(Photo: pemsea.org) Da Nang (VNA) – A workshop seeking cooperation opportunities and development of a blue economy in the seas of East Asia was held within the framework of the 5th East Asian Seas (EAS) Congress in the central city of Da Nang from November 16-21.
Themed “Blue economy for business: Building an East Asian seas sustainable business network”, it was co-organised by the Partnerships in Environmental Management for the Seas of East Asia (PEMSEA) and the host Vietnam.
East Asia is seen as an important centre of marine business activities but regional companies are facing numerous environmental issues impacting their coastal and marine operations, such as overfishing, loss of coastlines, pollution, sea-level rise and shifting weather patterns.
Therefore, sustainable development has become a strategic consideration for the companies looking to position themselves competitively in a growing blue economy.
PEMSEA, which has 20 years of experience in integrated coastal management (ICM) and working as a bridge connecting regional governments, stands ready to help the companies map out important directions on the process.
Developing a blue economy is defined as a potential opportunity for emerging markets and competitive advantage through sustainable development, workshop participants heard, getting updated about information on the development of a blue economy in East Asia.
Representatives from c ompanies operating in various industries , including o il and g as, f isheries -a quaculture and e nvironmental s ervices deliberated cooperation opportunities and sustainable development in the East Asian seas.
Meanwhile, panelists identif ied cross-industry risks, opportunities and areas for collaboration along with potential actions for industry insiders to engage with the government ’s efforts to develop blue economy.
They also explored the new East Asian Seas Sustainable Business Network and its role in developing blue economy in the region.
Many of the delegates held that the East Asian Seas Sustainable Business Network might become an active community gathering advanced companies and investors who are interested in building a blue economy in East Asia through the protection, restoration, preservation and sustainable use of oceans and coasts.-VNA
