BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//IOC Sub-Commission for the Western Pacific (WESTPAC) - ECPv6.15.14//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-WR-CALNAME:IOC Sub-Commission for the Western Pacific (WESTPAC) X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://ioc-westpac.org X-WR-CALDESC:Events for IOC Sub-Commission for the Western Pacific (WESTPAC) REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:Asia/Krasnoyarsk BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+0700 TZOFFSETTO:+0700 TZNAME:+07 DTSTART:20210101T000000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:Asia/Shanghai BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+0800 TZOFFSETTO:+0800 TZNAME:CST DTSTART:20210101T000000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:Asia/Karachi BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+0500 TZOFFSETTO:+0500 TZNAME:PKT DTSTART:20230101T000000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Asia/Krasnoyarsk:20270420T080000 DTEND;TZID=Asia/Krasnoyarsk:20270423T170000 DTSTAMP:20260825T154724 CREATED:20251216T080645Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260609T043844Z UID:44019-1808208000-1808499600@ioc-westpac.org SUMMARY:12th WESTPAC International Marine Science Conference & 3rd UN Ocean Decade Regional Conference DESCRIPTION:“From Knowledge to Action: Connecting Science\, Policy\, and Society for a Resilient Western Pacific”\nManila\, the Philippines\, 20–23 April 2027\nCall for Proposals!\n\n\nAnnouncement\nCall for Proposals:Scientific Sessions\nCall for Proposals:Decade Action Incubators\nCall for Proposals:Decade Action Workshops\n \nFirst Announcement\nCall for Proposals for Scientific Sessions\, Decade Action Incubators & Decade Action Workshops\n\n\n \n Flyer of the First Announcement\n \n \n\nThe Government of the Philippines and the UNESCO/IOC[1] Sub-Commission for the Western Pacific (WESTPAC)\, together with a wide range of international and national partners\, are pleased to announce that the 12th WESTPAC International Marine Science Conference & the 3rd UN Ocean Decade Regional Conference will be held in Manila\, the Philippines\, on 20–23 April 2027. \nWe cordially invite interested Member States\, government agencies\, institutions\, and stakeholders to develop and submit proposals for Scientific Sessions\, Decade Action Incubators\, and Decade Action Workshops. Please refer to the detailed guidelines below. \nBackground \nCovering 70% of our planet\, the ocean is central to human well-being\, as it sustains life\, connects communities\, and supports global development. \nThe ocean\, seas\, and coasts of the Western Pacific hold exceptional ecological\, social\, and economic value. As one of the Earth’s major heat engines\, the region influences global climate and ocean circulation. It also harbors the world’s highest abundance and diversity of marine life\, sustaining livelihoods\, food security\, and economic growth across the region and far beyond. \nFor the hundreds of millions who rely on the ocean for food\, jobs\, safety\, and prosperity\, a healthy and resilient Western Pacific is not optional – it is essential. Safeguarding our ocean health and securing a sustainable future requires lasting\, collaborative\, science-based\, and innovative actions. \nSince its inception\, the UNESCO/IOC Sub-Commission for the Western Pacific (WESTPAC) has convened a triennial International Scientific Symposium[2] to advance ocean science\, foster multi- and cross-disciplinary collaboration\, and generate ocean knowledge for informed policy and management. Since 1986\, a total of eleven International Scientific Symposia (now known as the International Marine Science Conference) have been organized\, hosted on a rotational basis by Member States in the region. \nTo support the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021–2030)\, the Sub-Commission convened the UN Ocean Decade Regional Kick-off Conference for the Western Pacific and its adjacent areas (online\, 25–26 November 2021) and the 2nd UN Ocean Decade Regional Conference\, held in conjunction with the 11th WESTPAC International Marine Science Conference (22–25 April 2024\, Bangkok\, Thailand)\, generously hosted by the Government of Thailand through the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment and its Department of Marine and Coastal Resources. \nConference Objectives \nThe Conference seeks to bring together a wide range of ocean stakeholders\, including governments\, research communities and academia\, the private and business sector\, philanthropic foundations\, UN agencies\, NGOs\, and civil society to: \n\nPresent the latest developments in ocean science\, knowledge\, and innovations;\nShowcase and track achievements of UN Ocean Decade Actions in the region;\nCatalyze partnerships and concrete actions for transformative science-based solutions to sustainability challenges in the Western Pacific.\n\n\n\n\n \nCategory\nPurpose\nSubmission Deadline\nOnline Form\n\n\n1\nScientific Sessions\nTo present the latest developments in ocean science and knowledge\, and deepen understanding of the region’s ocean ecosystems and the impacts of climate and human activities. Each session will feature oral and poster presentations.\n31 May 2026 \nThe submission period has closed with more than 80 proposals received. The final consolidated list of Scientific Sessions will be announced soon for abstract submission.\n\nClick here \n \n\n\n\n2\nDecade Action Incubators\nDesigned for potential Decade programmes or projects to catalyze partnerships and initiate project development.\n15 August 2026\n\nClick here \n \n\n\n\n3\nDecade Action Workshops\nDesigned for already registered and endorsed UN Ocean Decade Actions\, particularly those focused on the region\, to review progress\, strengthen partnerships\, and discuss plans of action for the next phase.\n15 August 2026\n\nClick here \n \n\n\n\n\n[1] Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO \n\n[2] Renamed the WESTPAC International Marine Science Conference in 2014 to reflect the significant growth in participation \nCall for Proposals: Scientific Sessions\nDeadline for submission: 31 May 2026\nThe submission period has closed with more than 80 proposals received. The final consolidated list of Scientific Sessions will be announced soon for abstract submission.\n \n Submit proposal\n \n \nWe invite interested government agencies\, institutions\, and stakeholder groups to propose Scientific Sessions to be held during the Conference. Proposed Scientific Sessions should address the following priority issues of Member States in the region: \n\nOcean processes and climate change;\nMarine biodiversity conservation\, seafood security\, and blue economy;\nOcean and human health;\nMarine disaster risk reduction and mitigation;\nKnowledge for emerging ocean issues\, and cross-cutting themes such as ocean literacy and capacity development\n\nScientific Sessions provide a platform to present\, share\, and exchange the latest scientific knowledge\, identify knowledge gaps\, and\, where feasible\, explore transformative ocean science solutions for sustainable ocean and livelihoods in the region. Normally each session consists of oral and poster presentations. \nResponsibilities of Scientific Session Convener(s): \nIf the proposal is accepted\, the Convener(s) of each Scientific Session will be responsible for: \n\nSession organization and delivery: Plan\, coordinate\, and oversee the execution of the session in close consultation with the Conference Secretariat;\nSession promotion: Encourage broad participation and identify potential co-sponsors with similar interest to support the session;\nAbstract review: Review submitted abstracts for relevance and quality\, edit accepted abstracts as needed;\nSelection of presentations: Assign oral and poster presentations\, identify backup oral presentations from accepted posters\, and develop the session programme;\nCommunication: Liaise with authors for clarification or confirmation of participation;\nSession reporting: Prepare a brief report summarizing key outcomes and recommendations after the session.\n\nContact: \nFor any inquiries\, please email  iocwestpac@unesco.org and iocwestpac2027@gmail.com\, with a subject line of “Scientific Session proposal inquiry”. \nCall for proposals: Decade Action Incubators\nDeadline for submission: 15 August 2026\n \n Submit proposal\n \n \nWe invite interested government agencies\, institutions\, and stakeholder groups to submit proposals for Decade Action Incubators to be convened during the Conference. \nThe Decade Action Incubator serves as an interactive forum to catalyze partnerships\, strengthen dialogue between ocean knowledge generators and knowledge users\, initiate co-designing processes\, facilitate the development of potential Decade programmes[1] or Decade projects[2]. Proposals are encouraged to consider cross-cutting topics including capacity development and supporting Early Career Ocean Professionals (ECOPs). Each Incubator will run for a maximum of three hours. \nThe proposed Decade Action Incubator shall address one or more of the ten UN Ocean Decade Challenges as follows[3]: 1) Understand and beat marine pollution\, 2) Protect and restore ecosystems and biodiversity\, 3) Sustainably nourish the global population\, 4) Develop a sustainable\, resilient and equitable ocean economy\, 5) Unlock ocean-based solutions to climate change\, 6) Increase community resilience to ocean and coastal risks\, 7) Sustainably expand the Global Ocean Observing System\, 8) Create a digital representation of the ocean\, 9) Skills\, knowledge\, technology and participation for all\, and 10) Restore society’s relationship with the ocean. \nSelection criteria for Decade Action Incubator \nEach proposal will be evaluated on both the quality of the Incubator session and the potential of the proposed Decade Action. \nThe basic criteria for selection include the following: \n\nAlignment with the vision and mission of the UN Ocean Decade\, and contribution to the identified outcomes and challenges of the UN Ocean Decade;\nGeneration of transformative ocean science in comparison to what has been done before;\nPromotion of multidisciplinary\, solution-oriented approach;\nEngagement of broad stakeholders\, and promotion of their interactions and actions;\nConsideration given to gender balance and geographic representation in the choice of speakers and panelists.\n\nResponsibilities of the Incubator Convener(s) \nThe Incubator Convener(s) will be responsible for the following: \n\nIdentifying co-conveners\, speakers and panelists;\nInviting participants from Member States\, key groups and other relevant stakeholders;\nDeveloping and submitting the draft programme to the Conference Secretariat before the deadline of 10 January 2027;\nWorking closely with the Conference Secretariat on logistical arrangements\, including room allocation and audiovisual setup for the execution of the Incubator;\nPreparing a brief report summarizing key outcomes and recommendations after the Incubator.\n\nContact: \nFor any inquiries\, please email  iocwestpac@unesco.org\, and iocwestpac2027@gmail.com\, with a subject line of “Decade Action Incubator inquiry”. \n[1]A Decade programme is typically global or regional in scale and will contribute to the achievement of one or more of the Ocean Decade Challenges. It is long-term (multi-year)\, interdisciplinary and will consist of component projects\, and potentially enabling activities. More information is available at https://oceandecade.org/decade-actions/ \n[2]A Decade project is a discrete and focused undertaking. It may be regional\, national or sub-national and it will typically contribute to an identified Decade programmed. More information is available at https://oceandecade.org/decade-actions/ \n[3]More information about the 10 UN Ocean Decade Challenges is available at: https://oceandecade.org/challenges/ \nCall for proposals: Decade Action Workshops\nDeadline for submission: 15 August 2026\n \n Submit proposal\n \n \nWe invite interested government agencies\, institutions\, and stakeholder groups to submit proposals for Decade Action Workshops to be held during the Conference. \nThe Decade Action Workshops will allow those already registered or endorsed UN Ocean Decade Actions (Decade Programmes and Decade Projects)\, particularly those focused on the region\, to bring together Action partners\, review their development progress\, catalyze new partnerships\, and discuss plans of action over the next phase. \nResponsibilities of Decade Action Workshop Convener(s): \nThe convener of the Workshop will be responsible for the following: \n\nInviting the partners of Decade Action to participate in the workshop;\nIdentifying and inviting participants from Member States\, and relevant stakeholder groups;\nDeveloping and submitting the draft workshop programme to the Conference Secretariat before the deadline of 10 January 2027;\nPromoting and encouraging engagement in the workshop;\nWorking closely with the Conference Secretariat on logistical arrangements\, including room allocation and audiovisual setup for the execution of the workshop;\nPreparing a brief report summarizing key outcomes and recommendations after the workshop.\n\nContact: \nFor any inquiries\, please email  iocwestpac@unesco.org\, and iocwestpac2027@gmail.com\, with a subject line of “Decade Action Workshop inquiry”. \nImportant Dates\n\n\n\n31 May 2026\nDeadline for Scientific Session proposal submissionsThe submission period has closed with more than 80 proposals received. The final consolidated list of Scientific Sessions will be announced soon for abstract submission.\n\n\n15 June 2026\n\nOpening date for: \n\nConference registration\nScientific Session abstract submissions\nECOP Travel Grant application\nECOP Best Oral & Poster Presentation Award application\n\n\n\n\n15 August 2026\nDeadline for submission of Decade Action Incubator & Decade Action Workshop proposals\n\n\n15 November 2026\n\nDeadline for: \n\nScientific Session abstract submissions\nECOP Travel Grant application\nECOP Best Oral & Poster Presentation Award application\n\n\n\n\n15 December 2026\nNotification of scientific session abstract acceptance and ECOP Travel Grant results\n\n\n\nConference Secretariat Contact\nIOC Sub-Commission for the Western Pacific (WESTPAC):IOC Sub-Commission for the Western Pacific (WESTPAC)Decade Coordination Office for the Western Pacific and Adjacent AreasIntergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCOEmail: iocwestpac@unesco.org \nHost country secretariat contact:UNESCO National Commission of the PhilippinesEmail: unacom@dfa.gov.ph; iocwestpac2027@gmail.com URL:https://ioc-westpac.org/event/imsc12/ LOCATION:Manila\, Manila\, Philippines ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ioc-westpac.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/main-scaled.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Asia/Krasnoyarsk:20260720T090000 DTEND;TZID=Asia/Krasnoyarsk:20260722T170000 DTSTAMP:20260825T154724 CREATED:20260603T084625Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260625T155026Z UID:48291-1784538000-1784739600@ioc-westpac.org SUMMARY:In-Person Training: Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) Regional Training Workshop for the East Asian Seas DESCRIPTION:Bangkok\, Thailand\, 20 – 22 July 2026\n\nOverview\n \nIntroduction \nMarine Spatial Planning (MSP) has gaining increasing attention from Member States in the Western Pacific\, as an effective process to support policy-makers and stakeholders in making informed and coordinated decisions about how to use marine spaces and resources sustainably. \nIn 2022\,  the IOC Sub-Commission for the Western Pacific (WESTPAC) launched the United Nations Ocean Decade Action 21: Accelerating Marine Spatial Planning in the Western Pacific in 2022. More importantly\, Member States in the region adopted the Action Framework for Accelerating Marine Spatial Planning in the Western Pacific and its Adjacent Areas (2025-2030)\, representing a collective commitment to advancing MSP for boosting a sustainable blue economy and fulfilling both national and international ocean-related commitments. \nAmong other efforts\, this in-person training aims to strengthen national and regional capacity for MSP in the East Asian Seas. The activity is a joint initiative\, and the WESTPAC is pleased to co-organize this event together with our partners: IW:LEARN\, MSPglobal\, the South China Sea and Gulf of Thailand Strategic Action Programme (SCS-SAP) Project\, and the UNEP Coordinating Body on the Seas of East Asia (COBSEA). \nWorkshop objectives \nThe in-person training workshop aims to: \n\nStrengthen the understanding and capacities on MSP concepts\, processes\, and practical implementation approaches\, as a way to help accelerate the implementation of MSP in the region;\nEnhance awareness on existing national and regional MSP mechanisms and their linkages to global frameworks;\nTrain participants on the application of the newly developed practical approach to integrate MSP and sustainable blue economy into the TDA/SAP process implemented at the scale of the LMEs.\n\nThe training workshop includes three parts: \n\nThe first part covers the fundamentals of MSP\, including interactive sessions using the MSP Challenge board game adapted to specific regional needs.\nThe second part focuses on practical ways to integrate MSP and sustainable blue economy approaches into the transboundary diagnostic analysis/strategic action programme (TDA/SAP) process used by Large Marine Ecosystem (LME) programmes\, based on a new practical approach developed with the support of GRID-Arendal.\nThe third part explores how MSP links to global and regional frameworks. Countries will also have the opportunity to share their experiences and approaches\, followed by examples of technical support provided to countries.\n\nWorkshop participants \nThe training will bring together participants from Global Environment Facility (GEF) International Waters (IW) projects\, national authorities and supporting institutions engaged in MSP initiatives\, regional organizations\, representatives of government and academia. URL:https://ioc-westpac.org/event/in-person-training-marine-spatial-planning-msp-regional-training-workshop-for-the-east-asian-seas/ LOCATION:Bangkok\, Thailand ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ioc-westpac.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Picture_msp.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Asia/Shanghai:20260713T080000 DTEND;TZID=Asia/Shanghai:20260717T170000 DTSTAMP:20260825T154724 CREATED:20260418T144334Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260601T051929Z UID:47387-1783929600-1784307600@ioc-westpac.org SUMMARY:In-Person Training: Building Capacity on Biodiversity-Inclusive and Climate-Smart MSP and Area-Based Management for ABNJ DESCRIPTION:Busan\, Republic of Korea\, 13–17 July 2026\n\nOverview\nProgram & Documents\n \nIntroduction \nThis in-person training is a joint initiative aiming to enhance national and regional capacity for marine spatial planning (MSP) with tools applied to areas within and beyond national jurisdiction\, including ecosystem-based and climate-resilient approaches\, and area-based management methodologies and processes. \nThis training course is jointly organized by the IOC (in support of the MSPglobal\, Ocean Decade Capacity Development Facility\, OceanTeacher Global Academy\, and IOC Sub-Commission for the Western Pacific (WESTPAC)) in collaboration with the Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology (KIOST). \nThe training includes two parts: \nPart 1:  Regional training on Biodiversity Inclusive and Climate Smart Marine Spatial Planning for Asia and Pacific\, 13 to 14 July 2026 \nA 2-day course aiming to strengthen the capacity of MSP practitioners and decision-makers to integrate biodiversity conservation\, climate adaptation and mitigation\, and inclusive governance into planning processes. Building on the MSPglobal International Guide and its complementary volumes on Biodiversity-Inclusive and Climate-Smart MSP \, the course combines conceptual alignment with hands-on application. Participants will develop a shared understanding of ecosystem-based and climate-resilient planning principles\, explore the implications of biodiversity loss and climate change for marine management\, and examine policy alignment and inclusive governance approaches. Through interactive exercises and a simulated MSP process\, they will learn how to apply these principles across all phases of the MSP cycle from scoping and assessment to plan development\, implementation\, monitoring\, and adaptive management. \nPart 2: Applying Marine Spatial Planning Tools to Area-Based Management in Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (ABNJ) for Asia and Pacific\, 15 to 17 July 2026 \nThis 3-day training equips practitioners working in MSP or MPA management\, ocean governance\, conservation\, management\, and related fields with the frameworks and practical knowledge needed to design Area-Based Management Tool (ABMT) proposals in Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (ABNJ) under the BBNJ Agreement. Building on the MSPglobal International Guide on Marine Spatial Planning\, the course bridges established MSP methodologies with the scientific and technical requirements of BBNJ governance and operationalization\, exploring how biodiversity\, climate\, and equity — including the integration of traditional knowledge of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLCs) — apply in ABNJ contexts. \n*Note that self-sponsored participants may choose or be selected to participate in only one or both parts of the training. Participants who receive sponsorship from the organization must attend both parts.  \nWorkshop objectives \nPart 1 of the training aims to: \n\nStrengthen participants’ understanding of biodiversity-inclusive and climate-smart principles across the different phases of the marine spatial planning (MSP) process;\nSupport participants in identifying entry points for integrating biodiversity\, climate\, and equity considerations throughout the MSP cycle;\nEnhance capacities to design and facilitate stakeholder engagement processes that promote inclusive and equitable marine governance;\nImprove participants’ ability to communicate MSP strategies effectively to diverse audiences and stakeholders;\nEncourage engagement in regional and global communities of practice on biodiversity-inclusive and climate-smart MSP.\n\nPart 2 of the training aims to: \n\nProvide an understanding of the scientific and technical requirements for area-based management tool (ABMT) proposals under the BBNJ Agreement\, including relevant methodologies;\nClarify key components of biodiversity-inclusive and climate-smart spatial planning in the context of ABNJ governance;\nStrengthen knowledge on the use of MSP-based analysis to support ABMT proposals\, including the integration of global spatial datasets on biodiversity\, human activities\, and climate;\nRaise awareness of the implications of data gaps for spatial decision-making and ABMT design and implementation;\nSupport participants in assessing how MSP spatial analysis approaches can be applied in their own national or regional contexts\, including identifying relevant data sources\, governance actors\, and potential constraints.\n\nWorkshop participants \nThis training is designed for practitioners working in marine spatial planning (MSP)\, ocean governance\, or related fields — particularly those involved in MSP processes or BBNJ implementation at national or regional levels\, including the design and application of area-based management tools (ABMTs) in ABNJ. \nList of eligible countries for the open call for participation: Cook Islands\, Fiji\, Kiribati\, Maldives\, Marshall Islands\, Micronesia (Federated States of)\, Nauru\, Niue\, Palau\, Papua New Guinea\, Samoa\, Solomon Islands\, Timor-Leste\, Torkelau\, Tonga\, Tuvalu\, and Vanuatu. \n*Note remaining part of the available places will be dedicated to direct contact invitations issued by WESTPAC to its Member States. \nAssessment & certificate \nThis training will include pre-and-post self-assessments\, and a final assignment report. \n*Note that the preparation online courses suggested in the pre-requisites have a different assessment rationale\, and certificate of completion. \nTo receive a Certificate of Completion\, for each part of the training course\, participants shall: \n\n\nFully attend to the in-person sessions \n\n\n\n\nEngage and complete every proposed training activity \n\n\n\n\nSuccessfully complete the report assignment \n\n\n\n\n\n1.\nAgenda URL:https://ioc-westpac.org/event/in-person-training-building-capacity-on-biodiversity-inclusive-and-climate-smart-msp-and-area-based-management-for-abnj/ LOCATION:Busan\, South Korea\, Busan ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ioc-westpac.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/ABNJ.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Asia/Shanghai:20260622T080000 DTEND;TZID=Asia/Shanghai:20260624T170000 DTSTAMP:20260825T154724 CREATED:20260316T084704Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260601T052008Z UID:46056-1782115200-1782320400@ioc-westpac.org SUMMARY:International Training Workshop on Environmental DNA (eDNA) Applications in Marine Biodiversity Monitoring and Assessment DESCRIPTION:Chonburi\, Thailand\, 22–24 June 2026\n  \n\nOverview\nProgram & Documents\nOnline Registration/Application Form\n\n \nBackground\n \nMarine and coastal ecosystems\, including coral reefs\, seagrass meadows\, mangroves\, and coastal wetlands\, harbor exceptionally high levels of species richness and endemism\, providing significant resources and services for both wildlife and people. However\, marine biodiversity and ecosystem health are increasingly threatened by intensifying human pressures and climate change. To design and implement effective conservation and management measures and to ensure their long-term effectiveness\, our ability to monitor marine biodiversity and measure its change over a range of spatial and temporal scales is essential. Yet conventional approaches to marine biodiversity monitoring are labor-intensive\, and difficult to scale across the extensive and often remote coastline of many countries. \nEnvironmental DNA (eDNA) has emerged as an innovative approach for detecting species from genetic material shed into the environment\, providing a cost-effective and scalable complement to conventional monitoring methods. Despite some limitations of eDNA methods\, such as gaps in regional barcode libraries\, eDNA-based biodiversity monitoring is developing rapidly and progressively being applied to support evidence-based marine ecosystem management and conservation decision-making. \nIn response to the increasing needs of Member States in the region\, the IOC Sub-Commission for the Western Pacific (WESTPAC) convened its first ever eDNA workshop in the region\, 27-29 November 2023\, which stimulated strong interest and initiated pilot applications in several countries in the region. \n \nBuilding on its positive outcomes\, and with the generous support of the Thai National Commission for UNESCO and Ministry of Education (Thailand)\, the IOC Sub-Commission for the Western Pacific (WESTPAC)\, in partnership with the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (Thailand)\, Mahidol University (Thailand)\, Kasetsart University (Thailand)\, Yunnan University (China)\, and Nanjing University (China) will organize the second eDNA training workshop in Chonburi Province\, Thailand\, from 22 to 24 June 2026\, to further enhance technical capacity and the application of environmental DNA (eDNA) for marine biodiversity monitoring and assessment. \nObjectives\n \nThe workshop aims to: \n\nDevelop a common understanding among Member States of the current status\, opportunities\, and challenges of eDNA monitoring\, analysis\, and applications.\nEnhance the research and technical capacity to apply eDNA methods for marine biodiversity monitoring\, analysis\, and assessment.\nFacilitate knowledge transfer and the exchange of practical experience on eDNA methods.\nStrengthen partnerships and networks and explore opportunities for co-developing collaborative initiatives using eDNA monitoring to support marine ecosystem management in the region.\n\nContents of the training workshop \nThis technical training workshop will consist of keynotes\, theoretical lectures\, professional field-based sampling exercises\, practical laboratory demonstrations\, and plenary discussions\, covering: \n\nBackground concepts\, developments\, and applications of environmental DNA (eDNA) methods\, including associated technical and operational challenges.\neDNA sampling design\, field collection\, sample processing\, DNA extraction\, and PCR-based workflows.\nConsiderations for eDNA laboratory setup\, contamination control\, and quality assurance.\nDNA barcode reference databases for marine organisms\, including national and international initiatives and approaches to reference library development.\nInterpretation\, reporting\, and application of eDNA results for marine biodiversity monitoring and analysis\n\nExpected outputs \n\nImproved understanding of eDNA monitoring principles and workflows\, including sampling design\, sample processing\, laboratory setup\, DNA extraction\, PCR amplification\, sequencing\, bioinformatics analysis\, data archiving\, and interpretation to support marine ecosystem management.\nEnhanced technical capacity and institutional partnerships among participating institutions with concrete joint initiative(s) co-developed to advance eDNA monitoring in the region.\n\nVenue \nThe training workshop will take place in Sri Racha\, Chonburi Province\, Thailand. \nThe Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR) will provide the necessary meeting and lab facilities for the training workshop\, including a lecture room\, labs equipped for the primary preparation and preservation of samples prior to further processing. \nTentative programme \nThe three-day workshop will include\, but will not be limited to\, the following sessions\, with the detailed programme to be finalized in due course. \nSession 1:Setting the context and workshop objectives \nSession 2:Introduction to eDNA and its applications in marine biodiversity monitoring and analysis\, including opportunities and limitations \nSession 3:eDNA sampling design\, field collection\, and sample processing \nSession 4:eDNA laboratory workflow and contamination control: from sample to amplified DNA ready for sequencing \nSession 5:eDNA data analysis and interpretation: from sequences to species \nSession 6:eDNA reference databases for marine organisms \nSession 7:National status\, experience\, and capacity needs \nSession 8:Hands-on demonstration\, including field sampling\, filtration and preservation\, contamination control\, laboratory preparation\, DNA extraction and amplification \nSession 9:Brainstorming session: the way forward \nSession 10:Wrap-up and closing \nQualifications of participants \nThe training workshop is intended for government agencies and researcher institutions in WESTPAC Member States that are responsible for marine biodiversity monitoring and conservation\, including those for MPA management. \nParticipants should: \n\nHave a background in marine science\, biology\, ecology\, molecular biology\, MPAs management\, or a related discipline.\nPossess basic knowledge of marine ecosystems and biodiversity concepts.\nBe currently engaged in marine biodiversity monitoring or biological laboratory work.\nBe nominated by relevant government agencies\, research institutes\, universities\, or conservation organizations.\nDemonstrate a strong willingness to collaborate and the capacity to apply and disseminate the knowledge and skills acquired;\nHave a good command of English.\n\nApplication \nInterested applicants are required to complete the Online Registration/Application Form as early as possible\, preferably by 5 April 2026. \nAs funding for international travel is limited\, participants are encouraged to attend the workshops on a self-funded or partially self-funded basis. A limited amount of funding is available to support selected participants with priority given to those from developing countries in the region. \nApplicants requesting travel support are also required to submit (i) a CV and (ii) a nomination letter from his/her institution. These documents should be sent by email to iocwestpac@unesco.org with the subject line: “CV and Nomination Letter – Training Workshop on Marine eDNA Applications”\, by 5 April 2026. \nSelection will be based primarily on the following criteria: \n\nRelevance of the applicant’s professional background and current work to marine biodiversity monitoring and conservation;\nResearch experience or technical engagement related to marine science\, ecology\, molecular biology\, or environmental monitoring;\nPotential to apply the acquired knowledge and skills in national or institutional programmes;\nInstitutional support\, as indicated by the nomination letter;\nPrevious engagement with WESTPAC or other related international programmes\, where applicable.\n\nUpdated information about the training workshop will be made available in due course on the related WESTPAC webpage. \nContact points \nDepartment of Marine and Coastal Resources\, Thailand \nMs Vararin Vongpanich \nEmail: khunvara@yahoo.com \nPraderm Unthayanmanee \nEmail: auppree@hotmail.com \nIOC Sub-Commission for the Western Pacific (WESTPAC) & \n UN Ocean Decade Coordination Office for the Western Pacific \nIntergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO \nMs Nachapa Saransuth \nEmail: iocwestpac@unesco.org \nContact points \nMs Nachapa Saransuth \nEmail: iocwestpac@unesco.org \nIOC Sub-Commission for the Western Pacific (WESTPAC) & \nUN Ocean Decade Coordination Office for the Western Pacific \nIntergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO \nMs Vararin Vongpanich & Praderm Unthayanmanee \nEmail: khunvara@yahoo.com; auppree@hotmail.com \nDepartment of Marine and Coastal Resources\, Thailand \nImportant Links \n\nOnline Registration Form\n\n\n\n\n1.\nConcept note (pdf) URL:https://ioc-westpac.org/event/training-workshop-on-environmental-dna-edna-applications-in-marine-biodiversity-monitoring-and-assessment/ LOCATION:Chonburi\, Thailand ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ioc-westpac.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/eDNA_web-scaled.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260204 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260207 DTSTAMP:20260825T154724 CREATED:20260109T065748Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260109T072641Z UID:45275-1770163200-1770422399@ioc-westpac.org SUMMARY:WPI-AIMEC and Nature Positive Core Joint Symposium on the UN Ocean Decade Actions: COSMEC and ANEMONE Global DESCRIPTION:Tokyo\, Japan\, 4–6 February 2026\n\nOverview \nIntroduction \nClimate change and intensifying human activities are driving rapid and profound transformations in marine ecosystems across the global ocean\, threatening biodiversity\, ecosystem services\, fisheries\, and the livelihoods of coastal communities worldwide. These impacts are increasingly complex\, operating across multiple spatial and temporal scales\, and require coordinated scientific efforts that link global observations with regional and local understanding. \nAt the same time\, there is growing recognition that sustaining ocean health demands not only conservation\, but also science-based and nature-positive approaches that improve the ability to observe\, understand\, and anticipate marine ecosystem change. Addressing these interconnected challenges calls for advanced\, interdisciplinary\, and internationally coordinated ocean observations\, data integration\, and capacity development\, spanning physical\, biogeochemical\, and biological dimensions of the ocean. \nIn this context\, this joint symposium\, hosted by WPI-AIMEC\, WPI\, the Nature Positive Sustainable Development Hub\, and ANEMONE\, is held within the framework of the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021–2030) and under the auspices of the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO\, and its Sub-Commission for the Western Pacific (WESTPAC). The symposium brings together two UN Ocean Decade Actions — COSMEC\, \, which advances integrated ecosystem observations in the Northwest Pacific\, and ANEMONE Global\, which promotes globally coordinated eDNA-based biodiversity monitoring — highlighting their complementary roles in strengthening ocean observation\, ecosystem understanding\, and capacity development from regional to global scales. \nDate and Venue \n\n4 February 2026: COSMEC International Steering Group Meeting (closed meeting)\n5 February 2026: COSMEC and ANEMONE Global Joint Symposium (open symposium)\n6 February 2026: ANEMONE Global Symposium (open symposium)\n\nFormat \n\n\nHybrid (onsite and online) \n\nOn-site venue: Muromachi Mitsui Hall & Conference\, Nihonbashi\, Tokyo\nOnline: Zoom (Registration deadline: Monday\, 2 February 2026\, 12:00 PM JST)\n\n\n\nLanguage \n\nEnglish (simultaneous Japanese interpretation available on 5 and 6 February)\n\nFlyer URL:https://ioc-westpac.org/event/wpi-aimec-and-nature-positive-core-joint-symposium-on-the-un-ocean-decade-actions-cosmec-and-anemone-global/ LOCATION:Tokyo\, Japan ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ioc-westpac.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/events_title-e1767943582266.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Asia/Shanghai:20260128T080000 DTEND;TZID=Asia/Shanghai:20260130T170000 DTSTAMP:20260825T154724 CREATED:20251218T034245Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251219T043603Z UID:45197-1769587200-1769792400@ioc-westpac.org SUMMARY:Expanded WESTPAC Advisory Group Strategic Consultative Meeting 2026 DESCRIPTION:Penang\, Malaysia\, 28-30 January 2026\n\n\n\n\n Overview\n Agenda\n The IOC Sub-Commission for the Western Pacific (WESTPAC) will convene its expanded Advisory Group (AG) Strategic Consultative Meeting 2026 in person from 28 to 30 January 2026 in Penang\, Malaysia\, kindly hosted by the Centre for Marine and Coastal Studies (CEMACS)\, Universiti Sains Malaysia.The meeting will bring together WESTPAC AG members\, invited experts\, and government officials from IOC Member States in the region to review recent developments within IOC and the broader international ocean governance landscape\, and to hold strategic discussions on priorities for the coming period. Key themes will include advancing marine science and regional cooperation\, sustainable ocean planning and management\, capacity development\, and ocean literacy\, in response to the evolving needs and expectations of Member States.In addition\, the meeting will address detailed preparations for the 12th WESTPAC International Marine Science Conference and the 3rd Ocean Decade Regional Conference\, scheduled for April 2027 and to be hosted by the Government of the Philippines\, through its Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the UNESCO National Commission of the Philippines (UNACOM). Discussions will focus on the current status of preparations and on related technical and administrative arrangements\, with a view to ensuring timely coordination and effective delivery of this flagship regional event. \n0900-1730\, Wednesday 28 January 2026\, Gurney Bay Hotel \n\n\n\n1\nOpening and greetings\n\n\n2\nAdoption of agenda\n\n\n3\nIOC’s recent movement since the 33rd Session of the IOC Assembly (June 2025\, Paris\, France)\n\n\n \n3.1\nIOC Results Framework\, and Implementation Plan for the IOC Medium Term Strategy (2022-2029)\n\n\n \n3.2\nIOC Open-ended Intersessional Financial Advisory Group (IFAG) and the IOC Biennium Program and Budget 2026-2027\n\n\n \n3.3\nIOC WGs on BBNJ\, Capacity Development\, and Ocean Literacy\n\n\n \n3.4\nIODE and GOOS reform\n\n\n \n3.5\nDraft IOC Communication Strategy\n\n\n4\nUN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030)\n\n\n \n4.1\nUNESCO Mid-term Evaluation on the UN Ocean Decade\n\n\n \n4.2\nBrief review on the WESTPAC led UN Decade Actions\n\n\n \n \n4.2.1\nUN-21: Accelerate Marine Spatial Planning in the Western Pacific and its Adjacent Areas\n\n\n \n \n4.2.2\nUN-22: Stem the tide of Asia’s riverine plastic emission into the ocean\n\n\n \n \n4.2.3\nUN-23: Accelerating transformations in capacity development in the Western Pacific – Regional Network of Training and Research Centers (RTRCs) on Marine Science\n\n\n \n \n4.2.4\nUN-24: Explore the strongest ocean current in the Western Pacific: the 2nd Cooperative Study of Kuroshio and Adjacent Regions – from its sciences to human well beings\n\n\n \n \n4.2.5\nUN-39: Ocean Solutions in the East Asian Seas\n\n\n \n \n4.2.6\nUN-42: WESTPAC Triennial International Marine Science Conference (Contribution)\n\n\n \n \n4.2.7\nUN-46: Collaborations for the Northwest Pacific Marine Ecosystem Prediction (COSMEC\, 2025-2030)\n\n\n\n0900-1730\, Thursday 29 January 2026\, Gurney Bay Hotel \n\n\n\n5\nImplementation status of the WESTPAC-XV decisions and resource mobilization \n\n\n\n5.1\nOpen-ended Intersessional Task Force on Ocean Literacy\n\n\n\n5.2\nOpen-ended Intersessional Task Force on BBNJ\n\n\n\n5.3\nWorking Group on Seagrass Research\, Conservation\, and Restoration (2025-2028)\n\n\n\n5.4\nWorking Group on Blue Carbon Ecosystem Restoration with an initial focus on mangrove (2025-2028)\n\n\n\n5.5\nProject: Methane Fluxes and their Impacts on Climate and Ecosystem in the Indo-Pacific Region (2025-2029)\n\n\n\n5.6\nResource mobilization (UNESCO/JFIT Ocean Literacy for Journalists\, eCORE-SEAS)\n\n\n6\nPreparations toward the 12th WESTPAC International Marine Science Conference & 3rd UN Ocean Decade Regional Conference (20-23 April 2027\, Manila\, the Philippines)\n\n\n\n6.1\nBrief on recommendations from the last Conference (22-25 April 2024\, Bangkok)\n\n\n\n6.2\nBrief on the preparation of the Ocean Decade Global Conference 2027 (7-9 April 2025\, Rio de Janeiro\, Brazil)\n\n\n\n6.3\nPreparations of the 12th WESTPAC International Marine Science Conference & 3rd UN Ocean Decade Regional Conference (20-23 April 2027\, Manila\, the Philippines)\n\n\n\n1000-1730\, Friday 30 January 2026\, Gurney Bay Hotel \n\n\n\n7\nRescheduling of the 16th Intergovernmental Session of the Sub-Commission from April 2027 to Oct-November 2026\n\n\n\n7.1\nTentative agenda\n\n\n\n7.2\nPreparations of the Biennial Program and Budget (2028-2029)\n\n8\nBrief review of other programmes\, projects\, and WGs than UN Ocean Decade Actions\n\n\n9\nBrainstorming on what we shall further develop \n\n\n10\nDate and Venue for the next Intergovernmental Session (Oct-Nov 2026)\n\n\n11\nDate and Venue for the next Advisory Group meeting\n\n\n12\nClosure URL:https://ioc-westpac.org/event/ag2026/ LOCATION:Penang\, Malaysia ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ioc-westpac.