10th Our Ocean Conference Side Event - Collective Action in Implementing the 30x30 GBF targets: Establishing a Regional Collaborative Netwo...

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.

Agenda:

1. Opening (16h30 – 16h45)

Moderator:
Margarita Victoria Caballa,UNEP COBSEA / GEF SCS-SAP

Welcome Remarks and Introduction
Dr. Vann Monyneath, Undersecretary of State for the Ministry of Environment, Cambodia & EAS Partnership Council Chair
Atty.  Jonas Leones, Undersecretary for Policy, Planning & International Affairs, Department of Environment & Natural Resources, Philippines
Dr. Puri Canals, Global Network of MPA Network

2. Setting the Scene (16h45 – 16h50)

Moderator:
Jimin Hong, UNEP COBSEA

Presentation of the Regional Collaborative Network on MPAs in the East Asian Seas
Mr. Anders Poulsen, Programme Manager, GEF SCS-SAP Project

3. Panel Discussion and Q&A (16h50-17h40)

Moderators:
Mr. Mahesh Pradhan, Coordinator, UNEP COBSEA
Ms. Aimee Gonzales, Executive Director, PEMSEA

Guided discussion to reflect and expound on the Regional Collaborative Network on MPAs in the EAS 
Dr. Handoko Adi Susanto, Executive Director (interim), (ATSEA)
Ms. Claudia Binondo, Project Development, ACB
Dr. Frank Keith Griffin, Executive Director, CTI-CFF Regional Secretariat
Mr. Wenxi Zhu, Head of Office IOC-WESTPAC
Ms. Maeve Nightingale, Regional Coordinator Coastal and Marine Progamme, IUCN Asia
Ms. Mi-Jin Lee, Research Associate, NEAMPAN

4. Closing and Way Forward (17h40-17h50)

Moderator:
Jimin Hong, UNEP COBSEA

Conclusions and way forward
Ms. Aimee Gonzales, Executive Director, PEMSEA
Mr. Anders Poulsen, Programme Manager, GEF SCS-SAP 
Mr. Mahesh Pradhan, Coordinator, UNEP COBSEA