International Waters learning Exchange & Resource Network

2nd Annual Asia-Pacific Regional Network Meeting and Training Event

18-21 Feb 2019, Hanoi
The Strengthening Global Governance of Large Marine Ecosystems and Their Coasts through Enhanced Sharing and Application of LME/ICM/MPA Knowledge and Information Tools or LME:LEARN project seeks to improve global ecosystem-based governance of Large Marine Ecosystems and their coasts by generating knowledge, building capacity, harnessing public and private partners and supporting south-to-south learning and north-to-south learning. This project is funded by the Global Environmental Facility (GEF), implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and executed by the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO (IOC).

A key element of this improved governance is mainstreaming cooperation and coordination between LME, MPA, MSP and ICM projects with overlapping themes and geographic areas. 

The first Asia-Pacific annual regional network meeting was organised by GEF LME:LEARN and the IOC of UNESCO Sub-Commission for the Western Pacific (WESTPAC) at the Chatrium Hotel, Bangkok, Thailand (3-4 May 2018). The primary objectives of the meeting were to provide a forum for GEF funded project leaders, non-funded GEF projects, regional agencies, academia, NGOs and the private sector to network with one another; to enhance their understanding of related activities in the region; and to identify partnership building opportunities by engaging members actively involved in key thematic areas (marine and coastal management, biodiversity, fisheries and coastal climate change). During the 2-day meeting, 33 participants from 12 countries attended.

The second Annual Asia-Pacific Regional Network meeting is organised by GEF LME:LEARN, the Vietnam Administration of Seas and Islands (VASI) Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MONRE) and the IOC of UNESCO Sub-Commission for the Western Pacific (WESTPAC) to be held on 18 February 2019 in Vietnam.

The primary objectives of the second meeting are to:

  • Enable GEF funded marine projects to engage with selected companies for a "Shark Tank" session;
  • Evaluate the status of the network

Targeted outcomes of the meeting include:

  • Potential partnerships developed between projects and companies; and 
  • An action plan for sustaining the network

The GEF LME:LEARN dedicated face-to-face training will follow after this meeting focussing on Ocean Governance (19-20 February 2019) and Transboundary Marine Spatial Planning and Sustainable Blue Economy (19-21 February 2019).

This event is by invitation only. For each of these courses there are specific selection criteria which need to be taken into consideration. More information and the criteria can be found in the associated tabs provided.

Press Articles About the Meeting