International Conference on Regional Cooperation for the Protection of the Marine Environment

About This Event

Protection of the marine environment in Southeast Asia faces particular challenges, some of which may be more effectively resolved through the cooperative efforts of states in the region. This conference will investigate cooperative efforts by the numerous existing regional bodies and possible ways forward to improve the state of the marine environment in the region.

In order to explore this idea, there is a need to discuss the legal background, including the international and regional frameworks, and the institutional background in the region. An exploration of governance models from other regions, including the Mediterrranean, the Arctic, the Baltic, the Caribbean, as well as a closer look at the OPSAR Convention and the Coral Traingle Initiative, may also provide insight into possible avenues in the region. It is also necessary to discuss the challenges and prospects in the region and key issues in marine pollution and environmental protection. 

Thus, this conference will bring together experts in this area to discuss the current international and regional arrangements, and possible governance models and best practices from other regions. There will also be the opportunity to discuss plastics and ship source pollution as key marine environmental issues in Southeast Asia. The particualr challenges and prospects in the region will also be explored, including legal and political issues, the role of science, and financial assistance. The final discussion will centre on the way forward and prospects for enhanced cooperation within ASEAN.