Greetings from the COBSEA Secretariat!
We are pleased to share highlights for the first half of 2025.
COBSEA at the Third UN Ocean Conference (UNOC3)
Between 9–13 June 2025, the Third UN Ocean Conference (UNOC3) was held in Nice, France, under the theme “Scaling up ocean action based on science and innovation for the implementation of Goal 14.” The conference brought together over 15,000 participants, including over 60 heads of state, and representatives from governments, UN agencies, scientists, youth, and civil society to foster partnerships and mobilize commitments toward a healthy, resilient, and productive ocean. COBSEA participated actively in UNOC3, hosting several side events and engaging in key discussions in advancing regional cooperation and action on marine and coastal environmental priorities.
Scaling Collective Action for 30x30: The East Asian Seas Regional Collaborative Network of MPAs
At UNOC3, "The East Asian Seas Regional Collaborative Network of MPAs" was collectively launched by nine regional organizations/initiatives in the region, namely Arafura and Timor Seas Ecosystem Action Program (ATSEA); ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity (ACB); Coordinating Body on the Seas of East Asia (COBSEA), Coral Triangle Initiative on Coral Reefs, Fisheries, and Food Security (CTI-CFF); Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission - Sub-Commission for the Western Pacific (IOC-WESTPAC); International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Asia-Pacific; North-East Asian Marine Protected Areas Network (NEAMPAN); Partnerships in Environmental Management for the Seas of East Asia (PEMSEA); and South China Seas – Strategic Action Programme (SCS-SAP) Project through two official side events on 9 and 13 June. The aim of this Regional MPA Network is to discuss ways to improve synergies and avoid duplications, joint action, and cooperation for connected, inclusive, and effective marine protection towards accelerating 30x30 in the East Asian Seas.
In PART 1 (9 June), regional partners reiterated their commitment to actively participate in this Network, indicating that the region has the strength, resources, and capacity to achieve the 30x30 global target if they work together. The status of conservation in the East Asian Seas and the journey of this Network were presented, followed by discussions on the respective roles and contributions of the different organizations, identifying goals, expected outcomes, challenges, and approaches for collaboration.
PART 2 (13 June), brought in additional perspectives to establish and support this Regional Collaborative Network of MPAs. The session focused on experiences from other regions and institutions on transboundary cooperation for large marine protected areas and seascape governance. The session discussed recommendations and potential future partnerships to effectively advance this regional MPA Network in the East Asian Seas in collaboration with other organizations, namely Asian Development Bank (ADB), Global Fund for Coral Reefs (GFCR), UNEP, Barcelona Convention, UN Development Programme, Swedish Agency for Marine and Water Management (SwAM), Global Network of MPA Networks, and Ocean Innovation Challenge.
GEF IW:LEARN Side event: Celebrating 30 Years of Large Marine Ecosystems (LMEs) Cooperation
COBSEA participated in the UNOC3 side event “Celebrating 30 Years of Large Marine Ecosystems (LMEs) Cooperation – Scaling Up Action for SDG14,” on 10 June 2025. The session was organized by GEF IW:LEARN and brought together regional and global partners to share experiences and lessons from three decades of transboundary LME collaboration. COBSEA joined speakers from Africa, Asia, the Mediterranean, and the Caribbean to discuss how LME partnerships contribute to reducing marine pollution, promoting sustainable fisheries, and advancing the blue economy, while further supporting the implementation of SDG14 through regional cooperation.
COBSEA at the 10th Our Ocean Conference (OOC10)
From 28 to 30 April 2025, COBSEA joined OOC10 in Busan, Republic of Korea, under the theme “Our Ocean, Our Action.” The event marked the 10th anniversary of the Our Ocean Conference process which brought together global leaders, government officials, organizations, and stakeholders to take stock of commitments and foster renewed international action across key marine priorities. With over 3,000 participants and more than 2,600 commitments made over past OOCs—valued at approximately USD 140 billion—this milestone event reinforced the momentum for collective marine action worldwide. The Conference provided a vital platform for discussion around seven thematic areas: Marine Protected Areas, Sustainable Fisheries, Marine Pollution, Climate Change, Maritime Security, and the Blue Economy, with “Digital Oceans” as a special cross-cutting agenda.
