Sustainable fishing, responsible waste management and ensuring the steady and clean supply of water were among the top subjects tackled by experts during the Ocean Talk and Sea Exchange discussions at the 2018 East Asia Seas (EAS) Congress in Iloilo City last week.
Blue economy, as a key to economic development and in safeguarding the health of marine and coastal ecosystems and communities, continuously gains attention in the international stage, including in the 2018 East Asia Seas Congress in Iloilo City last week.
Dale Galvin, RARE managing director of Sustainable Markets and Innovative Finance, discussed how irresponsible fishing practices, especially those being conducted by big firms, are greatly affecting the fishery sector’s supply and value chain on a global scale. He described this situation as a “tragedy of the commons” in which fishermen are left with fewer fish that are smaller and of lower quality.
Galvin also emphasized the urgency of “putting science in fishing” to effectively preserve and protect the oceans and marine species. He then explained the necessity of careful and effective ways of studying how ocean produce could be used in some value-added activities and investments. These wise investments must be done in the fishery sector to avoid inefficiency and waste in the industry.
Galvin also expressed optimism that, with businesses and also governments coming in through green bonds to invest in fishery-related industries, there is a chance that sustainable fishing would soon be achieved.
Meanwhile, Ruth Matthews, program manager of Water Governance Department of the Stockholm International Water Institute (SIWI), deliberated on how water insecurity could pose a three-pronged problem of social, economic and ecological issues.
Matthews cited growing affluence and economic development as key factors that are affecting water resources and supply in the East Asia region. She revealed that at least 4 billion people live in areas with water scarcity and that 3 in 10 people don’t have access to clean water even as 80 percent of global wastewater is discharged without being treated. Because of these and other related reasons, the water crisis was ranked as “high risk” by the World Economic Forum.
To address the situation, she proposed to efficiently use water resources, coupled with environmental protection and educating the people on how to utilize it.
Some 1,000 local and international delegates attended the 2018 EAS Congress, a triennial event widely recognized as a platform for dialogue, knowledge-exchange, strategic action, partnership building and cooperation in support of the region’s common vision of sustainable development of the Seas of East Asia. The theme for this year’s conference is “25 Years of Partnerships for Healthy Oceans, People and Economies: Moving as One with the Global Ocean Agenda.”
This is the second time that the Philippines, through the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, is hosting the congress in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme, Global Environment Facility, Partnerships in Environmental Management for the Seas of East Asia (Pemsea) and the provincial and city governments of Iloilo.
Environment Secretary Roy A. Cimatu said the EAS Congress is an “opportune time to strengthen partnerships in the region” through the sharing of initiatives and best practices on integrated coastal and river management that will help manage and protect marine life and promote a blue economy.”
Cimatu added that “a blue economy does not only consider business revenues. More importantly, it considers how the proper use and care of marine resources can provide employment and food security to many people.”
Pemsea Executive Director Aimee T. Gonzales emphasized the value of the EAS Congress to the Philippines. “This event is an avenue to demonstrate Philippine leadership and efforts in sustainable coastal and ocean development at the local and national level, and Philippine contributions to the UN SDGs,” she said.
Gonzales added that the EAS will enable the Philippines to share its initiatives, achievements and challenges through the conference sessions, and develop new partnership initiatives with delegates from within and outside the region. Since 63 percent of the attendees are international participants, the EAS can also contribute to the local economy and showcase the culture and islands of Iloilo and Guimaras.
Source Business Mirror