2013/SOM1/SCE-COW/DIA/010 2nd APEC Blue Economy Forum, 6-7 December 2012, Tianjin, China Submitted by: China Dialogue on Mainstreaming Ocean-Related Issues in APEC Jakarta, Indonesia 4 February 2013
The 2 nd APEC Blue Economy Forum Dec. 6-7, 2012 Tianjin, P. R. China 21st century is the ocean development century The oceans and seas cover 70% of the earth surface. How to effectively manage the challenge of sustainable use of the ocean has become a major issue of common concern to world's coastal countries. The call has been echoed in major global and regional foras prior to and following the Rio+20 Conference which addressed the need to articulate how the Green Economy approach to sustainable development is to be applied in the marine environment and the ocean sector. 1
The Asia-Pacific region, with the world's highest population density and fastest economic growth, faces serious resources and environmental challenges, such as unabated degradation of ocean and coastal ecosystems and depletion of natural resources in coastal States, especially small island developing States (SIDS). To jointly explore blue economic development has significant implications for the Asia-Pacific region to achieve sustainable economic development, social progress, environmental health and sustainable utilization of resources. 2
APEC Contribution to Blue Economy Mainstreaming Ocean-related Issues in APEC Sustainable development of the marine economy is a part of sustainable growth of APEC Leaders Growth Strategy. Mainstreaming of ocean-related issues is in line with SCE s efforts in promoting discussions on cross-cutting issues. Maintaining ocean sustainability is a complementing effort for green economy towards sustainable growth. The need to explore a holistic solution to achieve sustainable development on oceans by developing Blue Economy was highlighted. APEC Contribution to Blue Economy 2012 APEC Leaders Declaration: important role of marine resources and marine ecosystems in regional economic integration and food security in APEC region. APEC Joint Ministerial Statement: encouraged efforts to mainstream ocean related issues in supporting regional economic integration. 3 rd APEC Ocean-related Ministerial Meeting in 2010: marine environment conservation, climate change adaptation, free and open trade and investment, as well as food security. The 1 st Blue Economy Forum was held on November 5, 2011, Xiamen, P. R. China, with 9 economies participating, which resulted in some key consensus on policies and procedures in developing the Blue Economy. 3
The 2 nd APEC Blue Economy Forum was convened on December 6-7, 2012, in Tianjin, China and aimed to advance regional understanding of Blue Economy, facilitate mainstreaming Blue Economy,and develop consensus on next steps in establishing regional cooperation. The 2 nd APEC Blue Economy Forum Theme: Mobilizing to Address the Rio+20 Challenge of Achieving Blue Economy in the Context of Sustainable Development: APEC Vision on Blue Economy for Post-Rio+20 Period Sub-themes: Identifying and Scaling-up Best Practices Fostering Innovative Methods and Strategic Approaches Accelerating Blue Growth and Regional Cooperation 4
Organizers and Co organizers Organizers: State Oceanic Administration (SOA) Tianjin Municipal Government Co organizer: China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, Indonesia Global Ocean Forum (GOF) Partnerships in Environmental Management for the Seas of East Asia (PEMSEA) Conservation International Foundation (CI) International Ocean Institute (IOI) United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) Over 200 participants 15 APEC Member Economies 10 international organizations 5 high level delegations 26 presentations Co-Chairs Statement 5
Keynote Speeches Mr. Chen Lianzeng, Deputy Administrator, SOA H.E. Dr. MokMareth, Prof. Biliana Cicin-Sain, Minister of Environment of President, Global Ocean Forum the Royal Government of Cambodia Mr. Wang Yilin Chairman of China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) Dr. Awni Behnam President of International Ocean Institute Mr. Stephen Adrian Ross Acting Regional Program Director PEMSEA Main Speakers Mr. Wang Dianchang, DG for Policies, Regulations and Planning, SOA Mr. Guan Zhaoquan, Director, Shandong Development and Reform Commission, China Dr. Anil Premaratne, Director General for Coast Conservation, Ministry of Defense and Urban Development, Sri Lanka Prof. Dr. Nguyen Chu Hoi, Vietnam National University Mr. Kim Yunil, Ministry of Land, Transport and Maritime Affairs Dr.SUNOTO MES, Senior Advisor to The Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, the Republic of Indonesia Mr. Sun Lianyou, Deputy Director