At OOC10, COBSEA contributed to several sessions and side events on Marine Spatial Planning, MPAs and regional cooperation, and the role of UNEP Regional Seas Conventions and Action Plans in addressing the Triple Planetary Crises. These engagements highlighted COBSEA’s regional initiatives including the Regional Action Plan on Marine Litter (RAP MALI), regional MPA collaboration, and digital solutions for marine governance. The Conference emphasized the need to accelerate efforts toward the global “30x30” target, scale up Blue Economy solutions, and strengthen partnerships for a sustainable ocean future.
Regional Seas Joint Side Event: Addressing the Triple Planetary Crises in the Marine Environment
COBSEA co-hosted a joint Regional Seas Side Event “Strategic and Convening roles and contributions of UNEP’s Regional Sea Conventions and Action Plans - addressing the Triple Planetary Crises in the Marine Environment” together with UNEP’s Regional Seas Conventions and Action Plans (RSCAPs). Coordinators from the Cartagena Convention (Wider Caribbean region), Abidjan Convention (West African Seas), Nairobi Convention (East African Seas), Barcelona Convention (Mediterranean), COBSEA (East Asian Seas) and the Northwest Pacific Action Plan (NOWPAP) provided recent updates and shared examples of regional initiatives of ocean governance in marine and coastal ecosystems. By highlighting best practices and key achievements in addressing the triple planetary crises of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution in the marine environment at national, regional, and global levels, the session promoted harmonized approaches and cooperation on ocean governance.
Marine Spatial Planning for Growing Nature Capital
In collaboration with the Korea Maritime Institute (KMI) and the World Bank, COBSEA co-hosted the side event on “Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) for Growing Nature Capital”. The event highlighted how MSP can advance blue economy goals through co-location solutions that balance ecological protection and socio-economic benefits. The event emphasized regional collaboration and ecosystem-based ocean planning as key strategies to support the 30x30 target and sustainable development in the East Asian Seas.
Catalyzing the East Asian Seas Regional Collaborative Network of Marine Protected Areas
Immediately prior to OOC10, COBSEA co-organized a pre-conference workshop “The East Asian Seas Regional Collaborative Network of MPAs” together with Blue Nature Alliance and the Swedish Agency Marine and Water Management (SwAM) on 26-27 April. Leaders from 9 regional organizations in the EAS region, namely ATSEA, ACB, COBSEA, CTI-CFF, IOC-WESTPAC, IUCN Asia-Pacific, NEAMPAN, PEMSEA, and SCS-SAP Project, actively participated to explore meaningful collaboration. This two-day workshop aimed to develop a common understanding of the purpose of the Regional Collaborative Network for MPAs and a comprehensive understanding of MPA and MPA Network initiatives in the region to identify areas for support and collaborative approaches. The results of the pre-conference workshop were shared at an official OOC10 side event on 29 April entitled “Collective Action in Implementing the 30x30 GBF targets: Establishing a Regional Collaborative Network of Marine Protected Areas in the East Asian Seas (EAS)”
COBSEA co-hosted the Side Event “Collective Action in Implementing the 30x30 GBF targets: Establishing a Regional Collaborative Network of Marine Protected Areas in the East Asian Seas (EAS)” brought 9 different organizations in the East Asian Seas region to discuss meaningful partnerships and collaboration towards 30x30 through the East Asian Seas Regional Collaborative Network of MPAs. The outcome of the Pre-Conference workshop (26-27 April) were presented during this side event, as well as approaches and strategies for regional collaboration, including transboundary ecosystem-based collaboration, institutional coordination, science-based decision-making, best practices and tools, knowledge sharing, and sustainable funding were discussed. The East Asian Seas Regional Collaborative Network on MPAs further discussed for official launch at the UNOC3.
