On November 24th, the 2020 PEMSEA Network of Local Governments (PNLG) Annual Forum was held online, with an offline venue in Xiamen, China. The PNLG Annual Forum is held annually in different member cities. This year, the 15th Annual Forum is themed “Marine Eco-civilization, Blue Development”. Nearly 100 delegates attended the forum, including government officials, senior scientists and scholars, from over 30 members of the PNLG across nine countries, namely China, Cambodia, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, Timor-Leste and Vietnam. Delegates from Busan of South Korea, Bangli, Semarang and East Lombok of Indonesia were also present as observers. Fujian Institute for Sustainable Oceans (hereinafter referred to as “FISO”) has provided technical support for the forum, including both the General Assembly and Technical Workshop.

Back in June this year, the PNLG Executive Committee approved FISO’s application to join PNLG as an associate member. The membership became official when Prof. Xue Xiongzhi, Coordinator-General of FISO, signed the PNLG Charter on behalf of FISO at the General Assembly. At the Technical workshop that followed, Dr. Li Yangfan, Professor of FISO, delivered a presentation on “Blue Paper on Integrated Ocean Management and Xiamen Practice”. As an associate member of PNLG, FISO will continue to share Xiamen's experience with PNLG members, and expect to learn about new techniques and practices through the PNLG network.

The forum has facilitated experience exchange among PNLG members, and contributed to the sustainable development of the East Asian Sea.