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/shutterstock_2521694091.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20251124 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20251129 DTSTAMP:20260825T154724 CREATED:20251114T034630Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260209T035133Z UID:43709-1763942400-1764374399@ioc-westpac.org SUMMARY:Small Island Research and Development (SIRaD) International Training Workshop on Remote Sensing for Marine Environment Mapping DESCRIPTION:Jakarta\, Indonesia\, 24–28 November 2025\n\n\n\n\n Overview \nIntroduction \nThe sustainability of small islands is vital to preserving marine biodiversity\, cultural heritage\, and the blue economy. Over the past two-decades\, rapid economic growth across the Western Pacific\, driven by tourism\, fisheries\, aquaculture\, and extractive industries\, has yielded development benefits but also intensified environmental pressures. Due to their remoteness\, limited resources\, and heightened exposure to natural hazards and climate change\, small islands remain highly vulnerable and require science-based solutions to advance their sustainable development. \nRecognizing these complex and interlinked challenges\, the IOC Sub-Commission for the Western Pacific (WESTPAC) established the Small Island Research and Development (SIRaD) Working Group in 2023\, to foster interdisciplinary research\, promote community engagement\, and enhance national capacity to support the sustainable development of small islands. \nIn this context\, the Sub-Commission\, in collaboration with the Korea-Indonesia Marine Technology Cooperation Research Center (MTCRC)\, will convene this Training Workshop on Remote Sensing for Marine Environment Mapping. Tailored to Indonesia’s needs and as part of the UN Ocean Decade Action (KICOEST)\,  The training workshop will transfer specialized knowledge and practical skills in applying remote sensing for monitoring\, assessing\, and managing small-island coastal and marine environment. \nDate and VenueTraining:  \n\n\n24-27 November 2025\, KIOTEC (Lobster Auditorium/Training Room) & Tidung Island \n\n28 November 2025\, Lune Ballroom\, Movenpick Hotel\, Jakarta\n\nObjectivesThe key objectives of this training workshop program are to: \n\nBuild participants’ understanding and awareness of the unique environmental characteristics\, challenges\, and vulnerabilities of small islands and their ecosystems.\nEnhance participants’ skills in using remote sensing tools\, such as Google Earth Engine (GEE)\, Geographic Information System (GIS)\, and Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV)-based technology for mapping and monitoring small islands.\nConduct a field training on Tidung Island.\n\nThe training program is structured as a hands-on field exercise on Tidung Island\, Seribu Islands\, Jakarta\,  covering the following specialized\, practical modules: \n\nIntroduction to Coastal and Benthic Remote Sensing\nBasic Google Earth Engine (GEE) Workflow\nBenthic Classification in GEE\nGIS for Map Refinement and Layout\nBasic Drone Introduction for Coastal Mapping\nDrone Data and Ground Truth Concept\nCase study for Marine Environmental Policy\n\nExpected Participant \nAlthough this activity was designed to address Indonesia’s specific needs\, it is also open to interested participants from other countries. \n\nTraining: 30 Participants (25 Indonesians; 5 Foreigners)\n\n\nUniversity student (Bachelor’s degree)\nResearch institution employee (entry-level researcher or scientist)\nLocal government officer or any relevant institution\n\n\n\n\nWorkshop: Training participants (30) & additional/Invited stakeholders (around 40)Training participants (30) & additional/Invited stakeholders (around 40)\n\n\nParticipant requirement: This training is open to beginners\, early-career researchers\, junior lecturers\, undergraduate/graduate students\, and technical staff who have a basic background or interest in coastal and marine studies.Participants are not required to have advanced technical experience\, but a general understanding of environmental and spatial data concepts is recommended.\n\n\n\n\nHave a background and basic understanding of marine science or oceanography\, or any relevant background.\nEligible and have an active passport and/or visa to travel to Indonesia.\n\nProficient in both spoken and written English. URL:https://ioc-westpac.org/event/small-island-research-and-development-sirad-international-training-workshop-on-remote-sensing-for-marine-environment-mapping/ LOCATION:Jakarta\, Indonesia ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ioc-westpac.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/SIRaD20251124-scaled.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Asia/Shanghai:20251106T080000 DTEND;TZID=Asia/Shanghai:20251108T170000 DTSTAMP:20260825T154724 CREATED:20250817T021906Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250905T091808Z UID:41350-1762416000-1762621200@ioc-westpac.org SUMMARY:Kickoff Workshop on Blue Carbon Ecosystem Restoration in the Western Pacific DESCRIPTION:Xiamen\, China\, 6-8 November 2025\n  \n\nOverview\nProgram & Documents\nOnline Registration/Application Form\nThe UNESCO/IOC Sub-Commission for the Western Pacific (WESTPAC)\, together with the Third Institute of Oceanography\, Ministry of Natural Resources\, China\, and the SEE Foundation are pleased to invite you to participate in this workshop to be held from 6 to 8 November 2025 in Xiamen\, China.The workshop will bring together leading experts\, policy-makers\, and practitioners to exchange knowledge\, share best practices\, and strengthen international cooperation for the restoration of mangrove and other blue carbon ecosystems in the Western Pacific. \nBackground\nCoastal ecosystems such as mangroves\, tidal marshes\, and seagrass meadows provide vital benefits and services\, including carbon sequestration\, coastal protection\, and biodiversity support. The Western Pacific is a global hotspot for blue carbon ecosystem\, yet these ecosystems face severe threats\, resulting in significant habitat loss and reduced ecological functions. \n \nSocial media posts: Facebook and X \nOver the past decade\, multiple initiatives have been launched to protect and restore blue carbon ecosystems. However\, in the Western Pacific\, several challenges remain. For instance\, tailored approaches that consider local ecological\, economic and social context are still needed\, and critical knowledge gaps persist\, particularly in practical restoration methodologies and long term monitoring techniques.Therefore\, fostering knowledge exchange and strengthening cooperation are essential for advancing both scientific understanding and practical developments in the protection and restoration of blue carbon ecosystems.To address this challenge\, the IOC Sub-Commission for the Western Pacific (WESTPAC) has decided to establish a Working Group on Blue Carbon Ecosystem Restoration\, with an initial focus on mangrove ecosystems. The Working Group aims to facilitate the exchange of knowledge and expertise\, promote effective restoration techniques and practices\, and support collaborative actions across the region.As a first step\, this kickoff workshop\, hosted by the Third Institute of Oceanography\, Ministry of Natural Resources\, China\, and SEE Foundation\, will convene leading experts in mangrove ecology and ecosystem management to foster collaboration and drive impactful actions. \nWorkshop Objectives\nThe workshop aims to: \n\n\n\nTo facilitate the exchange of knowledge\, expertise\, and best practices in ecological restoration focusing on mangrove\, and identify shared priorities for regional cooperation.\nTo launch the Working Group for Blue Carbon Ecosystem Restoration with an initial focus on mangroves\, and initiate its major activities.\nTo develop a workplan for the next two years and beyond\, including developing a regional guidebook on mangrove restoration.\n\n\n\nWorkshop Outline\nThe 2.5-day workshop will combine expert presentations\, interactive discussions\, and collaborative planning sessions\, including: \nSession 1: Global Overview-Blue carbon science\, policy development\, and international initiatives\nSession 2: Regional and National Perspectives- Current status\, science\, methodologies\, and best practices in mangrove restoration across the Western Pacific\nSession 3: Identify Gaps and Challenges- Barriers\, knowledge gaps in mangrove ecological restoration\, and opportunities for cooperation in the Western Pacific\nSession 4: Brainstorm the way forward-Collaborative planning to outline priorities\, actions\, and next steps. \nParticipants\nThe workshop will gather scientists\, decision-makers\, public and private sector from Member States in the Western Pacific\, with expertise in mangrove ecological restoration and strong willingness to foster cooperation and knowledge exchange. \nParticipants are expected to present the current mangrove restoration science\, methods\, and practices in their country or region\, and existing challenges\, knowledge gaps\, and opportunities for cooperation.Other stakeholders including government agencies and private sectors\, will also be invited to contribute knowledge\, share experience\, and explore partnerships. \nRegistration\nInterested individuals\, either nominated or self-nominated\, who are committed to contributing to the collective effort and shared goals are encouraged to complete the Online Registration/Application Form as early as possible\, preferably before 31 August 2025. \nIf you are unable to access the online form\, please complete the offline registration form (Annex 1) and email it to iocwestpac@unesco.org with the subject line: Registration Form – Blue Carbon Ecosystem Restoration Workshop \nFunding for international travel is limited and will be prioritized for participants from developing countries. Selection will be based primarily on the applicant’s CV\, relevant work experience\, and prior engagement with WESTPAC or related international programmes. \nUpdated information about the workshop will be made available in due course at this event page. \nImportant Links \n\nConcept note (pdf)\nOnline Registration Form\nOffline Registration Form (word file)\n\n\n\n\n1.\nConcept note (pdf)\n\n\n2.\nOffline Registration/Application Form (word file) URL:https://ioc-westpac.org/event/kickoff-workshop-on-blue-carbon-ecosystem-restoration/ LOCATION:Xiamen\, China ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ioc-westpac.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Mangrove.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Asia/Krasnoyarsk:20251104T080000 DTEND;TZID=Asia/Krasnoyarsk:20251106T170000 DTSTAMP:20260825T154724 CREATED:20250629T052917Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251215T081937Z UID:39235-1762243200-1762448400@ioc-westpac.org SUMMARY:Kickoff Workshop on Advancing International Collaboration for Seagrass Ecosystem Research\, Conservation and Restoration DESCRIPTION:Phuket\, Thailand\, 4-6 November 2025\n \n \n\n\n Overview\n Program\n \n \n \n \n \n \nSeagrass ecosystems are of vital ecological\, social and economic significance in the Western Pacific. Seagrass ecosystems in Southeast Asia are experiencing rapid degradation due to increasing anthropogenic pressures\, including overfishing\, pollution\, coastal development\, and the impacts of climate change. In recent years\, several documented or suspected large-scale seagrass die-offs in the region have underscored a critical challenge: the lack of comprehensive knowledge and data on seagrass continues to hinder the ability of scientists and policymakers to formulate and implement effective conservation and management strategies. \nTo address this challenge\, the IOC Sub-Commission for the Western Pacific (WESTPAC) decided to form a Working Group on Seagrass Research and Conservation in the Western Pacific.As an initial step\, a kickoff workshop\, hosted by the Phuket Marine Biological Center\, will bring together seagrass experts and managers from member states in the region to share knowledge on current status of seagrass ecosystem and related research\, identify key challenges and knowledge gaps\, and explore opportunities of developing joint initiatives and collaborative activities. \nA one-day field visit to a seagrass restoration site will be organized to provide practical insights that complement the workshop discussions. \n\nSocial media posts\nWorkshop ObjectivesThe workshop aims to: \n\nShare knowledge about the current status of seagrass ecosystem and related research including relevant policies\, management practices\, research approaches\, methods\, and techniques;\nIdentify key challenges and knowledge gaps\, and explore opportunities of joint initiatives and collaborative activities in the Western Pacific.\nLaunch the Seagrass Working Group and initiate its major activities;\nConduct a field visit to observe degradation status and examine local restoration efforts.\n\nQualified ParticipantsThe kickoff workshop will convoke seagrass experts\, researchers\, and managers from Member States in the Western Pacific. Ideally\, they should have rich experience in seagrass research and conservation\, and the capacity to lead and carry out seagrass research and conservation in their respective countries.  Community organizations and NGOs in Thailand will also be invited to join the field trip to share their perspectives and contributions to local restoration efforts. \nRegistrationIndividuals who are nominated or self-nominated and are committed to contributing to the collective effort and shared goals are encouraged to complete the Online Registration Form (no more available) as early as possible\, preferably before 16 August 2025. \nIf you are unable to access the online form\, please complete the Offline Registration Form (no more available) and email it to iocwestpac@unesco.org with the subject line: “Registration Form – Seagrass Collaboration Kickoff Workshop.” \nPlease note that funding for international travel is limited and will be prioritized for participants from developing countries. Selection will be based primarily on the applicant’s CV\, his/her work experience\, and previous engagement with WESTPAC or other related international programmes. \nUpdated information about the workshop will be made available in due course at this event page. \nImportant Links \n\nConcept note (pdf)\nExecutive Summary (updated on Dec 15) URL:https://ioc-westpac.org/event/kickoff-workshop-on-seagrass-research/ LOCATION:Phuket\, Thailand ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ioc-westpac.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Seagrass.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Asia/Krasnoyarsk:20251014T080000 DTEND;TZID=Asia/Krasnoyarsk:20251016T170000 DTSTAMP:20260825T154724 CREATED:20250708T072415Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251020T054942Z UID:39428-1760428800-1760634000@ioc-westpac.org SUMMARY:2nd WESTPAC Workshop on Marine Spatial Planning DESCRIPTION:Chonburi Province\, Thailand\, 14-16 October 2025\n\n\n\n\n Overview\n Program & Documents\n Online Registration/Application Form\n \nWith the support of \n \n Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) has gained considerable importance worldwide as a proven effective way to manage the growing demands for marine/maritime spaces while preserving ocean ecosystems. In the Western Pacific\, coastal countries depend heavily on ocean for food security\, job opportunities\, economic growth\, and cultural heritage. As the conflicts among multiple sectors for marine spaces intensify\, countries in the region have repeatedly emphasized the urgent need to accelerate marine spatial planning processes.In response to the pressing calls of Member States in the region\, the UNESCO/IOC Sub-Commission for the Western Pacific (WESTPAC) launched the Ocean Decade Action UN21 titled “Accelerate Marine Spatial Planning in the Western Pacific” in 2022. This initiative aims to assist Member States in adopting an ecosystem-based approach to ocean resource management\, advancing a sustainable blue economy\, and contributing to the 2030 Agenda as a whole.\n \nSocial media posts: Facebook and XCoverage by UNESCO \nSignificant progress has been achieved since its inception. Key milestones include: The first regional MSP Forum convened in December 2022; A regional Group of MSP Experts formed in August 2023\, followed by its inaugural meeting in Nov 2023\, Qingdao\, China; 5 national trainings conducted in China and Thailand during 2023-2024; 6 demonstration sites established across 5 countries. \nA major achievement was the formulation and adoption of the Regional Action Framework for Marine Spatial Planning (2025–2030) at the 15th Intergovernmental Session (March 2025\, Tokyo). This Framework provides a portfolio of enabling actions that the Sub-Commission\, along with Member States and various national and international partners\, will undertake to accelerate the MSP processes towards building effective pathways for ecosystem-based management\, sustainable blue economy\, and the fulfillment of both national and international ocean related commitments. \nThe need to strengthen marine spatial planning was further emphasized at the Third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC-3)\, held from 9–13 June 2025 in Nice\, France—the largest global event dedicated to ocean issues to date. \nIn this context\, the 2nd WESTPAC Workshop on MSP will take place on 14-16 October 2025 in the Chonburi Province\, Thailand\, one of the six UN21 MSP Demonstration Sites\, to review the current progress and challenges\, and chart the course for the marine spatial planning in the region. \nWorkshop Objectives \nThis workshop will bring together MSP experts and representatives from national government agencies for marine spatial planning\, national and international partners\, donors\, private and business sectors\, and other key stakeholders\, to advance the implementation of the UN 21\, and the Regional Action Framework (2025-2030). \nSpecifically\, the workshop will： \n\nPresent the recent developments of marine spatial planning at international\, national\, and local levels.\nReview the overall implementation of the Ocean Decade Action UN 21\nShowcase experience\, best practices\, and lessons learned from the MSP Demonstration Sites.\nGenerate actionable recommendations to drive MSP development over the next two years and beyond\, in particular the implementation of the Regional Action Framework.\n\nWorkshop Programme \nThe workshop will consist of 2.5-day presentations and discussions\, and half a day field study to the MSP Demonstration Site. \nSession 1: Setting the stage \nSession 2: MSP developments and Trends \nSession 3: Implementation of the UN 21: Accelerating MSP in the Western Pacific3.1 Overall progress on the Implementation of the UN21: Accelerating MSP in the Western Pacific3.2 MSP development and practice sharing from the UN 21 Demonstration Sites: Indonesia\, Thailand\, the Republic of Korea\, China\, Cambodia3.3 Capacity Development- experience from national trainings in China and Thailand3.4 MSP effort by partners and donor agencies3.5 Brief on the Regional Action Framework (2025-2030) \nSession 4: Brainstorming the way forward\, in particular the Implementation of the Regional Action Framework (2025-2030)4.1 Cooperation and collaboration\,4.2 Knowledge support\, including the tailored MSP Toolkit development4.3 Capacity development needs\, awareness\, and engagement4.4 Demonstration and practices4.5 Innovative financing and funding opportunities \nSession 5: An MSP Field Trip to Chonburi (visit the Mangrove Cultivation Center and Local Community) to learn more MSP process in Thailand. \nSession 6: Wrap up \nWorkshop Participants \n\nMembers of MSP Group of Experts in the Western Pacific\nGovernment representatives\nInternational organizations\nResearch institutes and universities\nBusiness and Private sector\nDonor and foundations\nOther stakeholders of interest\n\nRegistration \nParticipants are kindly requested to complete the Online Registration/Application Form (https://forms.office.com/e/dCnwheWXjY) as early as possible\, preferably by 15 August 2025. \nIf you are unable to access the online form\, please complete the Offline Registration Form (Annex 1) and email it to iocwestpac@unesco.org with the subject line: Registration/Application Form-2nd WESTPAC Workshop on MSP \nContact \n\nMs Nachapa Saransuth\, IOC Sub-Commission for the Western Pacific/UN Ocean Decade Coordination Office\, iocwestpac@unesco.org\nMs Xuewei Diao\, UN 21 Support Office\, diaoxuewei112@gmail.com\nMs Chanokphon Jantharakhantee\, Department of Marine and Coastal Resources\, Thailand\, chanokphon_017@windowslive.com\n\nShared documents \n\nGuidelines for Group Discussion\nGroup Discussion PPT Template\nMSP Workshop Groupings\n\nImportant Links \n\nFinal Programme\nConcept note (pdf)\nAction Framework for Accelerating Marine Spatial Planning in the Western Pacific and its Adjacent Areas (2025-2030)\nOnline Registration Form\nOffline Registration/Application Form (word file)\n\n\n\n\n1.\nConcept note (pdf)\n\n\n2.\nFinal Programme\n\n\n3.\nAction Framework for Accelerating Marine Spatial Planning in the Western Pacific and its Adjacent Areas (2025-2030)\nThe document is also available on UNESDOC\n\n\n4.