of Tianjin Oceanic Bureau of China Ms. Maria Rica C. Bueno, Director, Office of Tourism Standards & Regulations, Department of Tourism Dr. Yu Xingguang, Director, TIO/Executive Director, APEC MSD, SOA Dr. Sebastian Anders Troeng, Senior Vice President, Conservation International Ms. Wang Xiaohui, National Marine Data & Information Service, SOA Dr. Zhang Zhanhai, Director General for International Cooperation, SOA, P. R. China Dr. Miriam Balgos, Program Coordinator, Global Ocean Forum Mr. Pan Shijian, Vice President of Xiamen PPCC, China Mr. Felipe H. Nava, President, PEMSEA Network of Local Government for Sustainable Coastal Development Mr. Gerald Miles, Regional Director, External Affairs & Policy, Asia Pacific,The Nature Conservancy Mr. Berin McKenzie, Specialist, United Nations Institute for Training and Research 6
Common Understanding include but not limited to the following: Mainstreaming Blue Economy Applies the principles set forth in the Rio+20 including but not limited to, the principles of sustainability, inclusiveness and innovation. Recognizes the importance of improving respective member economies integrated policy and projects. Encourages efforts to mainstream the Blue Economy in APEC Economies respective development agenda. Integrates land- and ocean-based economies, considering that the land and the ocean form an integrated whole. Growth Strategy Supports inclusive growth as one of the five pillars of the APEC Leaders Growth Strategy by increasing income and creating job opportunities, particularly for vulnerable groups of the population by optimizing multiple economic benefits. Values the role of innovation in the Blue Economy by improving the technological capability and dissemination within marine industries, including the development of eco-tourism, application of low-carbon technologies and renewable marine energy. 7
Improving Connectivity Promots connectivity and communication among APEC Member Economies to facilitate the free flow of goods, services, trade and investment in a sustainable and equitable manner. Encourages the involvement of the private sector, in particular SMEs through ABAC and other public private partnerships (PPPs) in ocean-related activities and the Blue Economy, and promotes women s role in Blue Economy. Environmental Conservation Implemented in line with ecosystem-based management to balanced economic development and environmental protection. Cooperation at all levels and in all fields Strengthens the role of ocean-related cooperation in emergency preparedness, disaster relief, as well as in climate change mitigation and adaptation. Enhances cooperation and coordination among relevant APEC sub-foras on Blue Economy issues, while avoiding duplication and establishing partnerships with international organizations as appropriate. 8
Challenges Very difficult to give a clear definition of Blue Economy, although there are many proposals Each economy has done in different approaches and ways to achieve successful models. Good practices on Blue Economy as a whole have yet to be tested and proven. Increasing demand for marine resources and limitation. Degradation of marine environment and resources could not wait. Advancing to the blue economy is imperative, not optional. What can we do to develop Blue Economy at regional and international level? We are in a new era in which the crisis of environment, economic, population and energy pose a situation of higher risk and of possible tipping points. We must strenghten our collective efforts and cooperation for dealing with the new level of risk and to realize the opportunities that lie ahead. 9
Move Forward with Confidence We have a detailed set of global prescriptions on oceans from 1992, 2002, and 2012. We know what has worked/hasn t. We have a high level of political support. We have mobilized very large coalitions that will continue to work hard. We need work and cooperate together. Call For Action Establishing APEC Blue Economy model programs to explore the pathway of Blue Economy cooperation; Calling for relevant APEC sub-foras, such as ATCWG, CTI, EPWG, EWG, PPFS, PPSTI, PPWE, SMEWG, TPTWG, TWG, and others, to carry on cooperation in promoting Blue Economy; Strengthening the capacity building of APEC economies, especially developing economies, through training programs, information exchange and experience sharing, and other initiatives; Increasing public awareness of the importance of ocean conservation and the Blue Economy, particularly for young generations. Need Contribution from all APEC Member Economies! 10
Thank you for your attention! Tang Dongmei State Oceanic Administration P. R. China Tel:86-10-68048072 EMAIL:dongmei_tang@263.net 11