Events

The Seventh Meeting of the WGML will review progress of the approved marine litter biennial workplan 2025-2026 under the COBSEA Regional Action Plan on Marine Litter (RAP MALI), identify priorities for the next biennial workplan 2027-2028, and serve as a preparatory meeting for the second part of the fifth session (INC-5.2) of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee to develop an international

When: 29 April 2025, 16h30 - 18h00 (KST)

Where: Room 216, BEXCO, Busan, Republic of Korea

The East Asian Seas is home to the richest marine biodiversity globally. Regional organizations are committed to undertaking joint actions, allowing for streamlined initiatives in support of the 30x30. The session will establish the East Asian Seas Regional Collaborative Network of MPAs, to accelerate initiatives to achieve 30x30.

When: 29 April 2025 at 11:00-12:30 (KST)

Where: 201+202, Convention Hall, BEXCO, Busan, Republic of Korea

The world faces multiple planetary crises, including climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution – often referred to as the “Triple Planetary Crises”. Addressing these challenges requires integrated and comprehensive solutions, as solving the challenges separately in a “one-by-one” approach is not sufficient given the urgency of the situation. 

Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) is increasingly recognized as a key driver for achieving Sustainable Development Goal 14 and advancing the Blue Economy. Countries around the world are adopting MSP as a vital tool for sustainable ocean management.

A successful Blue Economy depends on multiple enabling factors working together—including integrated governance, stakeholder engagement, science, monitoring, financing, and climate adaptation. MSP complements these efforts by helping to organize human activities at sea, balancing economic, environmental, and social needs.

The 10th Our Ocean Conference will take place in Busan, Republic of Korea from April 28-30, 2025.

COBSEA will co-organize side events and moderate side events during the 10th Our Ocean Conference in Busan, Republic of Korea.

Titled "Our Ocean, Our Action" 2025’s hosts aim to make significant progress in the next decade by highlighting the need to transition from an "ocean in crisis" to an "ocean of hope" through the delivery of smart, concrete, and intuitive governance actions.

The upcoming First Asian Regional Dialogue on Seagrass and Dugong Conservation seeks to bring together key actors to bridge existing gaps and amplify impactful action.

Marine tourism activities, particularly diving and snorkelling will bring negative impacts to marine ecosystems including coral reefs if implemented not following environment friendly principles. In contrast, diving and snorkelling provide an opportunity to educate divers and snorkelers in support of marine conservation and coral reefs protection. As it is known that coral reefs ecosystems and marine life are vital assets for the diving industry.

When: 28 November 2024 at 9.00 - 12.00 (KST)

Where: Hall 321-322, Exhibition Center 2, BEXCO, Busan, Republic of Korea

Session ST 2.1: Strategic Collaboration in Tackling the Triple Planetary Crises in the East Asian Seas Region: Climate Change and Marine Impacts; Nature and Marine Biodiversity Loss; Marine Pollution

When: Wednesday 7 November, 14:30-17:30 (GMT+8)

Where: Xiamen city, China

The Twenty-sixth Intergovernmental Meeting of the Coordinating Body on the Seas of East Asia (COBSEA) will be held on 23-25 October 2024 in Siem Reap, Cambodia.