Siem Reap, Cambodia – The Coordinating Body on the Seas of East Asia (COBSEA) convened its Working Group on Marine and Coastal Ecosystems in Siem Reap, Cambodia, on 21-22 October 2024.  Representatives from the nine COBSEA member countries – Cambodia, China, Indonesia, the Republic of Korea, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam – gathered to address pressing challenges facing the region's vital marine environments. The meeting facilitated the sharing of national updates and progress, aiming to advance collaborative solutions outlined in the Marine and Coastal Ecosystems (MCE) Framework adopted by COBSEA in 2023.

A central theme of the meeting was the importance of adopting an integrated approach to coastal management. Recognizing the interconnectedness of marine habitats, participants emphasized the need to manage mangroves, seagrass beds, and coral reefs as a cohesive whole, maximizing the benefits of ecological synergies.

The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) played an active role in the discussions, reaffirming its commitment to

supporting member states in their environmental endeavors. Nancy Soi, UNEP Regional Seas Programme Management Officer, highlighted UNEP's strategic focus on fostering a harmonious relationship between humanity and nature, strengthening policy frameworks, and providing nations with the necessary resources to achieve their conservation ambitions.

National actions and regional cooperation 

The meeting served as a valuable platform for COBSEA member countries to share updates on their national initiatives and progress in marine and coastal ecosystem management. 

Indonesia leads with an extensive network of 452 Marine Protected Areas and coral reef restoration across 55 locations, while Cambodia focuses on mangrove management and private sector engagement. China's new marine ecosystem control law works in concert with Thailand's marine spatial planning initiatives and UNESCO-aligned assessment methodologies. Singapore, despite spatial limitations, maintains a biodiversity-rich marine park and excels in public engagement through community programs, complementing the Philippines' emphasis on biodiversity-friendly social enterprises and their developing national coral reef management program. South Korea's successful restoration of 14 natural areas demonstrates tangible conservation outcomes, while Malaysia strengthens public-private partnerships aligned with global biodiversity goals. Vietnam's long-term sustainable marine economic strategy extends to 2045, creating a framework for future regional collaboration. 

Anders Poulsen, Senior Project Manager of the UNEP/UNOPS/COBSEA South China Sea Strategic Action Programme (SAP) Implementation project (SCSSAP Project), funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and implemented by UNEP through UNOPS and hosted by COBSEA, presented the project's achievements in reducing habitat degradation and improving coastal management.  He underscored the value of COBSEA's collaborative framework and the collective efforts of participating countries in the sustainable management of coastal and marine habitats and resources in the region. He emphasized:

"Since marine life moves freely across borders, countries must work together to share information and manage resources effectively," 

Mahesh Pradhan, COBSEA Coordinator, said:

“While challenges exist, there's significant opportunity in how project outputs and working groups can merge with COBSEA working groups to create overall impact.”

Anders Poulsen, Senior Project Manager of the UNEP/UNOPS/COBSEA SCSSAP Project (left) and Mahesh Pradhan, COBSEA Coordinator, kick off the weeklong gathering of representatives from the nine COBSEA countries, members of the Working Group on Marine and Coastal Ecosystems, and experts in a welcome dinner.

Isabel Vanderbeck, UNEP’s GEF International Waters Task Manager, said:

“As projects and experts, we can do many things, but if it's not owned by the countries, then we've failed.”

Ottilia Thoreson, Swedish Agency for Marine and Water Management, said:

“Data seems scattered at the national level, without strong regional collation. The SCS SAP implementation project is valuable and much needed for the region, not just for COBSEA but for all participating countries in meeting their global commitments. Having a clear baseline of what exists is crucial for working toward global goals.”

The SCSSAP Project team, along with COBSEA team and country member representatives and international experts, visited Cambodia's Tonle Sap Lake on 22 October to witness its unique ecological features firsthand. Tonle Sap, known for its seasonal flood pulse and vital role as a fish nursery, faces challenges from overfishing, pollution, and climate change. The visit highlighted the importance of COBSEA's collaborative framework in addressing these shared challenges and promoting sustainable management practices. The SCSSAP Project, with its focus on habitat conservation and community empowerment, aligns with COBSEA's goals which support local initiatives like the Kampong Pluk Floating Village Waste Management Project, which tackles plastic pollution and promotes responsible waste disposal. The visit, organised by the Cambodia Ministry of Environment, served as a reminder of the interconnectedness of regional ecosystems and the importance of transboundary cooperation for effective conservation efforts in the South China Sea and Gulf of Thailand.