC Research
Division Head Dr. Clarissa L. Marte, Director General of Malaysia's Department of
Fisheries, Mr. Junaidi bin Che Ayub, FAO Aquaculture Officer Dr. Simon J. Funge-
Smith, and WorldFish Center Program Leader for Coastal and Marine Resources
Research, Dr. Johann D. Bell.
Lack of Funding and Leadership Threatens Biodiversity of East Asian Seas
PUTRAJAYA, MALAYSIA -- Finding ways to fund conservation and having countries
take the lead in marine biodiversity conservation are among the most important actions
needed to prevent biodiversity loss in the East Asian Seas region. These are among the
findings of the Workshop on Biodiversity held from 8-9 December 2003 as part of the
East Asian Seas Congress 2003.
Over 100 international experts attended the workshop that aimed to provide insight into
the value of marine biodiversity in the region as well as the national and regional efforts
put forth thus far to protect its resources.
East Asia is considered the center of global marine biodiversity. Its coral, seagrass and
mangrove ecosystems in particular, support a high diversity of associated species of
plants and animals many of which provide a major food source for the people in the
region and consequently, contribute significantly to the region's social and economic
development. For instance, it is estimated that one-fourth of the world's marine fish
production is contributed by East Asia.
But the region's biodiversity is in the red. Coral reefs are at risk from destructive fishing
practices, pollution, the endangered species trade, and overfishing. Mangroves are
disappearing due to deforestation, pollution and conversion for coastal development, and
the same can be said for what ails the region's seagrass beds.
The Biodiversity Workshop felt that one of the most important conservation efforts is to
actually find ways to fund conservation. The experts noted that for too long the
conservation movement has seen economic activity as the enemy rather than as
potentially part of the solution to being able to afford conservation. The workshop
recognized emerging examples in innovative economic instruments such as diver's fees
and conservation charges for use of parks. Funds gained from such instruments can then
be used for conservation activities.
Another action that the workshop felt should be taken up in the region is to actually have
the countries in the region take a strong lead in marine biodiversity conservation. Using
the Sustainable Development Strategy for the Seas of East Asia (SDS-SEA) as a model
for regional cooperation, the workshop recommended that East Asian countries take a
leadership role in supporting the marine program of work proposed through the
Convention on Biological Diversity, and the recommendations from the World Parks
Congress related to Marine Protected Areas. The Biodiversity Workshop urged ministers
of participating countries, to recommend the Seventh Conference of Parties for the
Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD COP7) to mainstream the biodiversity
elements of the SDS-SEA into CBD COP7 decisions.
Lastly, the workshop stressed the importance of selecting appropriate indicators to track
and measure what is actually happening with the region's biodiversity. It recommended
important indicators to monitor the overall progress of biodiversity conservation efforts
such as the use of migratory species like marine turtles and water birds as flagship
indicators, as well as other key species such as coral, fish, seagrasses and mangroves.
The workshop was co-organized by the United Nations Development Programme-Global
Environment Facility (UNDP-GEF) Regional Service Center Asia Pacific in Kuala
Lumpur and PEMSEA.
GEF Regional Coordinator, Mr. Tim Clairs chaired the workshop and IUCN Regional
Biodiversity Programme Asia Head, Dr. Balakrishna Pisupati served as keynote speaker.
Serving as panelists for the workshop were ASEAN Secretariat Assistant Director, Dr.
Raman Letchumanan, WWF Interim Ecoregion Coordinator, Dr. Jose A. Ingles and
UNDP Jakarta Programme Officer, for Biodiversity/Ocean and Coastal Management, Mr.
Raphael Bille.
Local Governments Practicing ICM Share Experiences on Sustainable Coastal
Development
PUTRAJAYA, MALAYSIA -- The Third Forum of the Regional Network of Local
Governments Implementing Integrated Coastal Management (RNLG), was held on 9
December 2003, where representatives of local governments in PEMSEA integrated
coastal management (ICM) national demonstration and parallel sites met to discuss key
challenges and issues pertaining to sustainable coastal development, particularly in
relation to the implementation of Agenda 21 and the World Summit on Sustainable
Development Plan of Implementation. The State Government of Selangor, Malaysia, and
the Port Klang ICM National Demonstration Project hosted the Forum, held as a side
event of the East Asian Seas Congress 2003.
The RNLG Forum saw local government leaders share information, expertise,
experiences and lessons learned in ICM application. It also identified feasible options for
securing the long-term sustainability of the RNLG network's operation.
The conduct of study tours for knowledge sharing was a highlight of discussion during
the forum. DPR Korea's General Bureau for Cooperation with International
Organizations Senior Programme Manager, Mr. Ri Jun Ho stressed that organizing study
tours for policy and decision makers to witness the benefit of ICM in successful areas can
facilitate the implementation of ICM in other countries.
Xiamen University Professor, Dr. Huasheng Hong narrated the experience of Xiamen and
the role of the International Training Center for Coastal Sustainable Development in
educating decision-makers and ICM practitioners not only in PR China, but also
throughout the region, via training courses and study tours. In this light, Selangor State
Executive Counselor and Standing Committee for Housing, Local Government,
Environment and Squatters Chairman, Dato' Haji Mohd Mokhtar bin Haji Ahmad Dahlan
shared his experiences during the study tour in Xiamen and how he applied the lessons
learned in Selangor. The Forum also suggested that a directory of ICM practitioners and
experts be included in the PEMSEA website to facilitate communication among the
network.