\nOffline Registration/Application Form (word file) URL:https://ioc-westpac.org/event/2nd-workshop-on-msp/ LOCATION:Chonburi\, Thailand ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ioc-westpac.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Chonburi-wp-e1761731471558.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Asia/Krasnoyarsk:20251009T140000 DTEND;TZID=Asia/Krasnoyarsk:20251010T120000 DTSTAMP:20260825T154724 CREATED:20250923T091217Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260105T052746Z UID:42427-1760018400-1760097600@ioc-westpac.org SUMMARY:Scoping Workshop for the Intersessional Task Force on Ocean Literacy DESCRIPTION:Online\, 9-10 October 2025\n\n\n\n\n Overview\n Program & Documents \nThe ocean plays a critical role in sustaining life on Earth\, regulating climate\, producing oxygen\, supporting biodiversity\, and providing livelihoods to billions of people. Yet\, public understanding of the ocean’s influence on humanity and humanity’s impact on the ocean remains limited. Ocean Literacy has therefore emerged as a transformative approach to empower individuals\, communities\, and institutions with the knowledge and values necessary to act responsibly for the ocean’s health and sustainability. \nRecognizing the urgency of advancing ocean awareness and action\, the IOC Sub-Commission for the Western Pacific (WESTPAC) established an Intersessional Task Force on Ocean Literacy during the Fifteenth Intergovernmental Session of the IOC Sub-Commission for the Western Pacific (WESTPAC-XV) at Tokyo in 11-13 March 2025. The Task Force brings together experts from government bodies\, academia\, educators\, civil society\, and the private sector\, with the objective of providing strategic and action-oriented recommendations on the scoping\, coordination\, and implementation of ocean literacy portfolio of activities in the region\, as wellas develop\, promote and support ocean literacy initiatives tailored to the region’s cultural\, economic\, and ecological contexts. \nThe kick-off online workshop of the Task Force will formally launch its work. Structured into two half-day sessions\, the workshop will introduce the Task Force’s vision and objectives\, share existing efforts in Member States\, identify regional gaps and opportunities\, and co-develop a joint workplan to guide collective efforts on ocean literacy through 2025 and beyond. \nWorkshop Objectives \nThis online workshop serves as the official kickoff of the Task Force and its Expert Group\, and the workshop will: \n\nIntroduce the WESTPAC Task Force on Ocean Literacy and its role in the region.\nShowcase Ocean Literacy efforts in the Member States – practices\, policies\, lessons and learnt.\nIdentify regional challenges and opportunities\, and foster collaboration to advance Ocean Literacy in the Western Pacific.\n\nWorkshop Outline \nThe two half-day workshop will combine expert presentations and interactive discussions\, including: \nSession 1: Briefing and Insights Sharing \nSession 2: Brainstorming and Co-development of Workplan \nContact \n\nMs Yin Shengle\, IOC Sub-Commission for the Western Pacific/UN Ocean Decade Coordination Office\, iocwestpac@unesco.org\nMs Norhanis Binti Mohammad Razalli\, IOC Sub-Commission for the Western Pacific/UN Ocean Decade Coordination Office\, iocwestpac@unesco.org\n\nImportant Links \n\nFlyer\nAgenda (as of 8 Oct 2025)\nExecutive Summary (Uploaded on 4 Dec 2025)\n\n\n\n\n1.\nFlyer\n\n\n2.\nAgenda URL:https://ioc-westpac.org/event/scoping-workshop-on-ocean-literacy/ LOCATION:Online ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ioc-westpac.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/oceanshinechildren-1-e1761731572104.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Asia/Krasnoyarsk:20251002T080000 DTEND;TZID=Asia/Krasnoyarsk:20251004T170000 DTSTAMP:20260825T154724 CREATED:20250630T015209Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250717T060244Z UID:39354-1759392000-1759597200@ioc-westpac.org SUMMARY:2nd International Workshop on Small Island Research and Development (SIRaD) DESCRIPTION:Malang\, Indonesia\, 2-4 October 2025\n\n\n\n\n Overview\n Program & Documents\n Registration/Application Form\n \n Islands are biodiversity hotspots and home to rare and often endemic species. Due to their remote and isolated locations\, small islands and their communities are on the frontlines of natural disasters\, ecosystem sustainability\, biodiversity protection\, and climate resilience. In recent decades\, economic expansion across the Western Pacific\, driven by tourism\, fisheries\, aquaculture\, and extractive industries\, has delivered both economic growth and unintended environmental pressures. However\, small islands face not only ecological challenges but also limitations in governance\, inclusive planning\, and adaptive capacity. These realities highlight the need for a more holistic and interdisciplinary approach that incorporates ecological research\, community perspectives\, and responsive policy frameworks.Recognizing the urgency of multifaceted challenges faced by small islands\, the IOC Sub-Commission for the Western Pacific (WESTPAC) initiated the Small Island Research and Development (SIRaD) Working Group\, with the objectives of fostering interdisciplinary research collaboration\, enhancing community-engaged approaches\, supporting evidence-based policymaking for sustainable small island development\, and strengthening regional cooperation among countries in the Western Pacific Region.\n \nSocial media posts: Facebook and X \nThe first international SIRaD Workshop\, held in 2023\, Jakarta\, highlighted the complex and interconnected challenges confronting many small islands. At the heart of SIRaD’s approach is a strong commitment to ensuring that research does not remain in the academic domain\, but is translated into concrete\, actionable insights that inform policy decisions—particularly those shaping the future of small island development.To advance these goals\, the 2nd International SIRaD Workshop is scheduled for 2-4 October 2025 in Malang\, Indonesia\, to deepen synergies and enhance collaboration among researchers practitioners\, and policymakers working on the sustainable future of island and coastal regions.The event will be hosted by the Brawijaya University and the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN). \nWorkshop ObjectivesThe 2nd SIRaD Workshop aims to: \n\nDevelop a common understanding of small island research and development status in the Western Pacific;\nPresent interdisciplinary assessments of pilot lands\, especially on the connections between marine ecosystem services and economic activities;\nShare insights from Indonesian research and policy communities that combine scientific evidence with stakeholder perspectives\, supporting national and regional strategies for sustainable island development; and\nExplore opportunities for cooperation among institutions and countries in the region \, including further development of institutional arrangements for small island research and development.\n\nDate and venue \n\nDate: 2-4 October 2025\, consisting of workshop sessions\, 2-3 October 2025\, and a field trip to Sendangbiru’s community-managed coastal tourism area (CMC) and the government-run Sempu Island conservation site on 4 October 2025.\nVenue: Mercure Hotel\, Malang\, Indonesia\n\nExpected outputs \n\nA consolidated overview of R&D in selected small islands\, integrating findings on ecosystem services\, socio-economic dynamics\, and governance to strengthen collaboration in the Western Pacific.\nA synthesis of Indonesian insights\, highlighting community perceptions\, ecological shifts\, and adaptation practices\, offering lessons for potential adoption by regional stakeholders.\nJoint research and policy recommendations\, linking scientific and regional perspectives\, and proposing collaborative small island R&D starting from pilot loci with strong learning and policy value.\nStrengthened institutional arrangement in the region\, driving the small island research and development initiatives\, with joint development opportunities\, with an actional workplan for the next two years and beyond.\n\nParticipants \nExperts and government officials with good knowledge and extensive experience in their national or institutional efforts related to small island research and development are highly encouraged to participate\, and contribute to the discussions in the following sessions. \nTentative program \nThe Workshop will be structured around: \nSession 1: Institutional and national status about small island research and development.Session 2: Research and development of the pilot islands: Amami (Japan)\, Jeju (South Korea)\, Langkawi (Malaysia)\, Pingtan Dao (China)\, Gili Matra and Gili Ketapang (Indonesia)Session 3: Key common challenges and opportunities for future collaboration in small island research and developmentSession 4: Indonesian stakeholders’ perspectives on SIRaD research and developmentSession 5: Brainstorming: Charting the Way Forward for the small island research and development in the region \nRegistrationIndividuals who are nominated or self-nominated and are committed to contributing to the collective effort and shared goals are encouraged to complete the online registration/application form as early as possible\, preferably before 3 August 2025. \nIf you are unable to access the online form\, please complete the offline registration form (Annex 1) and email it to iocwestpac@unesco.org with the subject line: Registration Form – SIRaD Workshop \nPlease note that funding for international travel is limited and will be prioritized for participants from developing countries. Selection will be based primarily on the applicant’s CV\, his/her work experience\, and previous engagement with WESTPAC or other related international programmes. \nUpdated information about the workshop will be made available in due course at this event page. \nImportant links \n\nConcept note (pdf)\nOnline Registration/Application Form\nOffline Registration Form (word file)\n\n\n\n\n1.\nConcept note (pdf)\n\n\n2.\nOffline Registration Form (word file) URL:https://ioc-westpac.org/event/2nd-sirad-workshop/ LOCATION:Malang\, Indonesia ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ioc-westpac.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Malang.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Asia/Karachi:20250311T080000 DTEND;TZID=Asia/Karachi:20250313T170000 DTSTAMP:20260825T154724 CREATED:20241024T014811Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250821T084726Z UID:35134-1741680000-1741885200@ioc-westpac.org SUMMARY:Fifteenth Intergovernmental Session of the IOC Sub-Commission for the Western Pacific (WESTPAC-XV) DESCRIPTION:Tokyo\, Japan\, 11-13 March 2025\n\n\n\n\n Overview\n Provisional agenda & meeting documents\n \nThe Fifteenth Intergovernmental Session of the IOC Sub-Commission for the Western Pacific (WESTPAC-XV) will be held from 11-13 March 2025\, in Tokyo\, Japan\, generously hosted by the Government of Japan through its Ministry of Education\, Culture\, Sports\, Science and Technology (MEXT). This statutory meeting will gather national competent governmental agencies for ocean\, marine science communities\, and ocean stakeholders in the region to strengthen the interface between ocean science and policy\, foster ocean science cooperation\, and enhance technical and institutional capacities across the region. \nThe session will feature a review of WESTPAC’s intersessional achievements\, an update on international ocean developments such as the UN Ocean Decade (2021-2030) and the BBNJ Agreement\, and discussions on the Sub-Commission’s engagement with these global frameworks. The session will include the election of officers and deliberations on the program and budget for 2026-2027\, serving as a guide for collaborative projects and funding pursuits by Member States.Key events include a Senior Governmental Officials (SGO) Roundtable (12 March 2025\, 09:00-10:40 am) to assess Ocean Decade progress and identify implementation challenges. The Roundtable will enable Member State decision-makers to exchange practices on leveraging scientific knowledge in policy-making. Additionally\, a National Decade Committees (NDCs) Forum is planned as a side event on 12 March 2025 at 16:30-18:30 pm\, promoting NDC development and collaboration among Member States.Further details\, including the provisional agenda\, reports and information for the session will be shared electronically in advance on the WESTPAC website. WESTPAC-XV will also involve elections for Chairperson and Vice-Chairpersons\, with nomination details and forms provided in the IOC Circular Letter no. 3009. \nShould you have any questions or require any assistance on the logistic arrangements\, please feel free to contact Information Desk at info-scwestpac15@convention.co.jp  with a copy to n.saransuth@unesco.org \n\nExecutive Summary Report\nDownload the group photo here\nIOC Circular Letter No. 3009\nElection Procedures\nNomination Form\n\n\n\n\nAgenda\n\n\n1.\nOpening\n\n\n\n1.1\nWelcome Remarks\n\n\n\n1.2\nKeynote\n\n\n2.\nOrganization of the Session\n\n\n\n2.1\nAdoption of the Agenda \n\nIOC/SC-WESTPAC-XV/2.1 prov\nIOC/SC-WESTPAC-XV/2.1 annotated prov (as of 5 March 2025 – updated)\n\n\n\n\n\n2.2\nConduction of the Session \n\nIOC/SC-WESTPAC-XV/2.1 prov timetable\n\n\n\n\n3.\nStatutory Reports\n\n\n\n3.1\nStatement of the Chairperson \n\nIOC/SC-WESTPAC-XV/3.1\n\n\n\n\n\n3.2\nReport by the Head of WESTPAC Office on Intersessional Programme Development and Implementation\, including the Operation of the WESTPAC Office and Decade Coordination Office \n\nIOC/SC-WESTPAC-XV/3.2\n\n\n\n\n\n3.3\nRecent Developments within UNESCO\, IOC\, and Their Relevance to WESTPAC\n\n\n\n\n3.3.1\nIOC Executive Secretary’s Report\n\n\n\n\n3.3.2\nIOC and the Future of Ocean \n\nIOC/SC-WESTPAC-XV/3.3.2\, also IOC/EC-57/3.1.Doc(4)\n\nBackground note for\nInformal Working Session\, scheduled for 0800-0900am\, 13th March 2025 \n\nIOC and the Future of the Ocean: Phase 1 Consultation of Member State\nFocus Group Discussions-Information Note (posted on 10 March 2025)\n\nReference Materials \n\nIOC/INF-1412: IOC Medium-Term Strategy 2022-2029\nIOC/EC-57/52.Doc(1): Action Plan in Response to the IOS Evaluation of the IOC’s Strategic Positioning – Update on Implementation\nIOS/EVS/PI/197: UNESCO’s Internal Oversight Service published The Evaluation of the Strategic Positioning of IOC-UNESCO (Sep 2021)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n3.3.3\nIOC-wide Strategy on Sustainable Ocean Planning and Management \n\nIOC/SC-WESTPAC-XV/3.3.3\, also IOC/EC-57/4.3.Doc(1) Rev\n\n\n\n\n4.\nStrategic Development\n\n\n\n4.1\nThe Agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ Agreement) \n\nIOC/SC-WESTPAC-XV/4.1: BBNJ and Potential Effort of the Sub-Commission\n\n\n\n\n\n4.2\nThe Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) \n\nIOC/SC-WESTPAC-XV/4.2: Effort in KMGBF and a Future Perspective\n\n\n\n\n\n4.3\nThe UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030)\n\n\n\n\n4.3.1\nUN Ocean Decade Global Development\nReference Materials \n\n\n\nIOC/2025/ODS/53: Ocean Decade Progress Report July 2023 – June 2024\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n4.3.2\nWESTPAC-led Decade Actions and Decade Coordination Office\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDecade Coordination in the Region\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nUN21: Accelerate Marine Spatial Planning in the Western Pacific and its Adjacent Areas\, including the MSP Regional Action Framework (2025-2030)\n\nIOC/SC-WESTPAC-XV/4.3.2-UN21\nAction Framework for Accelerating Marine Spatial Planning\nin the Western Pacific and its Adjacent Areas (2025-2030)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nUN22: Stem the Tide of Asia’s Riverine Plastic Emission into the Ocean\n\nIOC/SC-WESTPAC-XV/4.3.2-UN22\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nUN23: Accelerating Transformations in Capacity Development in the Western Pacific – Regional Network of Training and Research Centers (RTRCs) on Marine Science\n\nIOC/SC-WESTPAC-XV/4.3.2-UN23\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nUN 24: Explore the Strongest Ocean Current in the Western Pacific: the 2nd Cooperative Study of Kuroshio and Adjacent Regions\n\nIOC/SC-WESTPAC-XV/4.3.2-UN24\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nUN 39: Ocean Solutions in the East Asian Seas\n\nIOC/SC-WESTPAC-XV/4.3.2-UN39\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe 2nd UN Ocean Decade Regional Conference & 11th WESTPAC International Marine Science Conference (22-25 April 2024\, Bangkok\, Thailand\n\nIOC/SC-WESTPAC-XV/4.3.2-11th IMSC: Main Results of the 2nd UN Ocean Decade Regional Conference & 11th WESTPAC International Marine Science Conference (22-25 April 2024\, Bangkok)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nToward the 3rd UN Ocean Decade Regional Conference & 12th WESTPAC International Marine Science Conference (2027\, the Philippines)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n4.3.3\nEngagement with other Decade Actions\, such as CoastPredict\nReference Materials \n\n\n\neCORE-SEAS\nEnhancing Coastal Resilience in the South East Asia Seas\nRegional Project Proposal Development\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n4.4\nSenior Governmental Officials Roundtable (SGOs Roundtable)\, 12 March 2025\, 09:00-10:40 am \n\nAdopted Senior Government Officials’ Statement\nIOC/SC-WESTPAC-XV/4.4: SGOs Roundtable Concept Note\n\n\n\n\n5.\nReview and Evaluation of Regional Programmes\, Projects and Working Groups for April 2023 – March 2025\n\n\n\n5.1\nOcean-Based Solutions to Climate Change (Mitigation\, Adaptation\, and Resilience) \n\nIOC/SC-WESTPAC-XV/5.1: Consolidation of current efforts in ocean-based solutions to climate change\n\nReference Materials \n\n\n\nNorth East Asian Regional-GOOS\nSouth East Asian Regional-GOOS\n\nOcean Acidification and its Impacts on Marine Ecosystems\nOcean Forecasting System\n\n\nAir-Sea Interaction in the Kuroshio Extension and its Climate Impact\nSouth China Sea Fluvial Sediments and Environmental Change\nUpwelling studies through ocean data integration towards sustaining ocean health and productivity\nChanging Asian Marginal Seas and their Response to Climate Change\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n5.2\nMarine Biodiversity Conservation\, Ocean Ecosystems and Human Health\, and Blue Economy \n\nIOC/SC-WESTPAC-XV/5.2: Consolidation of current efforts in marine biodiversity conservation\, ocean ecosystem and blue economy\n\nReference Materials \n\n\n\nCoral Reef Restoration\nCoral Reef under Climate and Anthropogenic perturbations\nDNA Taxonomy and Recruitment Monitoring of the Coral Reef Marine Organisms\nMarine Toxins and Seafood Safety\nHarmful Algal Blooms\nOcean Remote Sensing for Coastal Habitat Mapping\nHarmful Jellyfish Research Network\nMarine Microplastic Research and Monitoring\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSide Event:National Decade Committees Forum\, 12 March 2025\, 16:30-18:30 pm\nNDC Concept Note and programme\n(as of 28/02/2025 – updated)\n\n\n\n5.3\nOcean Literacy and Capacity Development\n\n\n\n5.4\nKnowledge for Emerging Issues/Demands of Member States\nReference Materials \n\n\n\nWG on Ocean Oxygen Network (WESTPAC O2NE)\nWG on Gas Hydrates and Methane Fluxes in the Indo-Pacific\nWG on Rapid Detection Technology for Harmful Algal Blooms\nWG on Integrated Investigation in the Indo-Pacific Convergent Center: Marine Ecosystem and Biodiversity\nWG on Small Island Research and Development (SIRaD)\nWG on Blue Carbon Actions in the Western Pacific\nWG on Advancing Marine Citizen Science: Act Local to Go Regional\nWG on Traditional and Local Knowledge\n\n\n\n\n\n\n6.\nRecommendation of the WESTPAC Advisory Group on the Future Development\n\n\n7.\nEstablishment of New Programme/Project/Working Group\n\n\n\n7.1\nWorking Group on Seagrass Research in the Indo-Western Pacific \n\nIOC/SC-WESTPAC-XV/7.1\n\n\n\n\n\n7.2\nWorking Group on Blue Carbon Ecosystem Restoration with an initial focus on Mangroves \n\nIOC/SC-WESTPAC-XV/7.2\n\n\n\n\n\n7.3\nPredictions of Marine Ecosystem Changes in the Northwest Pacific Ocean\n\n\n\n7.4\nMethane Fluxes and their Impact on Climate and Ecosystem in the Indo-Pacific Region (2025-2028) \n\nIOC/SC-WESTPAC-XV/7.4\n\n\n\n\n8.\nWESTPAC Workplan and Budget for the Period 2026-2027 \n\nIOC/SC-WESTPAC-XV/8\n\n\n\n\n9.\nElections \n\nElection Procedures\nNomination Forms\n\n\n\n\n10.\nDate and Place of the Next Session\n\n\n11.\nOther Matters\n\n\n12.\nAdoption of Decisions and Recommendations\n\n\n13.\nClosure URL:https://ioc-westpac.org/event/westpac-xv/ LOCATION:Tokyo\, Japan ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ioc-westpac.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AdobeStock_83452854.