COBSEA SECRETARIAT
UNEP Ecosystems Division Director visits Thailand
On 16–18 March 2025, Dr. Susan Gardner, Director of UNEP’s Ecosystems Division, visited Koh Sichang in Thailand which was coordinated by the Division of Marine and Coastal Resources, Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (MoNRE) - COBSEA's National Focal Point for Thailand. Dr. Gardner visited a project site of the GEF South China Seas Strategic Action Programme (SCS SAP) in Koh Sichang to learn about Marine Spatial Planning and coral reef restoration efforts. The team also visited the Marine Animal Bank Learning Centre, learning about efforts on conservation and sustainable fisheries. Dr. Gardner also held discussions with Office of Natural Resources and Planning (ONEPP), MoNRE, on Thailand’s work on the Global Biodiversity Framework, MPAs, OECMs, UNOC-3, UNEA-7 and other areas of mutual interest, which was organized by UNEP's Asia Pacific Regional Office.
World Oceans Day 2025: Scaling Action for 30x30 in the East Asian Seas
In observance of World Oceans Day on 8 June 2025, COBSEA launched a regional outreach campaign aligned with the global theme “WONDER – Sustaining What Sustains Us”. The campaign spotlighted the East Asian Seas Marine Protected Area (MPA) Network and reaffirmed the region’s shared commitment to achieving the 30x30 global biodiversity target. Featuring a compelling underwater image from Indonesia, the initiative emphasized the essential role of MPAs in safeguarding marine biodiversity, enhancing climate resilience, and supporting sustainable development. The campaign underscores COBSEA’s ongoing role in advancing regional cooperation to scale up inclusive and effective MPA management across East and Southeast Asia.
COBSEA participated in the 24th Global Meeting of the Regional Seas Conventions and Action Plans (RSCAPs), which was held on 11 June 2025 in Nice, France. UNEP's Executive Director Inger Andersen, H.E. Ms. Agnès Pannier-Runacher, French Minister for Ecological Transition, representatives of MEAs, UN agencies, and all 18 Regional Seas programmes joined this strategic global meeting. Delegates reviewed progress under the Regional Seas Strategic Directions 2022–2025 and formally adopted the new Regional Seas Strategic Directions 2026–2029. Discussions, amongst others, focused on strengthening RSCAPs' contributions to the global ocean agenda, financing and partnerships, and advancing the Vision and Roadmap toward achieving Target 3 of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (30x30 on MPAs/OECMs).
MARINE LITTER
Seventh Meeting of COBSEA's Working Group on Marine Litter (WGML-7)
On 19 June 2025, the seventh meeting of the Working Group on Marine Litter (WGML-7) was held in Manila, Philippines, with participation of all COBSEA countries and regional partners. The meeting reviewed progress on the implementation of the Regional Action Plan on Marine Litter (RAP MALI) 2025–2026, discussed pipeline projects and priorities for 2027–2028, and advanced coordination for upcoming global processes, including INC-5.2. Updates were also provided on COBSEA's first Regional Activity Centre (RAC) on Marine Litter - the Regional Capacity Centre for Clean Seas (RC3S), COBSEA’s Regional Node, and ongoing efforts to enhance marine litter monitoring, knowledge sharing and governance in the East Asian Seas region. More information
COBSEA participates in Circular Economy Forum 2025
On June 17-18, COBSEA joined the first ever Circular Economy Forum organized by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in Manila, Philippines. Under the theme of “Advancing a Circular Economy for a Sustainable Future”, the Forum provided a platform for the wider adoption of the circular economy approach in investments and initiatives in South-East Asia. It was also the culmination of the Regional Technical Assistance (RETA) “Promoting Action on Plastic Pollution from Source to Sea in Asia and the Pacific”, implemented by ADB in collaboration with COBSEA, with partial support from Global Environment Facility (GEF). COBSEA contributed to two sessions on data collection and management and digitalization of the plastic value chain; highlighted COBSEA’s Regional Action Plan on Marine Litter (RAP MALI); introduced COBSEA’s Regional Node web platform for knowledge management and sharing; and called for enhanced regional coordination and collaboration in promoting circularity.