With regard to RNLG operations and sustainability, the Forum discussed options to
strengthen and expand the network and ensure its continuity by establishing a good
communications system using websites and e-groups, and promoting the sharing of
experiences and capacity-building. Case studies were also seen as helpful in providing
inputs for strategic policy options for governance and management of the seas. Indonesia
Ministry of Environment Assistant Deputy to the Minister, Mr. Sodariyono stressed that
securing strong support from national governments was important for an ICM project to
succeed. He proposed that representatives from legislative/parliamentary braches of
government be invited during RNLG Forums. He also read the official statement of
Indonesia offering to be the host of the next RNLG Forum.
A field trip was conducted to Port Klang to share the experiences of the Port Klang ICM
Demonstration Project. The trip included visits to Pulau Ketam, the West Port of Port
Klang, Star Cruises Terminal and Putrajaya.
The RNLG was formally established by ten local governments implementing ICM in
March 2001 in Seoul, RO Korea. Since then, each government has made progress and
accumulated valuable experiences. Eminent examples include the development and
adoption of coastal strategies, the conduct of environmental risk assessments, the
strengthening of political support and leadership and the widening of public awareness
and participation.
Current members of the network include the local governments of Bali, Indonesia;
Batangas and Bataan, Philippines; Chonburi, Thailand; Danang, Vietnam; Klang,
Malaysia; Nampo, DPR Korea; Sihanoukville, Cambodia; Shihwa, RO Korea; and
Xiamen, PR China.
Experts Identify Scientific Support for Sustainable Development in East Asia
PUTRAJAYA, MALAYSIA -- More than 30 scientists and international experts explored
the best use of science in supporting sustainable development efforts during the Meeting
of Experts to Identify Requirements for Scientific Support for the Seas of East Asia, held
on 11 December 2003 during the East Asian Seas Congress 2003.
The scientists and experts endeavored to identify requirements for scientific and technical
support for regional cooperation within the framework of the Sustainable Development
Strategy for the Seas of East Asia (SDS-SEA). The meeting provided a valuable
opportunity for them to exchange views on how science can be best utilized in the region
particularly in the implementation of the SDS-SEA.
The experts identified ways and means to strengthen regional scientific and technical
support for the Seas of East Asia. Among the strategies identified include setting up a
roster of experts and directory of institutions; enhancing linkages between virtual
campuses for distance learning; encourage the interest of the youth in scientific research;
forming a committee of eminent scientists to stimulate, promote and advance science in
the region; and establishing centers of excellence (i.e., academic and research institutions
in the region that can take up specialized research, provide training, as well as expert
advice to the region).
The meeting also explored mechanisms to enhance partnership-building among national
and regional research institutions with government agencies and officials. The experts
stressed the need to bridge the gap between science and policy explaining any scientific
study that has management implications cannot fully attain its objectives in the absence
of policy. The experts identified a number of measures to bridge the gap and enhance
partnership-building. Among those measures are using integrated coastal management
demonstration and parallel sites to catalyze partnership, cooperation and consultation
among key stakeholders; exposing scientists to policy development and implementation
process; policy makers and managers indicating short- and long-term scientific
information needs, the resources available to support data collection and analysis and
when the data is needed; and providing assistance to representatives of print, radio, and
television media in disseminating the results of policy-relevant scientific research.
Media Practitioners Commit to Sustainable Development of the Seas of East Asia
PUTRAJAYA, MALAYSIA -- Media practitioners in the Asian region adopted, on 11
December 2003, the Putrajaya Statement of Media Commitment on Sustainable
Development of the Seas of East Asia, opening new opportunities for the media to
enhance awareness, disseminate scientific and traditional knowledge and practices, and
take the lead in organizing initiatives to support the implementation of the Sustainable
Development Strategy for the Seas of East Asia (SDS-SEA).
The adoption of the Putrajaya Statement was a culmination of the Media Forum on
Partnerships in Environmental Communication, a side event of the East Asian Seas
Congress 2003. Over 24 journalists, broadcasters and communicators, representatives of
international organizations and PEMSEA officers attended the Forum which provided a
venue for exploring how media can do its part in the implementation of the SDS-SEA.
The Media Forum was co-organized by the Asia Pacific Forum of Environmental
Journalists (APFEJ) and PEMSEA.
The Forum revealed an information gap between local stakeholders and policy makers
and scientists regarding coastal and marine environmental issues. It was agreed that
media practitioners can play the role of "laymanizing" the technical aspects of integrated
coastal management (ICM) and presenting them in a form most stakeholders would
understand. This cannot happen effectively unless media capacity is enhanced. To this
end, it was recommended that media practitioners participate in PEMSEA ICM study
tours and that a manual on ICM be developed for journalists. It was also recommended
that media practitioners visit their respective national PEMSEA ICM demonstration sites
and work with the site's technical staff to gain a better understanding of ICM.
The Forum also recommended that PEMSEA's Website be further enhanced to provide
information to media practitioners and that an E-group on ICM for journalists be created.
This would enable journalists with ready and convenient access to information as well as
serve as a venue for knowledge sharing between journalists from all PEMSEA
participating countries.
Another recommendation that came out of the Forum was the development of a media
strategy that can be implemented over a time frame. A media strategy can also serve to
monitor the accomplishments of the media in terms of supporting the objectives of the
SDS-SEA.
The Putrajaya Statement called for the media to:
· Enhance environmental awareness and dissemination of scientific as well as
traditional knowledge and practices to mobilize stakeholders towards appropriate
decisions and choices that would improve ocean governance in East Asia;
· Organize programs, projects, activities and events to deepen understanding and
strengthen support for the implementation of the SDS-SEA; and
· Contribute, through APFEJ, in helping achieving measurable goals and outcomes
that will serve as indicators of sustainable development and management of
coastal and ocean resources.
COPYRIGHT © PEMSEA