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Asia/Karachi:20241206T080000 DTEND;TZID=Asia/Karachi:20241208T170000 DTSTAMP:20260825T154724 CREATED:20241125T210642Z LAST-MODIFIED:20241209T022200Z UID:35588-1733472000-1733677200@ioc-westpac.org SUMMARY:IOC/WESTPAC Workshop on the Asian Marginal Seas Program DESCRIPTION:Toyama Bay\, located on the Amaharashi Coast\, features the scenic Onnaiwa Rock. © Rayints / Adobe Stock \nRole of human-activities on the marine environment\nthrough the exchange materials between land and the ocean\n\nToyama\, Japan\, 6-8 December 2024\n\n\n\n\n Overview\n Program\n Participants\n The IOC/WESTPAC Workshop on the Asian Marginal Seas Program is an international scientific event focusing on sustainable and healthy oceans\, particularly the impact of human activities on marine environments through land-ocean material exchanges. Scheduled for 6-8 December 2024\, the workshop will be held in a hybrid format\, with an on-site venue at the Gofuku Campus of the University of Toyama\, Japan\, and online participation via Zoom. The workshop is organized jointly by the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission’s Sub-Commission for the Western Pacific (IOC/WESTPAC) and Future Earth Coasts (FEC).The program includes a business meeting of the WESTPAC Asian Marginal Seas program on 6 December 2024\, followed by scientific sessions on 7 December 2024\, focusing on the “Nutrient footprint: phase and stage of eutrophication\, oligotrophication\, and hypoxia.” Topics will cover nutrient transport from land to coastal oceans and from coasts to marginal seas. A joint public forum by WESTPAC and FEC will also be held on 7 December 2024\, addressing “Nutrient Management of Coastal Oceans Under Global Climate Change\,” with discussions on climate change impacts\, nutrient management strategies\, and sustainable future planning. On 8 December 2024\, a cultural study titled “Water Reincarnation in Toyama” is planned. \nThe workshop will be conducted in English. For more information\, interested participants can contact Jing Zhang at jzhang@sci.u-toyama.ac.jp or register to the event here. \n6 December 202414:00: WESTPAC Asian Marginal Seas Program business meeting \n7 December 2024 \nWESTPAC AMS core project “Nutrient footprint” scientific session \n09:00: Nutrient footprint: phase and stage of eutrophication\, oligotrophication\, and hypoxia \n\nFrom Coast to Marginal Sea\nFrom Land to Coastal Ocean\n\nWESTPAC and Future Earth Coasts (FEC) joint public forum \n14:00: Nutrient Management of Coastal Oceans Under Global Climate Change \n\nImpact of Climate Change\nOligotrophication in Developed Economies\nEutrophication in Developing Economies\nBridging over the Troubled Waters: Transnational Cooperation in East Asian Oceanography\nImportance of Nutrient Management\nSustainable Future Based on the Linkage of the Earth-human System\n\n8 December 2024 \nCultural Study – Water Reincarnation in Toyama URL:https://ioc-westpac.org/event/ams-2024/ LOCATION:Toyama\, Japan ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ioc-westpac.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Toyama-Bay.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Asia/Karachi:20241113T080000 DTEND;TZID=Asia/Karachi:20241115T170000 DTSTAMP:20260825T154724 CREATED:20241101T083041Z LAST-MODIFIED:20241209T023740Z UID:35425-1731484800-1731690000@ioc-westpac.org SUMMARY:Second International Scientific Symposium of CSK-2 & the Fifth Meeting of the CSK-2 International Steering Group DESCRIPTION:Sendai\, Japan\, 13-14 November 2024\n \n \n\n\n\n Overview\n Program\n Participants\n The Kuroshio Symposia play a pivotal role in advancing the UN Decade Action UN 24\, a global effort to “Explore the strongest ocean current in the Western Pacific” through the 2nd Cooperative Study of Kuroshio and Adjacent Regions (CSK-2) — from science to human well-being. This action\, under the auspices of the UNESCO/IOC Sub-Commission for the Western Pacific (WESTPAC)\, aims to deepen understanding of the Kuroshio current and its impacts on marine ecosystems\, weather\, and climate.\nThe upcoming Second International Scientific Symposium of CSK-2\, scheduled for 13-14 November 2024\, will take place in Sendai\, Japan\, in a hybrid format\, allowing both onsite and online participation. This symposium will center on potential applications for understanding marine ecosystem changes\, weather\, and climate influenced by the Kuroshio. Invited speakers will address key questions shared by scientific and societal communities\, with a particular emphasis on climate change\, weather variability\, and the transformations occurring within the marine ecosystems around Kuroshio. \nAdditionally\, the symposium will feature a special session for Early Career Ocean Professionals (ECOPs)\, a need identified during the 2nd UN Ocean Decade Regional Conference in Bangkok\, held in April 2024. This session will provide ECOPs with an opportunity to contribute to the dialogue on the Kuroshio’s future and its broader impacts. The symposium is open to all experts and relevant stakeholders interested in CSK-2\, including those who have insights on data management\, new initiatives\, or research related to the Kuroshio. \n\n \n\n\n\n \nPPT (pdf)\n\n\n13 NOVEMBER 2024TOKYO ELECTRON HOUSE OF CREATIVITY\, TOHOKU UNIVERSITY\, KATAHIRA CAMPUS\n\n\nKeynote speechesConvener: Kentaro Ando\n\n\n0915-0930\nOpening Remarks: Kentaro Ando\, Advanced Institute for Marine Ecosystem Change (WPI-AIMEC)\, CSK-2 International Steering Group\n \n\n\n0930-1000\nShangping Xie\, Scrips Institute of Oceanography\, University of California San Diego: Ocean circulation change in a warming climate (online)\n \n\n\n1000-1030\nLixin Wu\, Laoshan Laboratory and Ocean University of China: … (online)\n \n\n\n1030-1050\nShort break\n \n\n\n1050-1120\nToshio Suga\, WPI-AIMEC\, Tohoku University: Fusion research at WPI-AIMEC for understanding marine ecosystem change\n \n\n\n1120-1150\nHanna Na\, School of Earth and Environmental Sciences\, Seoul National University: Observations of Kuroshio current variability in the East China Sea: An overview and future plans\n \n\n\n1150-1220\nAugy Syahailatua\, Research Center for Oceanography\, National Research and Innovation Agency: The importance of understanding ocean dynamics for sustainable management of marine resources in the coral triangle zone\n \n\n\n1220-1330\nLunch break\n \n\n\nEarly Career Ocean Professionals (ECOPs) SessionConvener: Baolan Wu\, Yuma Kawakami\, and Jaehyoung Park\n\n\n1330-1350\nLucas Cardoso Laurindo\, Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science\, University of Miami: Role of ocean and atmosphere variability in scale-dependent air-sea interactions with a focus on the Kuroshio extension\n \n\n\n1350-1410\nHatsumi Nishikawa\, Marine Ecosystem Research Group\, Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC): Subtropical mode water in a recent persisting Kuroshio large meander period\n \n\n\n1410-1430\nHyung-Ju Park\, School of Earth and Environmental Sciences\, Seoul National University: Interannual variability of marine heat waves in the Western North Pacific Ocean and its marginal seas\n \n\n\n1430-1450\nShoichiro Kido\, Environmental Variability Prediction and Application Research Group\, Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC): Prediction of Kuroshio and associated ocean variability with a high-resolution ocean nowcasting and forecasting system\n \n\n\n1450-1520\nShort break\n \n\n\n1520-1540\nMariia Lebedeva\, Institute of Earth Sciences\, Saint-Petersburg State University: Analysis of oceanographic conditions for Japanese mackerel fishery based on modelling and satellite data in the south Kuril area in 2020–2022\n \n\n\n1540-1600\nIrene Rodriguez\, The Marine Science Institute\, University of the Philippines Diliman: Marine N2 fixation conundrum: The role of Trichodesmium in N cycling in the Kuroshio (online)\n \n\n\n1600-1620\nYangyang Lu\, Second Institute of Oceanography\, Ministry of Natural Resources: Biogeography of N2 fixation influenced by the Kuroshio intrusion in the Northern South China Sea\n \n\n\n1620-1640\nFaisal Hamzah\, Research Center for Oceanography\, National Research and Innovation Agency: Changes in biogeochemical signatures within the Banggai upwelling system\, Maluku Sea\, Indonesia\n \n\n\n14 NOVEMBER 2024TOKYO ELECTRON HOUSE OF CREATIVITY\, TOHOKU UNIVERSITY\, KATAHIRA CAMPUS\n\n\nMarine Ecosystem Session: Understanding the future of the Kuroshio ecosystem and its servicesConvener: Augy Syahailatua\n\n\n0900-0920\nQicheng Meng\, Second Institute of Oceanography\, Ministry of Natural Resources: New insights into nutrient pathways from Kuroshio intrusion to the euphotic zone on the outer East China sea shelf\n \n\n\n0920-0940\nAgus Saleh Amadipoera\, Department of Marine Science and Technology\, Bogor Agricultural University: Anomalies in Banggai upwelling and Indonesian throughflow in the Maluku Sea: The role of LLWBCs and ENSO (online)\n \n\n\n0940-1000\nTaketoshi Kodama\, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences\, University of Tokyo: Recent understandings on seasonal biological production pattern in the Kuroshio downstream region based on long-term ocean monitoring program\n \n\n\n1000-1020\nHyung-Gyu Lim\, Ocean Circulation & Climate Research Department\, Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology: Skillful multiyear predictability of forage\, pelagics and demersal fish biomass (online)\n \n\n\n1020-1040\nShort break\n \n\n\n1040-1100\nTakeshi Obayashi\, WPI-AIMEC\, Tohoku University: PlanDyO: Long-term meta-epigenomic monitoring platform to elucidate marine plankton dynamics in Onagawa Bay\, Sanriku Coast\n \n\n\n1100-1120\nFeng Zhou\, Second Institute of Oceanography\, Ministry of Natural Resources: Advance in the physical-biogeochemical numerical modelling in the coastal waters of China\n \n\n\n1120-1140\nDiscussion and short break\n \n\n\nWeather and Climate Session: Predicting the impact of Kuroshio to weather and climateConvener: Xiaopei Lin\n\n\n1140-1200\nEitarou Oka\, Atmosphere and Ocean Research Institute\, University of Tokyo: Habitable Japan (Climatic Hotspot3) project\n \n\n\n1200-1220\n\nMeghan Cronin\, Pacific Marine Environmental Laboratory\, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration: \nResearch at the Kuroshio extension observatory (online) \n\n \n\n\n1220-1330\nLunch break\n \n\n\n1330-1350\nYuma Kawakami\, Meteorological Research Institute\, Japan Meteorological Agency: Ocean current changes in the western North Pacific\n \n\n\n1350-1410\nJianping Gan\, Department of Ocean Science and Center for Ocean Research in Hong Kong and Macau\, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology: Western boundary undercurrents and thermocline dynamics\n \n\n\n1410-1430\nGyundo Pak\, Ocean Circulation and Climate Research Department\, Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology: Quantitative analysis of the marine heatwaves in the Kuroshio extension region (online)\n \n\n\n1430-1450\nHirotaka Sato\, Tokyo Climate Center\, Japan Meteorological Agency:Impact of an unprecedented marine heatwave on extremely hot summer over Northern Japan in 2023 (online)\n \n\n\n1450-1510\nShort break\n \n\n\n1510-1530\nJaehyoung Park\, College of Environmental and Marine Science and Technology\, Pukyong National University: How typhoons impact the Kuroshio: Does it strengthen or weaken?\n \n\n\n1530-1550\nBaolan Wu\, WPI-AIMEC\, Tohoku University: Increasing of current along the South China sea continental slope during winter in the past 30 years\n \n\n\n1550-1610\nLinlin Zhang\, Institute of Oceanology\, Chinese Academy of Sciences: Eddy-mean flow interactions in the Kuroshio origin region\n \n\n\n1610-1630\nDonglian Yuan\, First Institute of Oceanography\, Ministry of Natural Resources: Interannual variability and dynamics of western boundary currents east of the Philippines\n \n\n\n1630-1730\nDiscussion for Recommendations to the International Steering Group\n \n\n\n1730-1740\nClosing Remarks\n  URL:https://ioc-westpac.org/event/csk2-second-symposium/ LOCATION:Sendai\, Japan ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ioc-westpac.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/AdobeStock_86384790_600.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Asia/Krasnoyarsk:20240923T080000 DTEND;TZID=Asia/Krasnoyarsk:20241004T170000 DTSTAMP:20260825T154724 CREATED:20240707T223145Z LAST-MODIFIED:20241209T024138Z UID:33837-1727078400-1728061200@ioc-westpac.org SUMMARY:Training Course on Remote Sensing-based Seagrass Blue Carbon Assessment DESCRIPTION:Jakarta\, Indonesia\, 23 September – 4 October 2024\n \nApplication deadline extended to 7 August 2024\n\n\n\n\n Overview\n Application & Recommendation Form\n Program \nThe UNESCO/IOC Sub-Commission for the Western Pacific (WESTPAC) and the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) of Indonesia are pleased to call for qualified participants in the RTRC-MarBEST training course on Remote Sensing based Seagrass Blue Carbon Assessment\, 23 September – 4 October 2024\, Jakarta\, Indonesia. \n1. Background \n“Blue carbon” refers to organic carbon\, which is captured and stored by the ocean and coastal ecosystems. Blue carbon has been increasingly recognized by government leaders globally as a promising nature-based solution to mitigating climate change. \nSeagrass is one of the world’s most effective carbon sinks\, with great potential to contribute to climate change mitigation strategies.  Seagrass often form extensive underwater meadows\, some of which are so large that conventional manual sampling technique may not well cover their spatial dimension. Remote sensing provides a cost-effective solution as it can cover very large areas (even at a global scale) with different temporal dimension (from months to decades). Thus\, it could be used to determine habitat extent\, stratification and plot design\, above-ground biomass\, and analyse land use and carbon stock change over time for national carbon accounting. \n \n \n2. Objectives \nTo enhance research capacity for seagrass blue carbon assessment using remote sensing\, and eventually assist Member States in achieving the SDG 13: Climate action and SDG14: Life below water. \n3. Time and venue \nThe training will take place from 23 September to 4 October 2024\, consisting of one-week Online Lectures using the Learning Management System (LMS) from home countries of participants\, and one-week Hands-on Training and Fieldwork in Seribu Islands\, Jakarta\, Indonesia. \n4. Training contents \nThis RTRC training will involve theory lectures\, practical demonstrations\, hands-on activities\, and field surveys\, covering the following aspects: \n\nUnderstanding blue carbon: Gain knowledge about blue carbon\, blue carbon ecosystems\, carbon storage and sequestration\, and their importance for climate change mitigation.\nField sampling techniques: Learn and apply field sampling techniques\, including photo quadrat\, soil core sampling\, and the estimation of seagrass above ground carbon stock (AGC)\, and soil carbon stock.\nRemote sensing: Prepare remote sensing data and perform image correction.\nBenthic habitat mapping: Map benthic habitats using machine learning classification and field benthic habitat data\nEmpirical modelling: Develop empirical models by integrating machine learning regression with field seagrass AGC data\nAGC mapping and assessment:  Map seagrass AGC and perform accuracy assessment\nCarbon stock calculation: Calculate the total AGC\, and combine it with soil carbon stock obtained from lab analysis\n\n5. Application \nInterested participants can fill in the online Application Form\, together with the Recommendation Form to be signed by a referee\, and submit online by mid-night of 31 July 2024 extended to 7 August 2024 (Bangkok Time\, GMT+7). \nOnly selected participants will be contacted through email by mid-August 2024. \n6. Qualifications for becoming a participant\nEarly career ocean professionals\, including students\, from Member States[1] in the Western Pacific\, South-South Triangular Cooperation as well as the Archipelagic and Island States (AIS). \n\nHave a basic concept of blue carbon;\nFamiliar with sampling and data collection of seagrass habitats in shallow coastal areas;\nHave preliminary understanding and knowledge in using GIS and spatial data processing (GEE would be an advantage).\n\n[1] Member States of WESTPAC is available at: https://ioc-westpac.org/member-states/ \n7. Contact \nFor any inquiries\, please feel free to contact: \nMs Sofia Yuniar SaniResearch Center for Oceanography\,The National Research and Innovation Agency\, the Republic of Indonesia (BRIN)E-mail: sofi005@brin.go.id; sofiayuniarsani@gmail.com \nWith a copy to: \nIOC Sub-Commission for the Western Pacific (WESTPAC)Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCOE-mail: iocwestpac@unesco.org \nInterested participants can fill in the online Application Form\, together with the Recommendation Form to be signed by a referee\, and submit online by mid-night of 31 July 2024 (Bangkok Time\, GMT+7). \nOnly selected participants will be contacted through email by mid-August 2024. \n\n\n \n Recommendation Form\n \n \n\n \n Tentative Syllabus\n \n \n\n \n \nThe program is now available here. URL:https://ioc-westpac.org/event/rtrc-marbest-2024/ LOCATION:Jakarta\, Indonesia ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ioc-westpac.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/seagrass.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Asia/Krasnoyarsk:20240422T080000 DTEND;TZID=Asia/Krasnoyarsk:20240425T170000 DTSTAMP:20260825T154724 CREATED:20230509T170058Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251212T064404Z UID:26066-1713772800-1714064400@ioc-westpac.org SUMMARY:2nd UN Ocean Decade Regional Conference & 11th WESTPAC International Marine Science Conference DESCRIPTION:2nd UN Ocean Decade Regional Conference\n& 11th WESTPAC International Marine Science Conference\n“Accelerating Ocean Science Solutions for Sustainable Development”\n22-25 April 2024\, Bangkok\, Thailand\n \n Click here to visit the conference website\, where registration and abstract submissions are now open!\n \n\n\nAnnouncement\nCall for Proposals:Scientific Session\nCall for Proposals:Decade Action Incubator\nCall for Proposals:Decade Action Workshop\n \nFirst Announcement\nCall for Proposals for Scientific Sessions\, Decade Action Incubators & Decade Action Workshops\nHosted by the Government of Thailand and co-organized with the UNESCO/IOC[1] Sub-Commission for the Western Pacific (WESTPAC)\, the 2nd UN Ocean Decade Regional Conference in conjunction with the 11th WESTPAC International Marine Science Conference will take place on 22-25 April 2024 in Bangkok\, Thailand. \nThe ocean is at the heart of the sustainable development. Proclaimed in 2017 by the United Nations General Assembly\, the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030) (‘the Ocean Decade’) provides a convening framework for scientists and stakeholders from diverse sectors to co-design ocean science solutions to achieve the 2030 Agenda. \nThe ocean\, seas\, and coastal areas in the Western Pacific are of ecological\, social and economic significance. The UN Ocean Decade Regional Kick-off Conference for the Western Pacific and its adjacent areas\, 25-26 November 2021\, marked the beginning of the region-wide efforts in the development and implementation of substantive Decade Actions. \nThree years later\, the 2nd Decade Regional Conference & the 11th WESTPAC International Marine Science Conference\, to be held IN PERSON ONLY\,  will bring various ocean stakeholders including governments\, research communities/academia\, private and business sectors\, philanthropic foundations\, UN agencies\, NGOs and civil society\, to present the current status of ocean knowledge\, take stock of the first three years’ achievements of the Ocean Decade Actions\, identify future priorities\, and continuously catalyze partnerships and concrete actions for transformative ocean-based solutions to sustainability challenges in this particular region\, such as resource depletion\, marine pollution\, biodiversity loss and habitat degradation\, climate change and ocean acidification\, and natural hazards. \nThe Conferences will comprise the following three components. We cordially invite you to be part of this exciting event\, and submit proposals for Scientific Sessions\, Decade Action Incubators\, or Decade Action Workshops. \n\n\n\n \n \nPurpose\nSubmission Deadline\nOnline Form\n\n\n1\nScientific Sessions\nTo present the latest science development and knowledge\, consisting of oral and poster scientific presentations\n20 July 2023\nClick here\n\n\n2\nDecade Action Incubators\nTo facilitate the development of new UN Decade Action proposals\n10 September 2023\n\nClick here \nSubmission Guideline.pdf \n\n\n\n3\nDecade Action Workshops\nTo enable the UN Decade Actions (Programmes and projects)\, particularly those which have a focus on the region\, to review their implementation progress\, develop new partnerships and cooperation\, and deliberate on the plans of action over the next period.\n10 September 2023\nClick here\n\n\n\n[1] Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO \n\n\n \n Flyer of the First Announcement\n \n \n\nCall for Proposals: Scientific Session\nDeadline for submission: 20 July 2023\n \n Submit proposal\n \n \nWe are now inviting scientific session proposals from interested parties to present high quality scientific session at the Conferences\, to address the following common priority issues of countries in the region. \n\nOcean processes and climate change;\nMarine biodiversity conservation\, seafood safety and security\, blue economy;\nOcean ecosystem and public health;\nKnowledge for emerging ocean issues and cross-cutting topics.