Partnerships in Environmental Management for the Seas of East Asia

[2] In December 1993, several integrated coastal management (ICM) pilot sites were established, including Xiamen[3] (PR China) and Batangas Bay[4] (Philippines), which helped start efforts in addressing marine pollution problems in the Straits of Malacca and Straits of Singapore; and increasing capacity development in the regions of Cambolia, China, DPR Korea, Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand and Viet Nam.

Every three years, PEMSEA hosts the East Asian Seas Congress that consists of a Ministerial Forum, an International Conference and other events.

The conference focuses on tracking progress of SDS-SEA, encourages knowledge exchange and raises important issues regarding coastal management in the region.

It was organized following the recommendations of the World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD) with the goal to improve situation related to coasts and oceans.

[6] The 2012 congress was held with the theme "Building a Blue Economy: Strategy, Opportunities, and Partnerships in the Seas of East Asia" in July 2012 in Changwon City, the Republic of Korea.