World Environment Day 2025: Beat Plastic Pollution
On 4 June 2025, COBSEA joined the Future Generation Forum: Action for a Circular Generation, organized by the Ministry of Environment, Republic of Korea to mark global celebrations of the World Environment Day 2025 in Jeju, Republic of Korea. The Forum provided a platform for intergenerational dialogue on the transition toward a circular economy and a more sustainable society. UNEP's Executive Director and Minister of Environment, Republic of Korea, joined early-career professionals, scientists, secondary school students for this event. Discussions focused on current and potential efforts to address plastic pollution and the critical role of youth, governments, and the international cooperation in shaping a circular and sustainable future.
Accelerating plastics circularity
On 24 March 2025, COBSEA was invited to the Economist Impact–Dow roundtable on accelerating plastics circularity. At this roundtable, COBSEA was approached by the Pollution Control Department (PCD), Thailand to explore collaboration on establishing a national knowledge-sharing platform. The aims to support implementation of Thailand’s Roadmap on Plastic Waste Management by providing access to global policy developments and best practices. COBSEA confirmed its readiness to contribute through existing mechanisms, including the East Asian Regional Node, the SEA of Solutions forum, and the ongoing MA RE Design project implemented jointly with GIZ and WWF. Follow-up by COBSEA’s Marine Litter team is ongoing, in coordination with the UNEP Asia-Pacific Regional Office.
MARINE AND COASTAL ECOSYSTEMS
First Asian Regional Dialogue on Seagrass and Dugong Conservation
In partnership with the Convention on Migratory Species, UNEP/GEF South China Seas Strategic Action Programme, the Thailand Department of Marine and Coastal Resources, and the HRH Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Foundation, the Coordinating Body on the Seas of East Asia (COBSEA) organized the First Asian Regional Dialogue on Seagrass and Dugong Conservation: From Gaps to Impactful Action, in Bangkok, Thailand from 20-21 February 2025.
With over 100 participants, the dialogue brought together key experts, policymakers, and conservation practitioners from 10 countries to discuss innovative approaches, identify gaps, and develop actionable strategies for the protection and restoration of seagrass ecosystems and associated dugong populations. Through targeted discussions and working group sessions, the dialogue opened discussions for enhanced regional cooperation, scaling up seagrass conservation initiatives, and mobilizing the resources necessary to secure the long-term resilience of these critical ecosystems.
Key outcomes included a collaborative analysis of policy and institutional frameworks for seagrass conservation at national and regional levels, key challenges and gaps were identified, and future action points were discussed. As a result, the dialogue strengthened the momentum needed to safeguard seagrass ecosystems as critical components of sustainable development and climate resilience. More information
24th Annual Consultative Meeting on Large Marine Ecosystems and Coastal Partners
Over 80 representatives from Large Marine Ecosystem (LME) and coastal projects, including from COBSEA, gathered in Athens, Greece, during 14-16 May for the 24th Annual Consultation Meeting of LME and Coastal Partners (LME24). The event brought together a diverse group of professionals, from marine scientists and coastal managers to biodiversity and climate experts, as well as representatives from national governments and the private sector across the globe.
Sustainable Ocean Initiative (SOI) Intersessional Workshop
The Intersessional Workshop of the Sustainable Ocean Initiative (SOI) Global Dialogue with Regional Seas Organizations and Regional Fishery Bodies took place on June 7-8, 2025, in Théoule-sur-Mer, France. This workshop, part of the larger SOI Global Dialogue, focused on enhancing cross-sectoral regional cooperation and coordination in ocean management. Key participants included representatives from the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), the French Biodiversity Agency, the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries of the Republic of Korea, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN (FAO), and the UN Environment Programme (UNEP). On 7 June 2025, the Sustainable Ocean Initiative (SOI) workshop opened in Theoule-sur-Mer, France, with welcoming remarks from the city’s mayor and representatives from the CBD Secretariat. The workshop gathered regional and national stakeholders to strengthen capacity for implementing ecosystem-based approaches to marine biodiversity conservation. The event supports the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF), with emphasis on MPAs, connectivity, and cooperation across sectors and levels of governance.
Regional workshop on Green List and OECMs and technical working group meeting on MPAs
COBSEA joined the CT6 regional workshop on IUCN Green List and OECM (MPA 101) from 30 June to 3 July, and CTI-CFF Marine Protected Area (MPA) Technical Working Group Meeting on 4 July, co-organized by the CTI-CFF, IUCN, Coral Triangle Center, together with the Solutions for Marine and Coastal Resilience in the Coral Triangle (SOMACORE) programme, joined by MPA managers, representatives from national governments, and Partners. The training workshop aimed to strengthen regional understanding and capacity around MPA using the IUCN Green List as the framework for understanding and application as a diagnostic analysis tool. During the meeting, COBSEA presented the "The East Asian Seas Regional Collaborative Network of MPAs" by highlighting the connected, harmonized, and institutionalized regional seascape approach for the MPA Network by leveraging existing institutions, platforms, and tools in the region.
Green Fins National Workshop for Indonesia
In collaboration with The Reef-World Foundation and the Coral Triangle Center, COBSEA held the Green Fins National Workshop on 18-19 February 2025 in Jakarta, Indonesia to promote sustainable diving and snorkeling practices, to increase uptake of the Green Fins standards at national and local level and report on the finding of the project to motivate participation. Green Fins is a global UNEP initiative that accredits good business practices of scuba dive tourism operators. The workshop brought together government agencies and marine tourism stakeholders to develop a national roadmap for Green Fins implementation, aiming to expand activities, build capacity, and reduce tourism-related impacts on coral reefs across Indonesia.
UPCOMING EVENTS
- Second part of the Fifth Session (INC-5.2), 5-14 August 2025, Geneva, Switzerland
- Third Meeting of the Working Group on Marine and Coastal Ecosystems (WGMCE-3), 13–14 August 2025, Iloilo, Philippines
- Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures (OECM) Knowledge Sharing and Exchange Workshop, 14–16 August 2025, Iloilo, Philippines
- Call for Applications: United Nations – The Nippon Foundation Fellowship Programme (2026 Session) | Deadline: 14 September 2025
- Regional Global Fund for Coral Reefs Workshop for the East Asian Seas and Pacific Islands: M&E and REEF+, October 2025, Bali, Indonesia
- UNEA-7 (8-12 Dec 2025, Nairobi)
- SEA of Solutions: Partnerships and Solutions for Plastic Pollution (15-17 Dec 2025, Bangkok)
- Task Force Meetings for Strengthening of COBSEA (Q3 2025 - Q4 2026)
Contact Us
UNEP-COBSEA, UN Environment Programme, United Nations Building Rajdamnern Nok Avenue, Bangkok 10200 Thailand
Email us: unep-cobsea@un.org
Image Credits:
Cover Photo: Diamond Beach, Nusa Penida, Klungkung Regency, Bali, Indonesia, Unsplash / Marine Litter: naja bertolt jensen, Indonesia, unsplash / Marine and Coastal Ecosystems: Milos Prelevic, Ko Lipe, Thailand, Unsplash / Upcoming Events: pexels-arist-creathrive-1183525-2937906, Nusa penida, Bali, Indonesia