\n\nScientific Sessions provide opportunities to present\, share and exchange latest scientific knowledge\, identify knowledge gaps\,  and\, if feasible\, explore transformative ocean science  solutions for sustainable ocean and livelihoods in the region. Normally a session consists of oral and poster presentations. \nResponsibilities of proponent (s) \nIf the proposal is accepted\, the proponent(s) of Scientific Session\, will be responsible for: \n\nthe organization\, execution\, and reporting of the session;\npromoting participation;\nreview of submitted abstracts for consistency with the topic;\nselection of oral and poster presentations\, including the identification of “backup” oral presentations from among the posters in case of last-minute cancellation; editing abstracts accepted for their session;\nIdentification of co-sponsors (organizations with similar interests who are prepared to support the session);\nPreparation of the session programme\, including oral and poster presentation\, in close consultation with the Conference Secretariat.\n\nFor any inquiry\, you can send your email to:iocwestpac@unesco.org and  iocwestpac2024@gmail.com\,  with a subject line of “Session proposal inquiry.”   \nCall for proposals: Decade Action Incubator\nDeadline for submission: 10 September 2023\n \n Submit proposal\n \n \nThe Decade Action Incubator serves as an interactive forum to catalyze partnerships\, strengthen dialogue from ocean knowledge generators to knowledge users\, initiate co-designing processes\, facilitate the development of potential Decade Actions such as Decade programmes[1]\, Decade projects[2]\, and key crosscutting topics including capacity development and Early Career Ocean Professionals. Each Incubator will run for a period of no longer than three hours. \nThe proposed Decade Action Incubator shall address one or more of the seven Ocean Decade Outcomes as follows: a clean ocean\, a healthy and resilient ocean\, a productive ocean\, a predicted ocean\, a safe ocean\, a transparent and accessible ocean\, and an inspiring and engaging ocean. \nOcean stakeholders\, including scientists\, policymakers\, philanthropic foundations\, UN agencies\, governments\, NGOs and civil society\, and private and business sectors\, are invited to submit their proposals by 10 September 2023. \nSelection criteria for Decade Action Incubator \nEach proposal will be assessed both in terms of the quality of running the Incubator session\, and proposed potential Decade Action. \nThe basic criteria for selection include the following: \n\nAlignment with the vision and mission of the Ocean Decade\, and contribution to the societal outcomes and challenges of the Ocean Decade;\nGeneration of transformative ocean science[3] in comparison to what has been done before;\nPromotion of multidisciplinary\, solution-oriented approach;\nEngagement of broad stakeholders\, including private sector and major groups\, and promotion of their interactions and actions;\nConsideration given to gender balance and geographic representation in the choice of speakers and panelists;\n\nResponsibility of the Incubator Convenor(s) \nThe Incubator Convenor(s) will be responsible for the following: \n\nIdentifying conveners\, speakers and panelists;\nInviting participants from Member States\, major groups and other stakeholders;\nPreparing the event programme and share it with the Conference Secretariat no later than 10 January 2024\n\nAll queries relating to “Decade Action Incubators” should be addressed to the following contacts\, with a subject line of “Decade Action Incubators”. \nUNESCO/IOC Sub-Commission for the Western PacificEmail: iocwestpac@unesco.org \nDepartment of Marine and Coastal ResourcesMinistry of Natural Resources and Environment\, ThailandEmail: iocwestpac2024@gmail.com \n[1] A Decade programmed is typically global or regional in scale and will contribute to the achievement of one or more of the Ocean Decade Challenges. It is long-term (multi-year)\, interdisciplinary and will consist of component projects\, and potentially enabling activities \n[2] A Decade project is a discrete and focused undertaking. It may be regional\, national or sub-national and it will typically contribute to an identified Decade programmed. \n[3] The notion of transformation is central to the Decade. The Decade\, both in terms of action and outcomes\, needs to move beyond business as usual to a true revolution in ocean science. The different ways in which the transformative nature of the Decade will manifest include the promotion and facilitation of ocean science that: \n\nuses the 2030 Agenda as a central framework to identify and address the most pressing societal questions related to SDG14 and related SDGs;\nis co-designed and co-delivered in a multi-stakeholder  environment to be relevant and responsive across the entire value-chain from knowledge generation\, to applications and services to use of science for solutions;\nis solutions-focused and contributes to a wide variety of potential solutions including policy\, decision-making\, management or governance frameworks\, or technology development and innovation;\nwhere needed\, is big\, audacious\, forward-looking\, and spans geographies;\nreaches across disciplines and actively integrates natural and social science disciplines;\nembraces local and indigenous knowledge as a key knowledge source;\nis transformative because of who is doing it or where it is being done\, including in both less developed and developed countries;\nstrives for generational\, gender and geographic diversity in all its manifestations;\nis communicated in forms that are widely understood across society and that trigger excitement about the ocean and behavior change; and\nis shared openly and available for re-use.\n\nCall for proposals: Decade Action Workshop\nDeadline for submission: 10 September 2023\n \n Submit proposal\n \n \nThe Decade Action Workshops during the Conferences will allow UN Ocean Decade Actions (Decade Programmes and Decade Projects)\, particularly those which have a focus on the region\, to bring together Action partners\, review their development progress\, catalyze new partnerships\, and deliberate on action plans over the next phase.   \nResponsibility of the proponent \nThe logistics of the Decade Action Workshop\, such as a meeting room allocation and the setting up of audiovisual equipment\, need to be arranged in collaboration with the Conference Secretariat. The proponent of the workshop will be responsible for the following:  \n\nInviting the partners of Decade Action to participate in the workshop;\nIdentifying and Inviting participants from Member States\, significant groups\, and relevant stakeholders;\nPreparing the event programme and send it to the Conference Secretariat no later than 10 January 2024.\n\nCommunication \nAny inquiry relating to “Decade Action Workshop” should be addressed to the following\, with a subject line of “Decade Action Workshop”. \nUNESCO/IOC Sub-Commission for the Western PacificEmail: iocwestpac@unesco.org \nDepartment of Marine and Coastal ResourcesMinistry of Natural Resources and Environment\, ThailandEmail: iocwestpac2024@gmail.com \nImportant Dates\nDeadline for session proposal submission                                                     20 July 2023 \nRegistration & session abstract submission\, ECOPs travel grant application\, and ECOPs Best Oral & Poster Presentation Award  application open                                                                                              15 August 2023 \nDeadline for Decade Action Incubator & Decade Action Workshop proposal submission                                                                                         10 September 2023 \nDeadline for session abstract submission\, ECOPs travel grant application\, and ECOPs Best Oral & Poster Presentation Award application                                                                                                         30 November 2023 \nNotification for session abstract acceptance and ECOPs travel grant         15 December 2023 \nThe Conferences open                                                                                     22 April 2024 \nConference Secretariat Contact\nIOC Sub-Commission for the Western Pacific (WESTPAC):Nachapa SaransuthIOC Sub-Commission for the Western Pacific (WESTPAC)Decade Coordination Office for the Western Pacific and Adjacent AreasIntergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCOTel: +66 2 1411288; Fax: +66 2 1439245Email: iocwestpac@unesco.org \nHost country secretariat contact:Chanakarn ThammavichanDepartment of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR)Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment\, ThailandTel: +66 2 1414690; Fax: +66 2 1439259Email: iocwestpac2024@gmail.com URL:https://ioc-westpac.org/event/imsc11/ LOCATION:Bangkok\, Thailand ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ioc-westpac.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Chaophraya.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Asia/Shanghai:20231204T080000 DTEND;TZID=Asia/Shanghai:20231206T170000 DTSTAMP:20260825T154724 CREATED:20231203T194831Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240709T004554Z UID:32497-1701676800-1701882000@ioc-westpac.org SUMMARY:The Fourth Session of the CSK-2 International Steering Group DESCRIPTION:Overview\n Program \nProvisional Programme \n(0900-1730\, GMT+8\, 4-6 December 2023\, Qingdao) \n\n\n\nTime\nAgenda\nModerator& speaker\n\n\nGMT+8\, Monday\, 4 December 2023 (Beijing Time\, check time zone converter here\, if needed )\n\n\n0830\nOpen the virtual meeting room\n \n\n\n \n1. Opening\n \n\n\n0900-0915\n1.1 Welcome and opening remarks\n\nWESTPAC; co-chairs; \nLS welcome remarks \n\n\n\n0915-0930\n1.2 Self-introduction\n \n\n\n0930-0945\n2. Adoption of agenda\n\n\n \n3. Major progress since the third Session (21-22 Feb 2023\, Bangkok)\n\n\n0945-1015\n\n3.1  Overview: \nl  Co-Chairs’ statements \nl  WESTPAC Office’s report \nl  Other ISG members \n\n \n\n\n1015-1030\nGroup photo and coffee break\n\n\n \n3.2 CSK-2 endorsed projects\n\n\n1030-1050\n\n1 Observations in the origin region of the Kuroshio \n3Dec2016-31Dec2032 \n\n\nAkira Nagano \nJapan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC) \nnagano@jamstec.go.jp \n\n\n\n1050-1110\n\n2 Kuroshio Extension Observatory (KEO) \n6Jan2004-31Dec2030 \n\n\nMeghan F. Cronin \nNOAA Pacific Marine Environmental Laboratory \nmeghan.f.cronin@noaa.gov \nMakio Honda \nhondam@jamstec.go.jp \n\n\n\n1110-1130\n\n3 Time series observations of Kuroshio variability in the East China Sea \n1June2020-30June2023 \n\n\nHanna Na \nSchool of Earth and Environmental Sciences\, Seoul National University \nhanna.ocean@snu.ac \n\n\n\n\n1130-1150 \n  \n\n\n4 Physical and Biogeochemical Dynamics in the Kuroshio-Oyashio Extension Regions and their impacts on Climate and Fisheries \n1Jan2023-1Dec2025 \n\n\nZhaohui Chen \nOcean University of China \nchenzhaohui@ouc.edu.cn \n\n\n\n1150-1210\n\n5 Dynamical and ecological interaction between the Kuroshio and coastal circulation \n1Jan2022-31Mar2026 \n\n\nKiyoshi TANAKA \nThe Atmosphere and Ocean Research Institute (AORI)\, the University of Tokyo \nktanaka@aori.u-tokyo.ac.jp \n\n\n\n1210-1330\nLunch break\n\n\n1330-1350\n\n6 Subthermocline currents and eddies in the NEC-Kuroshio-MC region \n1Mar2023-29Feb2028 \n\n\nLinlin Zhang \nInstitute of Oceanology\, Chinese Academy of Sciences zhanglinlin@qdio.ac.cn \n\n\n\n1350-1410\n\n7 Kuroshio Edge Exchange and the Shelf Ecosystem (KEES) \n1Jun2023-31Dec2030 \n\n\nFeng Zhou \nSecond Institute of Oceanography\, Ministry of Natural Resources \nzhoufeng@sio.org.cn \n\n\n\n1410-1430\n\n8 The Role of Ocean Dynamic for Fish Recruitment Process in the Coral Triangle Region \n1Jun2023-31Dec2026 \n\n\nAugy Syahailatua \nResearch Centre for Oceanography – BRIN \naugy001@brin.go.id \n\n\n\n1430- 1450\n\n9 Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries Management Along the Northern Pacific Seaboard\, Philippines \n1Jul2023-30Jun2025 \n\n\nAngel B. Encarnacion \nBureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources\, the Philippines \nabencarnacion10279@gmail.com \n\n\n\n1450- 1510\n\n10 Banggai Upwelling Dynamics and Ecosystem Experiment (BUDEE) \n1 Aug2022- 30Sep2025 \n\n\nAgus S. Atmadipoera \nDept. of Marine Science and Technology\, IPB\, University Bogor \natmadipoera_itk@apps.ipb.ac.id \n\n\n\n1510- 1530\n\n11 Climatic hotspot2 project \n1Aug2019-31Mar2024 \n\n\nMasami Nonaka \nJAMSTEC \nnona@jamstec.go.jp \n\n\n\n1530-1540\nISG discussions and recommendations\n \n\n\n1540-1600\nCoffee break\n\n\n \n3.3 National or institutional reports on CSK-2 Part 1\n \n\n\n1600-1615\nChina\n\nXiaopei Lin \nOcean University of China \nlinxiaop@ouc.edu.cn \n\n\n\n1615-1630\nIndonesia\n\nAugy Syahailatua \nResearch Centre for Oceanography – BRIN \naugy001@brin.go.id \n\n\n\n1630-1645\nJapan\n\nAndo Kentaro \nJAMSTEC \nandouk@jamstec.go.jp \n\n\n\n1645-1700\nKorea\n\nJae-Hyoung Park \nKorea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology \noceanjhpark@gmail.com \n\n\n\n1700-1710\nSummary\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nTime\nAgenda\nModerator& speaker\n\n\nCMT+8\, Tuesday\, 5 December 2023\n\n\n \n3.3 National or institutional reports on CSK-2 Part 2\n \n\n\n0900-0915\nRussia\n\nVyacheslav Lobanov \nV.I. Il’ichev Pacific Oceanological Institute \nlobanov@poi.dvo.ru \n\n\n\n0915-0930\nPhilippines\n \n\n\n0930-0945\nUSA\n\nMeghan F. Cronin \nNOAA Pacific Marine Environmental Laboratory \nmeghan.f.cronin@noaa.gov \n\n\n\n0945-1000\nVietnam\n\nThai To Duy \nInstitute of Oceanography\, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology \nduythaito@gmail.com \n\n\n\n1000-1015\nCoffee break\n\n\n \n3.4 ECOP Presentation\n \n\n\n1015-1025\nDecadal variation and its environmental effects in the Western North Pacific Ocean\n\nBaolan Wu \nThe Hong Kong University of Science and Technology \nbaolanwu@hkust-gz.edu.cn \n\n\n\n1025-1035\nThe role of the Kuroshio Current on the diurnal cycle of Meiyu-Baiu rainband in mid-June\n\nHyungju Park \nSchool of Earth and Environmental Sciences\, Seoul National University \nspalfh@snu.ac.kr \n\n\n\n1035-1045\nThe Impact of Kuroshio Intrusion on the Marine Ecosystem on the East China Sea Shelf\n\nQicheng Meng \nSecond Institute of Oceanography\, Ministry of Natural Resources \nq.meng@sio.org.cn \n\n\n\n1045-1055\nDestruction and Reinstatement of Coastal Hypoxia in the South China Sea off the Pearl River Estuary\n\nKhanittha Uthaipan \nXiamen University \nKhanittha.kik@gmail.com \n\n\n\n1055-1105\nEnergetic stratified turbulence generated by the Kuroshio-seamount interactions in Tokara Strait\n\nAnne Takahashi  \nAtmosphere and Ocean Research Institute\, University of Tokyo\, Japan\, anne@aori.u-tokyo.ac.jp \n\n\n\n1105-1115\nInfluence of tropical cyclones on Western North Pacific and Kuroshio region\n\nHan Zhang \nSecond Institute of Oceanography\, Ministry of Natural Resources \nzhanghan@sio.org.cn \n\n\n\n1115-1125\nCold- versus Warm-Season Forced Variability of Net Kuroshio Transport\n\nYuma Kawakami \nDepartment of Atmosphere\, Ocean\, and Earth System Modeling Research\, Meteorological Research Institute\, Japan\, y-kawakami@mri-jma.go.jp \n\n\n\n1125-1145\nRoundtable Discussion\n\nFocus on CSK-2 scientific goals to \n1) foster collaboration to do CSK-2 projects; \n2) share requests to CSK-2 community \n\n\n\n1145-1200\nGroup discussions\, proposed questions \nThis session will enable all to share views\, perspectives for the implementation of CSK-2\, and the way forward.\n\n\n1200-1330\nLunch break\n\n\n1330-1430\n4. Review of new initiatives received in response to the Second Call\n\n\n\n1330-1350 \n  \n\n\nOcean circulation at the Pacific Entrance of the Indonesian Throughflow \n1 Jan 2024-31Dec 2028 \n\n\nDongliang Yuan \nFirst Institute of Oceanography\, Ministry of Natural Resources\, China \ndyuan@fio.org.cn \n\n\n\n1350-1410\n\nThe impact of Kuroshio intrusion on the transport and biogeographic patterns in the South China Sea \n1 Jan 2024-31Dec 2033 \n\n\nYun Qiu \nThird Institute of Oceanography\, Ministry of Natural Resources，China \nqiuyun@tio.org.cn \n\n\n\n1410-1430\n\nAmami-Kuroshio project: Baseline assessment of subtropical environment of Amami Islands along the Kuroshio and its influence to the biosphere and humanosphere \n4 Jan 2022-31March 2027 \n\n\nYusuke Yokoyama \nAtmosphere and Ocean Research Institute\, the University of Tokyo \nyokoyama@aori.u-tokyo.ac.jp \nHiroaki Saito (Report) \nhsaito@aori.u-tokyo.ac.jp \n\n\n\n1430-1500\n5. CSK-2 at the 2nd UN Ocean Decade Regional Conference and 11th WESTPAC International Marine Science Conference (22-25 April 2024\, Bangkok)\n\n\n1500-1510\nCoffee break\n\n\n1510-1620\n6. Potential collaborations\n \n\n\n1510-1520\n\nThis session encourages invited experts to share their interest and mission\, present their expectation and recommendations on the CSK-2 and join some projects or co-design some proposals in CSK-2 to promote its implementation. \n  \n\n\nLiu Guimei \nNational Marine Environmental \nForecasting Center\, China \nliugm@nmefc.cn \n\n\n\n1520-1530\n\nMa Suhong \nChina Meterological Administration \nmash@cma.gov.cn \n\n\n\n1530-1540\n\nAndri Ramdhani \nIndonesia Agency for Meteorology \nClimatology and Geophysics (BMKG) \nandri.ramdhani@bmkg.go.id \n\n\n\n1540-1550\n\nSwadhin Behera \nJAMSTEC \nbehera@jamstec.go.jp \n\n\n\n1550-1600\n\nJoon-Soo Lee \nNational Institute of Fishery Science \nleejoonsoo@korea.kr \n\n\n\n1600-1620\nDiscussion about possible collaboration issues\n \n\n\n1620-1640\n7. Discussion about work-plan over the next two years\n \n\n\n1640-1700\n8. Administrative\, and technical arrangements for CSK-2\nProgress of Support office\n\n\n1700-1710\n9. Other matters\n \n\n\n1710-1720\n10. Venue and time for the next ISG meeting (ISG-5)\n \n\n\n1720-1730\n11. Closure\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nTime\nAgenda\nModerator& speaker\n\n\nCMT+8\, Wednesday\, 6 December 2023\n\n\n \n12. Technical tour to the Oceantec Valley in Qingdao URL:https://ioc-westpac.org/event/4th-session-csk-2/ LOCATION:Qingdao\, China ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ioc-westpac.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/First-WESTPAC-Marine-Spatial-Planning-Expert-Workshop.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Asia/Krasnoyarsk:20231127T080000 DTEND;TZID=Asia/Krasnoyarsk:20231129T180000 DTSTAMP:20260825T154724 CREATED:20230808T193414Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240709T004643Z UID:28247-1701072000-1701280800@ioc-westpac.org SUMMARY:Training Workshop on Monitoring Marine Fish Communities with Environmental DNA Method DESCRIPTION:Phuket Marine Biological Center\, Phuket\, Thailand \n27-29 November 2023\n\n1. Background \nCoral reefs and seagrass meadows are critical habitats for maintaining fish populations that support sustainable livelihoods and economy. While the human activities and climate change have been escalating\, our conservation efforts have been constrained by limited knowledge about their impacts on marine biodiversity. Comprehensive baseline information about species diversity\, richness\, distribution and their migration patterns is essential to develop conservation measures and secure those measures will be effective. However\, conventional methods for monitoring marine biodiversity are difficult to scale up to cover the entire coastline of countries. \nEnvironmental DNA (eDNA) has recently attracted considerable attention for its potential in measuring marine biodiversity\, due to its cost effectiveness and without the need to extract organisms from their environment. \nDespite some limitations of eDNA protocols\, such as inadequate regional fish barcode data\,  limited sampling efficiency and laboratory protocols\, the eDNA-based fish monitoring has been gradually applied in different marine ecosystems\, with significant improvement made in the last few years. \nAs an initial effort\, The IOC Sub-Commission for the Western Pacific (WESTPAC) in partnership with the Marine and Coastal Resources Research and Development Institute (Thailand)\, and the Nanjing University (China)\,will organize a training workshop at the Phuket Marine Biological Center\, Thailand to introduce how the eDNA method could be used for researching and monitoring fish communities in coastal habitats. \n2. Objectives: \n\nTo develop the capacity of researchers for using the eDNA method to monitor fish communities in essential marine ecosystems;\nTo transfer knowledge on\, and exchange experience in the eDNA data analysis and assessment on the status of fish communities;\nTo build partnerships and networks\, and explore the possibility of a potential regional programme using eDNA monitoring for marine ecosystem management.\n\n3. Contents of the training workshop \nThis technical training will consist of theory lectures\, practical demonstration\, and professional on-site sample collection\, including: \n\nBarcode database of marine fish\, including consideration of national and international barcode database development;\nPrimer selection and spatial layout design for eDNA monitoring;\neDNA sample collection and processing;\nQuantitative PCR/digital PCR biological monitoring technology; and\nData process and evaluation of eDNA biomonitoring.\n\n4. Expected outputs \n\nComprehensive knowledge learnt on the process of conducting the eDNA monitoring\, including sampling design\, sample analysis\, data processing and deposition\, and interpretation of data to inform marine ecosystem management\, particularly on fish communities;\nCollaborations established with a concrete plan on the eDNA research and monitoring.