The PEMSEA Network of Local Governments and PEMSEA Network of Learning Centers Joint Learning Forum opened the technical discussions of the 2025 PNLG Forum, highlighting how science, local governance, and community action are converging to tackle climate change and drive the blue economy across East Asia.

In his opening message, Prof. Fang Qinhua, Deputy Secretary-General of the PNLG Secretariat and Vice President of the PNLC, underscored the value of the partnership. “This cooperation is not just on paper—it is an operational framework that enables knowledge sharing, capacity building, and joint action across the East Asian Seas region,” he said.

Prof. Dr. Yonvitner, President of the PNLC, added that the forum must go beyond exchanging ideas emphasizing that “This Forum [should] be more than just a meeting of minds. Let it be a platform where ideas turn into action, where commitments turn into results, and where cooperation builds a stronger future for generations to come.” 

The plenary session on Source to Sea Governance: Science-based Tools and Strategies for Local Action featured presentations from across the region. Dr. drh. Hasudungan A. Sidabalok, Head of the Food Security, Marine and Agriculture Agency of Jakarta Province, outlined Jakarta’s vision of becoming a global coastal city through integrated coastal management. Prof. Dr. Luky Adrianto, Chairperson of the International Research Institute for Maritime, Marine and Fisheries at IPB University, presented a co-governance model from West Nusa Tenggara’s Jor Bay ecosystem.

Mr. He Yuefeng of the Fangchenggang Oceanic Administration introduced innovations in ecological seawall stratification, while Ms. Marulina Dewi, S.STP., MPA, Head of the Regional Cooperation Bureau of Jakarta Province, emphasized opportunities for new partnerships to strengthen coastal resilience. The session was facilitated by Ms. Nancy Bermas, Regional Project Manager of PEMSEA Resource Facility, who noted that the cases demonstrated how science-based tools can directly inform local decision-making.

In the afternoon, the forum shifted into panel discussions that encouraged more interactive exchanges. The first panel, moderated by Prof. Adrianto, explored how cities and provinces are using technology, planning, and community leadership to adapt to climate impacts. One example came from Busan City, Republic of Korea, where digital maritime solutions are being developed to enhance monitoring and support sustainable ocean use.  

The second panel discussion, moderated by Dr. Handoko Adi Susanto, Interim Executive Director of the ATSEA Programme, examined pathways for building the blue economy, highlighting Dongying, China’s “fishery–photovoltaic energy model” that integrates aquaculture with solar power; understanding how ecosystem service valuation guides policy; and, exploring how community-based fisheries and conservation initiatives can strengthen local stewardship of marine resources.

The Learning Forum concluded with a shared commitment to deepen PNLG–PNLC collaboration and scale up innovation, reaffirming the role of local governments and learning centers in advancing PEMSEA’s Sustainable Development Strategy for the Seas of East Asia (SDS-SEA).