PEMSEA E-UPDATES Vol. VII Issue 04 2006
Bataan Celebrates Earth Day with Mangrove Planting
BATAAN, PHILIPPINES -- The Bataan Integrated Coastal Management Program
organized a mangrove-planting activity in celebration of Earth Day 2006. Over 300 local
stakeholders participated in the replanting activity conducted on 22 April in two sites - in
Barangay Capunitan in Orion Municipality and in Barangay Tortugas in Balanga City.
An estimated 20,000 mangrove propagules were planted in a two-hectare area at each site.
To ensure the sustainability of the replanting effort, each site will be maintained by a
people's organization with support from their respective local government units. The
Bataan ICM Program will monitor and evaluate the progress of both sites. Future
activities in the sites will include the building of a bamboo fence with netting to protect
the propagules from wastes and strong waves.
The mangrove replanting was also conducted as part of Bataan Province's efforts in
implementing the Bataan Coastal Strategy, which is aimed at attaining Bataan's vision of
"a well-developed community with abundant natural resources, clean environment and
responsible citizenry empowered to care for nature and its bounty." With working
partnerships, stakeholders are hoping that their shared vision can be attained in the not so
distant future.
Chonburi Scales-Up ICM Efforts with Chonburi Declaration
CHONBURI, THAILAND -- With the signing of a declaration of cooperation between
stakeholders of nine coastal municipalities and one subdistrict administrative
organization, almost half of Chonburi Province's coastal area will now be covered by
integrated coastal management (ICM) efforts.
The Chonburi Declaration on Scaling-Up of ICM Implementation was signed on 7 March
by the Provincial Government of Chonburi; the municipalities of Sriracha, Laemchabang,
Saensuk, Chaoprayasurasak, Koh Si Chang, Muang Chonburi, Angsila, Bangphra, and
Sattahip; and the Bangphra Administrative Organization. Over 150 stakeholders coming
from different sectors and from other coastal provinces in the eastern region of Thailand
witnessed the signing ceremony.
In the Declaration, the municipalities agreed to mutually collaborate in the protection,
conservation and sustainable development of the coastal and marine resources of
Chonburi through the application of the ICM framework and process.
Chonburi Vice-Governor Komsan Eakachai congratulated all the participating
municipalities for the milestone agreement and expressed provincial government support
and commitment for its implementation. PEMSEA Regional Programme Director, Dr.
Chua Thia-Eng, congratulated Chonburi's collective effort in expanding ICM
implementation and linked it to equivalent efforts in other ICM demonstration and
parallel sites in the region aimed toward achieving the Sustainable Development Strategy
for the Seas of East Asia target of covering 20 percent of the coastal environment under
ICM programs by 2015. He also emphasized the significance of ICM in addressing land
and sea interactions and in promoting integration of policies and functions.
PEMSEA's ICM Demonstration Project in Chonburi started with only five municipalities,
with the other coastal municipalities motivated to join in ICM implementation through
actual demonstration and continuous promotion of the benefits of ICM in the initial
project area. Efforts are being exerted to further promote ICM to other coastal
municipalities in Chonburi and the adjoining provinces.
Formulation of Thai Eastern Seaboard Coastal Strategy Proposed in National
Consultative Workshop
CHONBURI, THAILAND -- More than 70 participants from central and local
government agencies and units, the private sector, academe and people's organizations
participated in the National Consultative Workshop on the Implementation of the SDS-
SEA held 7-8 March 2006. The purpose of the workshop was to review and take stock of
coastal management and planning systems in the country, particularly along the seaboard
of eastern Thailand. The workshop aimed to generate insights and inputs concerning
priority programs and needs for Thailand's participation in the implementation of the
Sustainable Development Strategy for the Seas of East Asia (SDS-SEA).
All five eastern provinces of Chonburi, Chantaburi, Rayong, Trad, and Chachoengsao,
participated in the workshop, which allowed participants to share experiences and lessons
learned from various coastal areas and programs. Coastal erosion and development-
related coastal resource degradation were found to be the two most common problems in
eastern Thailand. To address these concerns, integrated coastal management (ICM) was
one of the resolutions presented.
The Eastern Seaboard was identified as a vital demonstration area for the implementation
of the SDS-SEA in Thailand, particularly with regard to ICM scaling-up and capacity
building in support of the Joint Statement of Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam on
Partnership in Oil Spill Preparedness and Response in the Gulf of Thailand. The
formulation of an Eastern Seaboard Coastal Strategy and a 10-year framework
programme in support of the eastern region's social and economic development plan was
proposed.