\n\n5. Venue \nThe training workshop will take place at the Phuket Marine Biological Center (PMBC)\, Phuket Thailand. \nPMBC will provide relevant meeting and lab facilities for the training workshop\, such as a lecture room\, labs with essential equipment for primary preparation and preservation of samples for further process. \n6. Tentative Agenda \nDay 1 \nLecture 1: Significance of eDNA biomonitoring and its applications in the marine ecosystem \nLecture 2: Principle and technical guideline I – Field sampling \nLecture 3: Principle and technical guideline II – Lab preparation \nDay 2 \nLecture 4: Principle and technical guideline III – Nucleic acid testing  \nLecture 5: Principle and technical guideline IV – Data analysis  \nField trip (Demonstration and practice of eDNA sampling with equipment) \nDay 3 \nLab practice (Sample processing and testing) \nBrainstorming discussion and wrap up URL:https://ioc-westpac.org/event/environmental-dna-method/ LOCATION:Phuket\, Thailand ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ioc-westpac.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/school-of-fish.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Asia/Shanghai:20231120T080000 DTEND;TZID=Asia/Shanghai:20231122T170000 DTSTAMP:20260825T154724 CREATED:20231109T024009Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240709T004719Z UID:32168-1700467200-1700672400@ioc-westpac.org SUMMARY:WESTPAC-ECNU International Workshop “Stem the tide of Asia’s riverine plastic emission into the ocean” DESCRIPTION:The UNESCO/IOC Sub-Commission for the Western Pacific (WESTPAC) and the East China Normal University (ECNU) are pleased to invite you to join this event that will take place on 20-22 November 2023\, Sanya\, Hainan\, China. \nAbout the event\nPlastic pollution has been attracting ever increasing global attention and actions. Plastic\, including microplastic\, is the most prevalent type of marine debris in our coasts and oceans. This transboundary environmental challenge needs to be addressed urgently through concrete actions at all levels involving international coordination and cooperation\, scientific research and technology innovations\, local actions\, citizen and corporate commitment. Plastic and microplastic pollution have been at top agenda of a number of national and international agreements and frameworks\, emphasizing the urgency to intensify efforts in researching their sources\, transport and impacts. Notably\, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed in 2017 a Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030) to gather ocean stakeholders worldwide and catalyze ocean science solutions to sustainable development of the ocean\, and the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-5.2) in 2022 unanimously approved a historic resolution to develop an internationally binding instrument on plastic pollution\, including in the marine environment. \nRivers are recognized as major pathways for land-based plastic transported to the ocean. Based on previous model results\, the rivers in the Asia-Pacific accounted for more than half of the global riverine plastic waste. However\, arguments have been mounting about the modelling results due to the lack of reliable in-situ observations. To serve the needs of Member States in the region to better understand the status of river inputs of plastic waste into the ocean\, and to generate timely data\, information and knowledge needed to formulate and implement technological\, behavioral\, and policy solutions\, the Sub-Commission together with its Member States and their institutions in the region developed and registered in 2022 a UN Ocean Decade Action- UN22. Stem the tide of Asia’s riverine plastic emission into the ocean. This Decade Action was built on the past achievements that the Sub-Commission has been making since 2017 in marine microplastic research and monitoring\, capitalizing on the well-established network and enhanced national and regional capacity for plastic research and monitoring\, and the ever-increasing commitment of Member State to combating marine plastic pollution in the region. \nWho shall participate in?\nThis workshop will convoke experts\, researchers\, students\, and government representatives from within and outside the region who are willing to engage in the development of the UN Decade Action\, and conduct plastic research\, monitoring\, and mitigation in the region. \nPriority will be given to these participants in the WESTPAC plastic activities\, particularly those conducting monitoring and research in their selected pilot sites and already engaged in the initial development of the UN Decade Action. Other experts who are interested to join the network or develop collaborations\, will be welcome. Again\, they should have experience conducting plastic and microplastics related research and monitoring and/or be able to lead and carry out monitoring and research in their countries for moving forward. \nWe encourage all participants to actively engage in the discussions\, share their expertise\, and foster meaningful collaborations. \nHow to register or apply for financial assistance?\nFor anyone who is interested to join the event\, please fill in and submit the online Registration Form\, preferably no later than 30 September 2023. \nThere is a very limited resource in support of the international travel of some colleagues\, particularly those from developing states. A joint committee will be established to select the most suitable participants that would be provided financial support. The selection will be made mainly based on the applicant’s CV\, his/her work experience\, and his/her engagement in WESTPAC or other relevant international programmes. Again\, priority will be accorded to those who are conducting monitoring and research in the Marine Plastic Programme. Updated information on the workshop will be made available\, in due course\, at the WESTPAC website (https://ioc-westpac.org ) \nVenue\nThe workshop will take place at the Innovative Research and Education Valley\, Yazhou district\, Sanya\, Hainan\, China. It is approximately 33km away from Sanya Phoenix International Airport. \nAccomodation: Sanya Yazhou Bay Resort\, Curio Collection by HiltonAddress: Creative New Town\, Plot in (A37-1/2)\, Yazhou Bay\, Sanya\, Hainan\, P.R. China URL:https://ioc-westpac.org/event/stem-the-tide-of-asia-riverine-plastic/ LOCATION:Sanya\, Hainan\, China ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ioc-westpac.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/plastice-in-the-sea.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Asia/Shanghai:20231114T080000 DTEND;TZID=Asia/Shanghai:20231115T170000 DTSTAMP:20260825T154724 CREATED:20231106T030632Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251012T075003Z UID:31743-1699948800-1700067600@ioc-westpac.org SUMMARY:First WESTPAC Marine Spatial Planning Expert Workshop DESCRIPTION:Overview\n Program \nBackground \nMarine Spatial Planning (MSP) is a comprehensive and strategic process to allocate the rational use of marine space and the interactions among its uses to minimize the conflicts between human activities and balance the economic development and environmental protection. It is an enabler to addressing climate change\, optimizing marine conservation\, and developing the blue economy as well as a major contribution to the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030)\, also known as the “Ocean Decade”\, adopted by the 72nd UN General Assembly on 5 December 2017. \nMSP has gained increasing attention from the Western Pacific countries\, but its development in most of countries and adjacent areas are still at the early stage. Considering the pressing demands of IOC Member States in the region for marine management and sustainable use of resources\, the IOC Sub-Commission for the Western Pacific (WESTPAC) initiated an Ocean Decade Action “Accelerate Marine Spatial Planning in the Western Pacific”\, which was officially registered as UN 21 project in 2022. The project strives to capitalize on the MSPglobal Initiative and its results\, and provide guidelines to the countries in the region to reach their environmental\, social and economic objectives with an ecosystem-based approach and promote the development of their MSP plans. \nIn this context\, with the aim to promote the implementation and engagement in the UN21 project and accelerate the MSP process in the Western Pacific and its adjacent areas\, IOC/WESTPAC was determined to convene a group of experts to provide policy and technical insights\, assistance and support to facilitate the MSP development in the region. Upon the approval by the 14th Intergovernmental Session of IOC Sub-Commission for the Western Pacific (WESTPAC-XIV) and based on the recommendations from the member states\, the Group of Experts (GoE) in Marine Spatial Planning in the Western Pacific has been established. \nObjectives \nThe first MSP Expert Meeting will rally wisdom and expertise to push forward the implementation of the Ocean Decade Action UN21 “Accelerate Marine Spatial Planning in the Western Pacific” and facilitate cooperation and communication on regional\, national and local MSP efforts/processes/initiatives. \nThe specific objectives of the meeting are to: \n\nShare progress\, experience\, lessons learned and issues in the MSP implementation in different countries in the region.\nBrainstorming discussions on the science and technology\, capacity development and cooperative mechanism framework of MSP in the region.\nDiscuss the next steps of MSP work in the region.\n\n\n\n\nTuesday 14 November 2023\n\n\n09:00-09:50\nOpening\n \n\n\n\n\nOpening Remarks\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\nSelf-introduction of participants\n\n\n \n\n\n09:50-10:20\nGroup photo & Coffee break\n \n\n\n10:20-11:40\nSetting the scene\n \n\n\n\n\nSetting the scene\n\n\nWenxi Zhu\n\n\n\n\nMSP matters: An overview about MSP development status\n\n\nZhiwei Zhang\n\n\n\n\nMSProadmap and MSPglobal project 1.0 & 2.0\n\n\nMichele Quesada da Silva\n\n\n\n\nUN 21: Accelerating MSP in the region\n\n\nZhiwei Zhang\n\n\n\n\nRole of Foundation in the MSP development\n\n\nXinchun Pan\n\n\n11:40-12:00\nCountry/Institutional Report on MSP Status\n \n\n\n\n\nKorea: Recent Trends of MSP Policy and Technology in Korea\n\n\nMoon-Suk LEE\n\n\n12:00-13:30\nLunch break\n \n\n\n13:30-15:30\nCountry/Institutional Report on MSP Status\n \n\n\n \n\n\nJapan: Marine Spatial Planning in Japan\n\n\nKazumi Wakita\n\n\n \n\n\nMalaysia: MSP in Malaysia: Challenges and Way Forward\n\n\nSazlina Salleh & Nurfatin Wahida Puspa\n\n\n \n\n\nIndonesia: MSP in Indonesia\n\n\nSuharyanto\n\n\n \n\n\nPacific island countries: Marine Spatial Planning in the Pacific: Opportunities and Challenges\n\n\nArpana Pratap\n\n\n \n\n\nThailand: National Marine Spatial Planning Initiative and capacity building needs for Thailand\n\n\nSakanan Plathong\n\n\n \n\n\nVietnam: MSP in Viet Nam: Opportunities and Challenges\n\n\nPham Van Lam\n\n\n15:30-16:00\nCoffee break\n \n\n\n16:00-16:40\n\n\nChina: MSP in China: Experiences\, Opportunities and Challenges\n\n\nXiao Yang & Xin Teng\n\n\n \n\n\nInternational partners: COBSEA’s Marine and Coastal Spatial Planning (Video)\n\n\nMargarita Victoria Caballa\n\n\n16:40-17:30\n\nBrainstorming Discussions \n\nScience and Technology:  What MSP techniques or tools still need to be developed in your country or the region?\n\n\nWenxi Zhu & All\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWednesday 15 November2023\n\n\n09:00-10:30\n\nBrainstorming Discussions \n\nCapacity Development Aspects of MSP Development in Indonesia: Scientific Perspectives\nCapacity development: In addition to the ongoing CD efforts\, what else capacity development activities need to be developed (Each will be expected to contribute ideas and suggestions. 2 or 3 slides each would be great)\nIntroduction of MSP Challenge\n\n\n\nWenxi Zhu & All \n\nArio Damar\nMichele Quesada da Silva\n\n\n\n\n10:30-11:00\nCoffee break\n \n\n\n11:00-11:30\n\nBrainstorming Discussions \n\nCooperative mechanism\, framework\, and opportunities for MSP development in the region\n\n\nWenxi Zhu & All\n\n\n11:30-12:00\n\nBrainstorming Discussions \n\nPilot and demonstration activities (Each will be expected to consider what pilot and demonstration activities could be planned and conducted in this Action)\n\n\nWenxi Zhu & All\n\n\n12:00-13:30\nLunch break\n \n\n\n13:30-15:00\n\nBrainstorming Discussions \n\nDevelopment of a regional MSP roadmap?\n\n\nWenxi Zhu & All\n\n\n15:00-15:30\nCoffee break\n \n\n\n15:30-16:00\nConclusion\, next steps and closing\nWenxi Zhu URL:https://ioc-westpac.org/event/first-westpac-msp-expert-workshop/ LOCATION:Qingdao\, China ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ioc-westpac.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/First-WESTPAC-Marine-Spatial-Planning-Expert-Workshop.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Asia/Krasnoyarsk:20230404T090000 DTEND;TZID=Asia/Krasnoyarsk:20230407T180000 DTSTAMP:20260825T154724 CREATED:20221119T055003Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250207T023037Z UID:22832-1680598800-1680890400@ioc-westpac.org SUMMARY:Fourteenth Intergovernmental Session of the IOC Sub-Commission for the Western Pacific (WESTPAC-XIV) DESCRIPTION:Fourteenth Intergovernmental Session of the IOC Sub-Commission for the Western Pacific (WESTPAC-XIV)\nJakarta\, Indonesia\, 4-7 April 2023\n\n\nOverview\nProvisional Agenda & Meeting Documents\nParticipants \nThe Fourteenth Session of the IOC Sub-Commission for the Western Pacific (WESTPAC-XIV) is generously hosted by the Government of Indonesia from 4 to 7 April 2023 in Jakarta. \nThe session will bring together national competent governmental agencies\, marine scientific communities and other relevant IOC ocean stakeholders in the region\, aiming to foster ocean science-policy interface\, advance ocean science development and cooperation\, enhance related technical and institutional capacities\, and jointly develop ocean science solutions to critical challenges for sustainable development in the Western Pacific and its adjacent areas. \nIn Jakarta\, the Sub-Commission will review its developments and achievements during the intersessional period\, be updated with the global ocean-related developments\, including the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021–2030)\, and then deliberate on the Sub-Commission’s engagement in and contribution to the Ocean Decade. \nThe Subcommission will be expected to elect its Officers\, and formulate its programme and budget for the period May 2023–April 2025. Kindly note that given the limited regular budget allocated from IOC\, the WESTPAC Programme and Budget normally serves as guidance on the programmes and activities that Member States would like to jointly promote and seek funding from various sources to support their implementation. \nFor more information\, please refer to the documents below. \n  \n\n\n \n IOC Circular Letter No 2918\n \n \n\n \n CL 2918 Forms: Biennial Elections for Chairperson & Vice-Chairperson\n \n \n\n \n Senior Governmental Officials Roundtable on the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030)\, 0900-1040\, UTC+7\, 5 April 2023\, Jakarta\, Indonesia\n \n \n\n \n Side Event: National Decade Committees Forum\,1630-1830\, UTC+7\, 5 April 2023\, Jakarta\, Indonesia\n \n \n\n\n\n\n\nAuditorium Sumitro Djojohadikusumo\, B.J Habibie Building\, the Headquarters of National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN)\, Indonesia\nDocument (pdf)\nPPT (pdf)\n\n\n1.\nOPENING\n\n\n\n\n\n1.1\nWELCOMING REMARKS\n\n\n\n\n\n1.2\nKEYNOTE\n\n\n\n\n2.\nORGANIZATION OF THE SESSION\n\n\n\n\n\n2.1\nADOPTION OF THE AGENDA\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nProvisional Agenda\n\n\nXIV/2.1 prov.\n\n\n\n\n2.2\nCONDUCT OF THE SESSION\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nProvisional timetable\n\n\nXIV/2.1 prov.timetable\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAnnotated provisional agenda\n\n\nXIV/2.1 annotated prov.\n\n\n\n3.\nSTATUTORY REPORTS\n\n\n\n\n\n3.1\nSTATEMENT OF THE CO-CHAIRPERSONS\nXIV/3.1\n\n\n\n\n3.2\nREPORT BY THE HEAD OF WESTPAC OFFICE ON INTERSESSIONAL PROGRAMME DEVELOPMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION\, INCLUDING THE OPERATION OF THE WESTPAC OFFICE AND DECADE COORDINATION OFFICE\nXIV/3.2\nPPT\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGuidelines for improving delivery\, efficiency and impact of WESTPAC Programs and Projects\n\n\nGuideline for the improvement\n\n\n\n\n3.3\nRECENT DEVELOPMENTS WITHIN UNESCO\, THE IOC\, AND THEIR RELEVANCE TO WESTPAC-UPDATE BY THE IOC EXECUTIVE SECRETARY\n\n\n\n\n4.\nSTRATEGIC DEVELOPMENT\n\n\n\n\n\n4.1\nCONTRIBUTION OF WESTPAC TO COUNTRIES’ IMPLEMENTATION OF SDGs\, IN PARTICULAR\, SDG 14: LIFE BELOW WATER\n\nPPT\n\n\n\n4.2\nCONTRIBUTION OF WESTPAC TO THE UN DECADE OF OCEAN SCIENCE\n\n\n\n\n\n\n4.2.1\nUN Ocean Decade global developments\n\nPPT\n\n\n\n\n4.2.2\nWESTPAC led Decade Actions and Decade Coordination Office\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWESTPAC effort and the Decade Coordination Office for the region\n\n\n\nPPT\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nUN21: Accelerate Marine Spatial Planning in the Western Pacific and its Adjacent Areas\n\n\nXIV/4.2.2 UN21\nPPT\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nUN22: Stem the tide of Asia’s riverine plastic emission into the ocean\n\n\nXIV/4.2.2 UN22\nPPT\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nUN23: Accelerating transformations in capacity development in the Western Pacific – Regional Network of Training and Research Centers (RTRCs) on Marine Science\n\n\n\nPPT\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nUN 24: Explore the strongest ocean current in the Western Pacific: the 2nd Cooperative Study of Kuroshio and Adjacent Regions\n\n\nXIV/4.2.2 UN24\nPPT\n\n\n\n4.3\nPREPARATIONS FOR THE SECOND UN OCEAN DECADE REGIONAL CONFERENCE & THE ELEVENTH WESTPAC INTERNATIONAL MARINE SCIENCE CONFERENCE (SCHEDULED FOR APRIL 2024\, BANGKOK\, THAILAND)\n\nPPT\n\n\n\n4.4\nSENIOR GOVERNMENTAL OFFICIALS ROUNDTABLE ON THE UN OCEAN DECADE\, 0900-1040\, UTC+7\, 5 April 2023 \n\nDraft SGOs Statement_clear version\n(updated on 31/03/2023)\nDraft SGOs Statement_track change mode\n(updated on 31/03/2023)\n\n\n\n\nSGO Concept Note and programme (31/03/2023)\nAdopted SGOs Jakarta Statement (05/04/2023)\n\n\nBrief report by SGOs Roundtable\n\n\nSIDE EVENT: NATIONAL DECADE COMMITTEES FORUM\,\n1700-1900\, UTC+7\, 5 April 2023\nNDC Concept Note and programme (31/03/2023)\nBrief report by NDCs Forum\n\n\n\n1700-1705\nOpening remarks and brief on the side event\n\n\n\n\n\n1705-1720\nIntroduction to the NDCs development and its operational guidelines\n\n\nPPT\n\n\n\n1720-1810\nBriefs about the established NDCs in the region\, including their compositions\, functions\, operation\, activities\, challenges\, and opportunities (8 minutes each)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nChina; Indonesia; Japan; Republic of Korea; Thailand; USA\n\n\n\n\n\n\n1810-1850\nOpen discussions and sharing of NDCs’ perspectives and suggestions\n\n\n\n\n\n\n1850-1900\nWrap-up and closure\n\n\n\n\n\n5.\nREVIEW AND EVALUATION OF REGIONAL PROGRAMMES\, PROJECTS AND WORKING GROUPS FOR MAY 2021–APRIL 2023\n\n\n\n\n\n5.1\nOCEAN-BASED SOLUTIONS TO CLIMATE CHANGE\n\nPPT\n\n\n\n\n5.1.1\nNorth East Asian Regional-GOOS\nXIV/5.1.1\n\n\n\n\n\n5.1.2\nOcean Forecasting System\nXIV/5.1.2\n\n\n\n\n\n5.1.3\nMonitoring the Ecological Impact of Ocean Acidification on Coral Reefs\nXIV/5.1.3\n\n\n\n\n\n5.1.4\nChanging Asian Marginal Seas and their Response to Climate Change\nXIV/5.1.4\n\n\n\n\n\n5.1.5\nSouth China Sea Fluvial Sediments and Environmental Changes\nXIV/5.1.5\n\n\n\n\n\n5.1.6\nIndo-Pacific Ocean Environmental Variations and Air-Sea Interactions\nXIV/5.1.6\n\n\n\n\n\n5.1.7\nUpwelling studies through ocean data integration towards sustaining ocean health and productivity\nXIV/5.1.7\n\n\n\n\n\n5.1.8\nMonsoon Onset Monitoring and its Social & Ecosystem Impact\nXIV/5.1.8\n\n\n\n\n5.2\nMARINE BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION\, OCEAN ECOSYSTEM AND HUMAN HEALTH\, AND BLUE ECONOMY\n\nPPT\n\n\n\n\n5.2.1\nCoral Reef Resilience\nXIV/5.2.1\n\n\n\n\n\n5.2.2\nCoral Reef Restoration\nXIV/5.2.2\n\n\n\n\n\n5.2.3\nHarmful Algal Blooms\nXIV/5.2.3\n\n\n\n\n\n5.2.4\nHarmful Jellyfish Research Network\nXIV/5.2.4\n\n\n\n\n\n5.2.5\nDNA Taxonomy and Recruitment Monitoring of the Coral Reef Marine Organisms\nXIV/5.2.5\n\n\n\n\n\n5.2.6\nOcean Remote Sensing for Coastal Habitat Mapping\nXIV/5.2.6\n\n\n\n\n\n5.2.7\nMarine Microplastic Research and Monitoring\nXIV/5.2.7\n\n\n\n\n\n5.2.8\nMarine Toxins and Seafood Safety\nXIV/5.2.8\n\n\n\n\n5.3\nKNOWLEDGE FOR EMERGING ISSUES/DEMANDS OF MEMBER STATES\n\nPPT\n\n\n\n\n5.3.1\nWG 005: Ocean Oxygen Network (WESTPAC O2NE) \n\nPPT\n\n\n\n\n5.3.2\nWG007: Gas Hydrates and Methane Fluxes in the Indo-Pacific\nXIV/5.3.2\n\n\n\n\n\n5.3.3\nWG008: Rapid Detection Technology for Harmful Algal Blooms \nXIV/5.3.3\n\n\n\n\n\n5.3.4\nWG009: Integrated Investigation in the Indo-Pacific Convergent Center: Marine Ecosystem and Biodiversity\nXIV/5.3.4\n\n\n\n\n5.4\nCAPACITY DEVELOPMENT\n\nPPT\n\n\n\n\n5.4.1\nRegional Training and Research Centre on Ocean Dynamics and Climate (RTRC-ODC)\nXIV/5.4.1\n\n\n\n\n\n5.4.2\nRegional Training and Research Centre on Marine Biodiversity and Ecosystem Health (RTRC-MarBEST)\nXIV/5.4.2\n\n\n\n\n\n5.4.3\nRegional Training and Research Centre on Marine Plastic Debris and Microplastics\nXIV/5.4.3\n\n\n\n\n\n5.4.4\nRegional Training and Research centre on Reef Management and Restoration\nXIV/5.4.4\n\n\n\n\n\n5.4.5\nRegional Training and Research Marine Toxins and Seafood Safety\nXIV/5.4.5\n\n\n\n6.