PNLC Designation of Learning Centers

Background:

• The PNLC Learning Center consolidates the wealth of information on coastal and ocean
governance, improves public access to this information, promotes awareness and replication of
exemplary practices in coastal governance, and generally promotes a culture of learning and
knowledge sharing.

• The need to establish and strengthen PEMSEA learning centers is based upon two certainties: a)
there is a significant amount of intellectual capital in the region that remains untapped in the
drive to achieve sustainable development; and b) capacities to address the priority management
issues/concerns are disparate among and within countries of the region, and in certain
programme areas, are inadequate.

• The overall objective of establishing PEMSEA learning centers is to serve as PEMSEA’s technical
support mechanism in the implementation of programs within the framework of the SDS-SEA.
The learning centers will ensure the region’s access to expert services and advice as well as providing support and assistance in project management and implementation relating to SDS-
SEA implementation.

• Research institutions and universities are expected to provide a strong support to PEMSEA in
promoting the replication and scaling up of ICM efforts, linking it with other area-based
management approaches and in implementing the joint regional strategy ‘Sustainable
Development Strategy for the Seas of East Asia (SDS-SEA). Thus, strengthening their capacity on
SDS-SEA programs specifically in integrated coastal management and other management
approaches, the promotion of blue economy and related activities is critical.