The outputs from the consultative workshop will be the basis for developing a country
framework programme for Thailand's participation in the upcoming GEF/UNDP Project
for the Implementation of the SDS-SEA.
The workshop was co-organized by the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources,
Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment and the PEMSEA Chonburi ICM
Demonstration Project.
PEMSEA Explores Environmental Investment Opportunities in Haikou
HAIKOU CITY, PR CHINA -- Several specialists visited the City of Haikou, Hainan
Province from 16 to 29 April to prepare a pre-feasibility study for a Public-Private
Partnership (PPP) to improve Haikou's infrastructure for sewerage and solid waste
management. The team concentrated on finalizing the Request for Qualification (RFQ)
for the proposed upgrading of the existing sewerage treatment plant (STP) from 300 to
600 million liters per day (MLD). Additionally, project components for improving the
management and treatment of wastewater and solid waste were identified.
The final report was submitted to the local government for consideration. It contained
principal recommendations regarding PPP approaches, including:
· To retain full ownership of existing environmental infrastructure;
· To use existing infrastructure assets to tap the international financial market, e.g.,
an asset fund for raising capital to invest in environmental facilities and services;
· To challenge the private sector to develop innovative approaches for optimizing
environmental facilities, processes and services, using a `Design and Operate'
approach;
· To develop and negotiate a contractual arrangement with an appropriate private
sector company, including time-bound performance targets; and
· To explore options for creating/strengthening sources of revenue within the
environmental facilities and services sector of the City.
The mission was led by PEMSEA Senior Programme Officer, Dr. Huming Yu, and
PEMSEA Investment Specialist, Mr. Rodolfo Pantillano, as well as Mr. Juergen Lorenz,
Mr. Philip Sunglao and Mr. Joselito N. Jose from JL Business & Technology
Consultancy, Inc. PEMSEA Senior Programme Officer, Mr. S. Adrian Ross, joined the
mission for the wrap-up and presentation of results to the City Government officials.
Haikou City is located in the island of Hainan, PR China. It is located east of northern
Vietnam at about the same latitude as Hanoi, and southwest of Hong Kong. In 2005, the
City's population was approximately 1,700,000, with about 760,000 residing within the
core urban area. Haikou is a prosperous, vibrant city and a prime tourist destination. This
special economic zone, with a strong pharmaceutical industry presence, is governed by a
focused, professional government with the goal of projecting itself as a showcase for
sustainable development.
Indonesian Leaders Prepare for Sustainable Coastal Development
JAKARTA, INDONESIA -- Over 150 officials and experts from national government
agencies, provincial, municipal and regency governments in coastal areas, universities,
NGOs and other relevant institutions participated in The Leaders Forum and Workshop
on the Sustainable Development of Indonesia's Coasts and Oceans.
The forum aimed at building awareness on the Sustainable Development Strategy for the
Seas of East Asia (SDS-SEA) and the benefits of implementing integrated coastal
management (ICM). It was held from 2527 April and was co-organized by PEMSEA
and the Ministry of Environment for Indonesia.
The forum examined baseline activities, major gaps and country priorities for the national
implementation of SDS-SEA, and identified a country program for the GEF/UNDP
Project on the Implementation of the SDS-SEA. The forum also confirmed the
interest/commitments of potential collaborative projects and programs, particularly on the
scaling up of ICM and the ecosystem-based management of Jakarta Bay.
Key recommendations of the forum included the need to:
· Develop national ocean and coastal policy and an appropriate national mechanism
for interagency and multisectoral coordination of ocean and coastal management
issues;
· Conduct a regular national forum on coastal and marine management to share
information and experiences, identify key issues and solutions, and promote
national ownership, accountability and sustainability of coastal and marine
management initiatives;
· Strengthen commitments of local governments and strategic partnerships with
various stakeholders toward achieving the goal of sustainable coastal
development, through the application of ICM;
· Strengthen local capacities and institutions in coastal and ocean governance by
developing a national ICM training program and technical support system,
providing adequate recognition of ICM efforts, promoting environmental
investments, and facilitating national networking of local ICM efforts; and
· Develop a high-level interagency and multisectoral partnership forum for the
integrated environmental management of Jakarta Bay, and formulate a long-term
integrated plan for the ecosystem-based management of Jakarta Bay.
The Forum was opened by Deputy Minister for Nature Conservation Enhancement and
Environmental Destruction Control, Mrs. Masnellyarti Hilman, and PEMSEA Regional
Programme Director, Dr. Chua Thia-Eng. Former Minister of Environment, Dr. Emil
Salim, also highlighted the linkage between land and sea as well as between nature and
the quality of human life during his keynote address. Minister for Environment, H.E. Mr.