\nRECOMMENDATION OF THE WESTPAC ADVISORY GROUP ON THE PROGRAMME/PROJECT/WORKING GROUP TERMINATION\, AND IMPROVEMENT OF IMPLEMENTATION\n\nPPT\n\n\n7.\nESTABLISHMENT OF NEW PROGRAMME/PROJECT/WORKING GROUP\n\n\n\n\n\n7.1\nWORKING GROUP ON SMALL ISLAND RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT (SIRaD)\nXIV/7.1\nPPT\n\n\n\n7.2\nWORKING GROUP ON BLUE CARBON ACTIONS (WGBCA) IN WESTERN PACIFIC REGION\nXIV/7.2\nPPT\n\n\n\n7.3\nWORKING GROUP ON ADVANCING MARINE CITIZEN SCIENCE: ACT LOCAL TO GO REGIONAL\nXIV/7.3\n\n\n\n\n7.4\nWORKING GROUP ON TRADITIONAL AND LOCAL OCEAN KNOWLEDGE\nXIV/7.4\nPPT\n\n\n8.\nEVALUATION OF THE FEASIBILITY STUDY ON A NEW PROPOSAL FOR A REGIONAL TRAINING AND RESEARCH CENTRE ON MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING (CITY UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG)\nXIV/8\nPPT (Assessment)\nPPT (Proposal)\n\n\n9.\nFURTHER ENGAGEMENT IN AND CONTRIBUTION TO THE UN DECADE OF OCEAN SCIENCE FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT (2021–2030)\n\n\n\n\n10.\nWESTPAC WORKPLAN AND BUDGET FOR THE PERIOD MAY 2023–APRIL 2025\nXIV/10\nupdated on 18 April 2023\, with the inclusion of the newly established four Working Groups’ workplans\nXIV/10\nas of 31 March 2023\n\n\n\n11.\nELECTIONS\nXIV/11-Election procedures and forms\n\n\n\n12.\nDATE AND PLACE OF THE NEXT SESSION (IN EARLY 2025)\n\n\n\n\n13.\nOTHER MATTERS (INCLUDING BRIEF REPORTS BY SGO ROUNDTABLE\, AND NDCS FORUM\, RESPECTIVELY)\nBrief report by NDCs Forum\nBrief report by SGOs Roundtable\n\n\n14.\nADOPTION OF DECISIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS\nExecutive summary of the meeting of the session\n\n\n\n15.\nCLOSURE URL:https://ioc-westpac.org/event/westpac-xiv/ LOCATION:Jakarta\, Indonesia ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ioc-westpac.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/BRIN.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Asia/Shanghai:20230403T090000 DTEND;TZID=Asia/Shanghai:20230413T180000 DTSTAMP:20260825T154724 CREATED:20230131T174217Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240709T004814Z UID:25575-1680512400-1681408800@ioc-westpac.org SUMMARY:Training Workshop on Coral Larval Reseeding\, Bolinao\, Pangasinan\, Philippines DESCRIPTION:Overview\nProgram\nParticipants \nThe UNESCO/IOC Sub-Commission for the Western Pacific (WESTPAC) and University of the Philippines Marine Science Institute (UPMSI) are pleased to invite you to participate in the training workshop that will take place on 3 to 13 April 2023 in Bolinao\, Pangasinan\, Philippines \nAbout the event \nWhile the demand for marine goods and services continuously escalate\, coral reefs around the world face increasing degradation caused by combined anthropogenic and natural disturbances which disrupt reef structure and functions. As a remediation\, ecological restoration aims to assist the natural recovery of degraded\, damaged\, or destroyed reefs. Whenever natural reef recovery is outpaced by the rate of degradation\, active restoration is employed to initiate recovery by physical\, chemical\, and biological restoration. The biological approach generally involves increasing coral cover through transplantation of corals\, which are either asexually- or sexually-propagated. Apart from coral transplantation\, direct larval reseeding of coral larvae is also being re-explored. \nIn the past two decades\, many developments on various restoration techniques have been made\, which offer various insights on their application. Given that each technique offers its own benefits that outweigh its consequences\, guidelines on their general use appear to be scarce given with limited ways or attempts of comparison. This makes finding the best appropriate technique seemingly obscure and unguided. \nWith the increased occurrence of disturbances on the coral reef and growing necessity for ecological restoration efforts\, the IOC Sub-Commission for the Western Pacific (WESTPAC) and the University of the Philippines Marine Science Institute (UPMSI) would like to establish a regional research network on coral reef restoration studies\, and conduct training workshop on research and monitoring of the long term impacts of coral restoration. \nThe training workshop will mainly consist of lecture sessions and hatchery and field activities and observations. Key lectures will be given by lead scientists in coral restoration ecology from local and international agencies. All trainees will be given 10-15 minute presentation for their own restoration program or experiment. \n What we aim to achieve? \nThis training workshop aims to review and evaluate the most common biological restoration techniques\, present recent advances on other restoration techniques among countries\, and develop general protocols on appropriate application of these techniques\, especially on coral larval reseeding \nEstablish network of scientists and students who are interested in advancing coral restoration techniques and develop collaborative research on coral reproduction and reef connectivity that aims to enhance reef resilience at a regional level \n\n Who will participate?\n\nThe training workshop will establish a network of experts\, researchers\, government representatives and students from within and outside the region. Priority will be given to applicants who are conducting monitoring and research on coral reproduction in their selected sites. Other participants who are interested to join the network or develop collaborations\, are welcome. They should have experience conducting research and monitoring on coral reproduction and communities\, and/or be able to lead and carry out monitoring and research in their countries for moving forward. \n How to register or apply financial assistance \nFor anyone who is interested in joining the event\, please fill in the attached Registration Form. \nThere is a very limited resource in support of the international travel of some colleagues\, particularly those from the developing states. A joint committee will be established to select the most suitable participants that would be provided financial support. The selection will be made mainly based on the applicant’s CV\, his/her work experience\, and his/her engagement in WESTPAC or other relevant international programmes. \nPlease submit registration forms duly completed to iocwestpac@unesco.org as early as possible\, preferably before 4 March 2023. \n  \n\n\n\n3 April 2023\nArrival at Ninoy Aquino International Airport\, Philippines; and travel to Bolinao Marine Laboratory in Pangasinan\n\n\n4 April 2023\nRapid sampling to assess the reproductive status of corals\n\n\n5 April 2023\n\n\nLecture on coral biology and ecology\, including reef resilience and connectivity\, and coral larval reseeding methods\nUpscaling coral restoration using larval enhancement method (Prof. Peter Harrison);\nGenomics approaches in coral restoration (Dr. Cecilia Conaco);\nGovernance of coral reef restoration (Dr. Vanessa Baria-Rodriquez);\nReef management: preventive approach in restoration (Dr. Michael Atrigenio)\n\n\n\n\n6 April 2023\n\n\nPresentations of existing coral reef restoration initiatives by participants\nRapid sampling to assess the reproductive status of corals; preparation of floating cages for coral rearing and culture; night assessment for coral spawning; and spawn collection\n\n\n\n\n7 April 2023\nNight assessment for coral spawning; and spawn collection\n\n\n8 April 2023\nFull moon; night assessment for coral spawning; and coral larval rearing at sea\n\n\n9 April 2023\nCoral larval rearing at sea; and maintenance of floating cages\n\n\n10 April 2023\nCoral larval rearing at sea; maintenance of floating cages; and coral larval reseeding\n\n\n11 April 2023\nCoral larval reseeding; feedback workshop and planning for regional assessment of coral reproduction and reef connectivity studies\n\n\n12 April 2023\nNo dive; preparation for travel\n\n\n13 April 2023\nTravel to airport URL:https://ioc-westpac.org/event/training-on-coral-larval-reseeding/ LOCATION:Bolinao\, Philippines ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ioc-westpac.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Coral.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Asia/Krasnoyarsk:20230220T080000 DTEND;TZID=Asia/Krasnoyarsk:20230222T170000 DTSTAMP:20260825T154724 CREATED:20230112T032016Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240709T004830Z UID:24252-1676880000-1677085200@ioc-westpac.org SUMMARY:First International Scientific Symposium of CSK-2 & the Third Meeting of the CSK-2 International Steering Group DESCRIPTION:Overview\nProgram \nJoin the collective CSK-2 efforts in improving the understanding of the Kuroshio\, its adjacent areas and ecosystems\, to improve regional weather forecasts and climate predictions\, and inform fisheries and aquaculture management. \nThe IOC Sub-Commission for the Western Pacific (WESTPAC) is pleased to invite you to join the first International Scientific Symposium of CSK-2\, which is to be held on 20 February 2023\, Thailand\, in a hybrid mode. \nThe Symposium is open to any experts and relevant stakeholders who are interested in the CSK-2. Topics will focus on\, but not limited to\, scientific advancement on the Kuroshio\, its adjacent areas and ecosystems. Any new initiatives or data management issues\, related to the Kuroshio are also welcome! Ideas from Early Career Ocean Professionals are strongly encouraged. \n\n\n \n CSK-2 Symposium Flyer\n \n \n\nFollowing the symposium\, the Third Meeting of the CSK-2 International Steering Group will take place on 21-22 February 2023. The IOC Sub-Commission for the Western Pacific established an International Steering Group (ISG) to provide guidance and oversight on the development and implementation of the CSK-2 program. \nThe ISG was convened two times virtually on 8 December 2021 and 20 June 2022\, respectively.  The third meeting of ISC will be held on 21-22 February 2022\, succeeding the CSK-2 Science Symposium on 20 February.  We encourage the ISG members to join the Symposium. Should you wish to make a presentation at the Symposium\, please submit your abstract (less than 500 words) and descriptive CV (less than 200 words) to iocwestpac@unesco.org by 10 January 2023.  Some symposium participants may be invited to join the 3rd ISG meeting. \nThe third ISG meeting will be held in a hybrid mode. Specifically\, the ISG will brief on the progress made since the 13th WESTPAC Session (April 2021); review\, make recommendations on\, and endorse new initiatives to be part of the CSK-2 program; and plan the CSK-2 activities over the next intersessional period. \n  \n\n\n\n\n20 February 2023 (UTC+7\, Bangkok Time)\n\n\n0830-0900\nOpening & group photo\n\n\n0900-1230\nCritical science in CSK-2\n\n\n1230-1400\nLunch time\n\n\n1400-1630\nProposals on CSK-2 projects\n\n\n1630-1730\nOther matters & wrap up\n\n\n1730-1740\nClosing\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n21-22 February 2023 (UTC+7\, Bangkok Time)\n\n\n1. Opening and self-introduction\n\n\n2. Major progress since its establishment at the 13th WESTPAC Session (April 2021)\n\n\n3. Review of new initiatives \n\n\n4. National or institutional reports on CSK-2\n\n\n5. Administrative\, and technical arrangements for CSK-2\n\n\n6. Other matters\n\n\n7. Closure of the meeting URL:https://ioc-westpac.org/event/csk-2-third-meeting/ LOCATION:Bangkok\, Thailand ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ioc-westpac.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Wave.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Asia/Krasnoyarsk:20221216T090000 DTEND;TZID=Asia/Krasnoyarsk:20221216T150000 DTSTAMP:20260825T154724 CREATED:20221202T153806Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240709T004846Z UID:23224-1671181200-1671202800@ioc-westpac.org SUMMARY:Regional Forum for Accelerating Marine Spatial Planning in the Western Pacific DESCRIPTION:Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) is a process that proposes a more integrative\, multisectoral approach to managing marine spaces and resources. It can improve decision-making and provide a framework for balancing sectoral interests\, to achieve the sustainable use of marine resources. \nThe IOC/UNESCO and the European Commission are working together to accelerate MSP processes tthrough a joint action called MSProadmap. IOC’s work on promoting ecosystem-based management through MSP is also a major contribution to the UN Decade of Ocean Sciences for Sustainable Development (2021-2030). \nObjectives: To bring together various MSP stakeholders in the region\, including national authorities\, research/academia\, business/private sectors\, NGOs\, ECOPs and foundations\, to \n\nShare the outcomes of the 5th International MSPforum and the 3rd International Conference on Marine/Maritime Spatial Planning;\nBrief on national and regional relevant achievements\, tools\, and innovation demonstration;\nExpress views\, and seek a better mutual understanding of marine spatial planning processes undertaken within the specific regional contexts;\nSeek new opportunities for exchange and cooperation\, and explore the possibility of developing a roadmap to accelerate marine spatial planning in the region.\n\n\n\n \n Flyer of the event\n \n \n\n\n\n \n Program\n \n \n\n \n\nRegister for this event\nYou will receive a confirmation email. \nOrganized by\n \n \n \nIn partnership with URL:https://ioc-westpac.org/event/regional-mspforum/ LOCATION:Online ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ioc-westpac.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Ko-Phi-Phi.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Asia/Krasnoyarsk:20221122T090000 DTEND;TZID=Asia/Krasnoyarsk:20221202T110000 DTSTAMP:20260825T154724 CREATED:20221119T051437Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240709T004857Z UID:22829-1669107600-1669978800@ioc-westpac.org SUMMARY:International Webinar Series on Advancing Remote Sensing Applications for Ocean Sustainability DESCRIPTION:Overview\n22/11/22\n29/11/22\n06/12/22\n13/12/22\n20/12/22 \nRemote sensing can provide much greater and more detailed coverage of the ocean than would be possible to obtain solely by conventional observations. With the advance of its technologies\, remote sensing has got a wide range of applications in the study and conservation of ocean\, seas\, and marine resources. \nIn partnership with the Burapha University(BUU)\, Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR) of Thailand\, and Asia-Oceania Group on Earth Observations (AOGEO)\,  the IOC Sub-Commission for the Western Pacific (WESTPAC) plans to conduct a series of webinars on ocean remote sensing to further promote its applications to the sustainable development of ocean\, marine and coastal resources.  The webinars will be held during 22 November – 20 December 2022\, with financial support of the Japanese Funds-in-Trust for UNESCO. \nThe primary objective of the webinars is to facilitate an exchange of knowledge and development practices about ocean remote sensing applications between ocean remote sensing communities and relevant ocean stakeholders such as researchers\, resource managers and policy/decision makers in the region;  and to develop opportunities for member states in the region to increase their capacity for applying remote sensing to the conservation and sustainable development of marine and coastal resources. \n\n\n \n Programme & Abstract\n \n \n\n \n \nRegister for this event and get the zoom meeting link by scanning or clicking the QR code! URL:https://ioc-westpac.org/event/remote-sensing-international-webinar-series/ LOCATION:Online ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ioc-westpac.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/RS-series-background.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Asia/Krasnoyarsk:20221102T080000 DTEND;TZID=Asia/Krasnoyarsk:20221104T170000 DTSTAMP:20260825T154724 CREATED:20220901T022251Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240709T004918Z UID:22790-1667376000-1667581200@ioc-westpac.org SUMMARY:National Ocean Acidification Training Workshop for Thailand DESCRIPTION:Flyer on the National Ocean Acidification Training Workshop for Thailand URL:https://ioc-westpac.org/event/thailand-national-oa-training/ LOCATION:Phuket\, Thailand ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ioc-westpac.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/OA-Thailand.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Asia/Krasnoyarsk:20221026T090000 DTEND;TZID=Asia/Krasnoyarsk:20221028T170000 DTSTAMP:20260825T154724 CREATED:20221012T005755Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240709T005012Z UID:21384-1666774800-1666976400@ioc-westpac.org SUMMARY:WESTPAC Advisory Group Meeting 2022 DESCRIPTION:Provisional Agenda\nMeeting Documents\nParticipants \n1. Opening \n2. Adoption of agenda \nPart I. WESTPAC strategy\, activities and capacities \n3. Brief review of on-going WESTPAC programs/projects/working groups since the 13th WESTPAC Session\, (27-29 April 2021\, Virtual) and the implementation of relevant suggestions from the 13thSession \n3.1 Ocean and climate3.2 Marine biodiversity\, ocean ecosystem health and human health3.3 Knowledge of emerging issues (WGs)3.4 Capacity development (in general)3.5 An overview about the Sub-Commission’s development since its last Intergovernmental Session (WESTPAC-XIII\, April 2021) \n4. Development status of the IOC Regional Network of Training and Research Centres\, and evaluation on a new proposal for a Regional Training and Research Centre on Pollution Assessment and Monitoring (City University of Hong Kong) \n5. Latest development on the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030) \n5.1 Global development5.2 WESTPAC led UN Decade Actions and Decade Coordination Office \n\nUN21: Accelerate Marine Spatial Planning in the Western Pacific and its Adjacent Areas\nUN22: Stem the tide of Asia’s riverine plastic emission into the ocean\nUN23: Accelerating transformations in capacity development in the Western Pacific – Regional Network of Training and Research Centers (RTRCs) on Marine Science\nUN 24: Explore the strongest ocean current in the Western Pacific: the 2nd Cooperative Study of Kuroshio and Adjacent Regions – from its sciences to human well beings\nDecade Coordination Office\n\n5.3  Other Decade related matters \n6. The 11th WESTPAC International Marine Science Conference & 1st Regional UN Ocean Science Conference \nPart II. Brainstorming on WESTPAC’s future development in the post pandemic era \n7. Brainstorming on what we shall further develop (10–12-minute thoughts\, ideas\, and perspectives by everyone) \nRoundtable discussion \n8. Future development for the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030) and Decade Coordination Office (DCO) \n9. Preparations for the Fourteenth WESTPAC Intergovernmental Session (tentatively Mar-April 2023) \n\nHost country and relevant arrangements\nPreliminary Agenda of the WESTPAC-XIV\n\n10. Date and Venue for the next Advisory Group meeting \n11. Other matters \n12. Closure \n \n \n\n \n Agenda 2: Provisional Agenda \n \n \n \n\n \n Agenda 2: Provisional Timetable \n \n \n \n\n \n Agenda 4: Proposal for hosting a Regional Training and Research Center (RTRC) \n \n\n Proposal for hosting a Regional Training and Research Center (RTRC) for the IOC Regional Network of Training & Research Centers on Marine Science in the Western Pacific and Adjacent Areas \n \n \n\n \n List of participants URL:https://ioc-westpac.org/event/ag-meeting-2022/ LOCATION:Phuket\, Thailand ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ioc-westpac.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Phuket.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Asia/Krasnoyarsk:20221013T080000 DTEND;TZID=Asia/Krasnoyarsk:20221015T170000 DTSTAMP:20260825T154724 CREATED:20220901T013753Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240709T005028Z UID:22775-1665648000-1665853200@ioc-westpac.org SUMMARY:National Ocean Acidification Training Workshop for Vietnam DESCRIPTION:Flyer on the National Ocean Acidification Training Workshop for Vietnam URL:https://ioc-westpac.org/event/vietnam-national-oa-training/ LOCATION:Nha Trang\, Viet Nam ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ioc-westpac.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Nha-Trang-view.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Asia/Shanghai:20220920T080000 DTEND;TZID=Asia/Shanghai:20220922T170000 DTSTAMP:20260825T154724 CREATED:20220701T001423Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240709T005240Z UID:22738-1663660800-1663866000@ioc-westpac.org SUMMARY:National Ocean Acidification Training Workshop for Malaysia DESCRIPTION:Flyer on the National Ocean Acidification Training Workshop for Malaysia URL:https://ioc-westpac.org/event/malaysia-national-oa-training/ LOCATION:Penang\, Malaysia ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ioc-westpac.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/OA-Malaysia.jpg END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR