EAS Congress

The Third EAS Congress 2009 convened from 23-27 November in Manila, Philippines was hosted by the Philippines Government and organized by PEMSEA (Partnerships in the Environmental Management for the Seas of East Asia). The event was supported by GEF, UNDP and UNOPS. Almost 1,600 participants attended the Congress, representing governments, UN agencies, industry, academia and youth. The Congress featured several events: The International Conference on Sustainable Coastal and Ocean Development (23-26 November), the Meeting of the EAS Partnership Council (25 November) and the Ministerial Forum on Strengthening the Implementation of the Sustainable Development Strategy for Seas of East Asia (SDS-SEA) (26 November). 28 thematic workshops and seminars, as well as a Youth Leaders Forum, Corporate Social Responsibility Forum and Legislators’ Dialogue were held during the International Conference, examining issues ranging from ocean policy and legislation to the impacts of climate change on coastal and ocean areas. Field visits to ICM sites showcasing local government efforts in implementing ICM. The venue provided a region-wide platform for dialogue, knowledge exchange, capacity building, strategic action and cooperation for the sustainable management and development of the East Asian seas.