Rachmat Witoelar, officially closed the event with concluding remarks on the outcome of
the consultative meeting.
PEMSEA Stirs APEC Interest on SDS-SEA Implementation
SHANGHAI, PR CHINA -- In the 19th Annual Meeting of the Asia-Pacific Economic
Cooperation (APEC) Marine Resource Conservation Working Group (MRCWG) held
26-28 April, PEMSEA Regional Programme Director, Dr. Chua Thia-Eng, delivered a
special lecture on PEMSEA activities including the implementation of the Sustainable
Development Strategy for the Seas of East Asia (SDS-SEA). The presentation was well
received, resulting in the general appreciation of PEMSEA's long-term strategic
approach and recognition of its coverage of the Bali Plan of Action (BPA).
The BPA was adopted by APEC Ocean Ministers in September 2005 and it aims to
promote balanced conservation and management of marine resources and regional
economic growth. The BPA advocates the establishment and strengthening of regular
mechanisms for information sharing, networking, and cooperation on various areas. The
MRCWG believes that the BPA provides an important framework to strengthen their
initiatives and cooperative activities on coastal and marine development.
The 19th Annual Meeting reviewed developments made by member economies and
identified future priority projects or actions for coastal and marine development. It
provided special attention on the advancement of the implementation of the BPA and the
MRCWG Strategic Framework. The Meeting was attended by 45 participants from 13
economies: Australia; Brunei Darussalam; Canada; PR China; Hong Kong, China;
Indonesia; Japan; Republic of Korea; Peru; Philippines; Thailand; United States of
America and Vietnam.
The Xiamen International Coastal Cities Forum 2006 to focus on Water Resource
Sustainability
XIAMEN, PR CHINA -- With the theme "Water Resource Sustainability in Coastal
Cities," the Xiamen International Forum for Coastal Cities 2006 (XIFCC 2006) will be
held 12-13 October 2006, organized by the Xiamen Municipal Government in
cooperation with the United Nations Development Programme, the State Oceanic
Administration of the People's Republic of China, and PEMSEA.
XIFCC 2006 aims to concretize the spirit of global cooperation among coastal cities as
manifested in the Xiamen Declaration of Coastal Cities Global Cooperation for
Sustainable Development, as well as promote its implementation. The forum will
specifically address the following issues:
1. Water resources for the sustainable development of coastal cities;
2. Integrated water resource management;
3. Water conservation, re-use and recycling;
4. Access to safe drinking water and sanitation;
5. Groundwater exploitation in coastal cities; and
6. Crosscutting issues in policies, capacities, financing and institutions.
Last year's forum, held in October 2005, resulted in the adoption of the Xiamen
Declaration of Coastal Cities, which is considered an important first step towards the
establishment of a stronger alliance of coastal cities worldwide and the promotion of the
sustainable use of coastal environment and resources.
The Xiamen Declaration acknowledges the significant role of coastal cities -- being the
center of major political, socioeconomic, cultural and ecological interactions as well as
primary beneficiaries or users of the coastal environment -- in the protection,
development and proper management of the coastal ecosystem. Furthermore, it is an
expression of support to other regional and international agreements promoting
sustainable development, such as the 1992 Rio Declaration, UN Conference on the Law
of the Seas, and the World Summit on Sustainable Development.
Additional information on XIFCC 2006 can be found at:
http://www.oceanweek.org/english/default.asp.
The EAS Youth Forum: Securing the Future of the Seas of East Asia
As international organizations, experts and multi-sector stakeholders come together to
participate in the East Asian Seas (EAS) Congress 2006 in China in December, youth
delegates from 15 countries in the region will also gather for the first EAS Youth Forum
to be held 11-15 December.
Co-organized by PEMSEA and the Coastal Management Center (CMC), the EAS Youth
Forum is a venue for young people in the region to share experiences, stories, knowledge
and ideas on improving coastal and ocean management. The Youth Forum aims to:
increase the awareness and appreciation of the youth on the rich marine heritage of the
East Asian seas region; facilitate an effective learning experience through interaction
with experts and leading authorities on coastal and ocean management; and seed
confidence and develop leadership among young people in the region.
One of the highlights for the Youth Forum is the dialogue between the delegates and
high-ranking officials, including a minister, a former president and renowned experts and
top officials from international organizations.
Involving the youth in environmental management is pivotal in determining whether
existing efforts in natural resource management will be sustained over time. Through the
Youth Forum, they can be empowered to become catalysts and agents of creative change.
Further details will be made available through the EAS Youth Forum webpage
(www.pemsea.org/eascongress/youthforum) in June. Individuals and organizations
interested to partner in organizing the Youth Forum may e-mail the Congress Secretariat
at congress@pemsea.org.
