East Asian states issue declaration for sustainable marine resources

MANILA, Philippines — Eleven countries bordering the seas of East Asia have issued a joint declaration affirming their commitment toward the conservation and sustainable development of coastal and marine resources in the region.

The Iloilo Ministerial Declaration entitled “East Asian Region Moving As One to Secure Healthy Oceans, People and Economies,” was adopted by environment ministers and heads of delegation during the 6th Ministerial Forum of the East Asian Seas Congress 2018 held in Iloilo City from Nov. 27 to 30.

The 11 countries – Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Japan, Laos, North Korea, Singapore, South Korea, Timor-Leste, Vietnam and the Philippines – are members of the Partnerships in Environmental Management for Seas of East Asia (PEMSEA), an intergovernmental organization operating in East Asia to foster and sustain healthy and resilient oceans, coasts, communities and economies across the region. 

PEMSEA, together with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, facilitated the ministerial forum that was chaired by the Philippines, represented by DENR Undersecretary Rodolfo Garcia.

Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu hailed the Iloilo Ministerial Declaration as “a reiteration and stronger call to action” among countries within the East Asian region.

“The Seas of East Asia are the most biodiverse marine areas in the world, yet they face severe threats from climate change and densely populated coastal communities,” Cimatu said.

“The declaration, supported by the respective countries’ plans of action, will ensure that partner countries will work together in addressing complex issues faced by this region,” he said.

The Iloilo Declaration recognizes the significant value and critical contribution of coastal and marine ecosystems’ goods and services to securing food and jobs, helping to eradicate poverty, and building resilient coastal communities and blue economies in East Asia.

To achieve these benefits, PEMSEA member nations acknowledged the need to protect coastal and marine ecosystems from the impacts of climate change and other threats, including marine-related disasters, destruction and loss of habitats and natural coastlines, biodiversity loss and degradation, and overfishing and lack of food security.

The countries also took pride in PEMSEA’s pioneering work in the region to develop best practices in the design and implementation of the integrated coastal management approach, as well as in developing knowledge and capacity to build climate smart policies and enable ocean-based blue economies.