Philippine Cities Enhance Capacity in Developing Environmental Projects
MANILA, PHILIPPINES -- Key department heads from various Philippine cities honed
their knowledge and skills in planning, developing, financing and sustaining
environmental infrastructure projects in the Training Workshop and LGU Sharing Forum
on Financing Sustainable Environmental Projects held 26-28 April.
The workshop included training on the essential strategies, techniques, tools and other
mechanisms for implementing environmental facilities and services, such as objective-
oriented planning, economic and financial analysis, stakeholder participation,
conventional and innovative approaches to waste management, investments and financing,
public-private partnerships, and legal aspects.
Over 90 participants from various cities, municipalities and provinces, including seven
municipal mayors and staff from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources
(DENR) attended the workshop co-organized by PEMSEA, United Nations Environment
Programme Global Programme of Action for the Protection of the Marine Environment
from Land-based Activities Coordination Office (UNEP-GPA), and the League of Cities
of the Philippines.
Best practices and lessons learned were highlighted through the case studies drawn from
existing projects/programs of selected cities. DENR representatives provided the policy
framework on wastewater and solid waste management and discussed the legal
obligations of local governments. An overview of the different financing programs for
environmental projects was also given by the Department of Finance and government,
private and international financial institutions.
The participants also came up with an action plan that focuses on:
· Organizing all city Environment and Natural Resources Offices (ENROs) and
encouraging all cities and municipalities to set up ENROs;
· Conducting a workshop on implementation and compliance with environmental
laws and requirements for the LGUs, developing environmental infrastructure
projects, formulating and enforcing ordinances, and harmonizing different
environment-related laws and policies issued by different national government
agencies and LGUs;
· Developing project proposals for cities with existing plans or projects related to
solid waste management, sewage management, and wastewater collection and
treatment; and
· Conducting a workshop with funding agencies, private and government financing
institutions and other concerned agencies to discuss and address concerns of
LGUs regarding project preparation and financing of environmental infrastructure
projects.
Stakeholders Set Priorities for the Sustainable Development of Vietnam's Coastal
and Marine Resources
HANOI, VIETNAM -- A national forum and consultation workshop held 29-31 March
assessed issues related to coastal and marine environmental management, provided a
venue for stocktaking of coastal management initiatives and achievements, and
identifying priority needs, targets, concerns and requirements of stakeholders for the
sustainable development of the country's coastal and marine resources. The event was
attended by about 100 participants representing several central and local government
ministries and departments, academic and research institutions, international NGOs and
civil society groups, the corporate sector and financing institutions, and the media.
During the one-day forum, a snapshot of the status, trends, challenges and opportunities
that the country faces with regard to the sustainable development of the coastal and
marine resources and environment was provided, which included inputs from the Danang
National Integrated Coastal Management (ICM) Demonstration Project, Vietnam
Netherlands Integrated Coastal Zone Management Project, Asian Development Bank's
Livelihood Improvement for Central Coastal Provinces Project, Vietnam-Canada
Environment Project, Vietnam-US Cooperation Project on ICM, Danida Project on
Environmental Information and Reporting and the Gulf of Thailand Project.
The experiences shared by the ICM Project were well appreciated as Danang is widely
considered a pioneer in ICM application in Vietnam. The need for a cross-cutting
framework was highlighted to ensure consistency of the numerous mechanisms and
approaches adopted by individual programs and projects and reduce overlaps and
duplication of efforts.
During the two-day consultative workshop, detailed group discussions on Vietnam's
participation in the GEF/UNDP/PEMSEA Project on Implementation of the Sustainable
Development Strategy for the Seas of East Asia (SDS-SEA) were conducted; linkages
between ongoing and proposed programs were also identified. Options for the country in
developing a national framework program for SDS-SEA implementation were outlined
and discussed covering issues related to ICM scaling up, national coastal and marine
policy development, the Gulf of Thailand Project on oil spill preparedness and response,
capacity building (including the participation of the stakeholders and various sectors of
civil society) and sustainable financing.
The Prime Minister's recent approval approval of Vietnam's Master Plan on Basic Survey
and Management of Marine Resources and Environment until 2010 and Vision until 2020
was considered to be most timely, and providing a favorable climate for SDS-SEA
implementation. There are notable consistencies of the proposed SDS-SEA projects and
the Master Plan. Embedding the SDS-SEA implementation in the implementation of the
Master Plan was therefore recognized as a cost-effective and practical approach. The key
messages, recommendations and specific activities identified during the workshop were
incorporated into the draft national work program for SDS-SEA implementation.
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