Check out this video featuring key takeaways from the recent 2nd Regional Working Group (RWG) Meeting on coastal and marine ecosystems held in Iloilo on 11-12 August 2025. This renewed momentum for collaboration among the SCS SAP experts is an important step forward for the health of the Seas of East Asia.

Every year, on 12 August, the world celebrates International Youth Day, acknowledging the power of young people in translating global goals into local actions.

With the theme "Local Youth Actions for the SDGs and Beyond," International Youth Day 2025 highlights the significant role of youth in achieving a sustainable future. Across the South China Sea and Gulf of Thailand Large Marine Ecosystems (LMEs), young people are not only beneficiaries of change but are its driving force, actively participating in efforts to protect our coastal and marine environments. Their creativity, energy and deep community ties are bridging the gap between high-level policy and grassroots action, and the now with the future.

After nearly four years, the SCS SAP Project Regional Working Groups (RWG) on coastal and marine ecosystems, namely Coral Reefs, Mangroves, Seagrass, and Wetlands, is finally moving from virtual meetings to an on-the-ground gathering. Taking place in Iloilo City, Philippines from 11-12 August 2025, this meeting marks a pivotal moment for the project. It is our first in-person gathering for the RWGs since the inaugural virtual meetings in December 2021. 

Large Marine Ecosystems (LMEs) are productive ocean areas near continents, crucial for both the environment and coastal economies. Facing threats like pollution, habitat loss, and overexploitation, LMEs require transboundary cooperation. Protecting our global ocean and biodiversity is a top priority for the United Nations, and for UNOPS, especially as the world prepares for the third UN Ocean Conference (UNOC3) in Nice, France, where commitments will be made to #SaveOurOcean. Our regional collaboration under the GEF/UNEP/UNOPS SCS SAP Project directly addresses these challenges in the South China Sea and Gulf of Thailand LMEs through strong regional collaboration and various activities.

On 14-16 May 2025, the SCS SAP Project, alongside COBSEA joined global leaders and experts managing Large Marine Ecosystems and GEF-funded LME Projects at the 24th Annual LME Meeting in Athens. Organized by GEF IW:LEARN and co-hosted by UNEP/MAP. This 24th annual event provided a vital platform to connect with the broader LME community.

Romy Trono's work with the ocean began early. A key part of Romy's work involves Large Marine Ecosystems (LMEs). This work requires navigating different national priorities and ensuring that all countries are working towards common goals. Romy's story is not just one of scientific expertise or political navigation. It is also a story of hope.

Implementing the Strategic Action Programme for the South China Sea and Gulf of Thailand (SCS SAP) Project, UNEP/ COBSEA and the Department of Marine and Coastal Conducted a Project Site Visit at Si Chang Island, Chonburi Province

On March 16, 2025, the SCS SAP Project, together with UNEP/COBSEA and the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR), assigned the Marine Resources Conservation Division through the Marine Protected Area Management Section and the Office of Marine and Coastal Resources Region 2 to welcome Ms Susan Gardner, Director of the Ecosystems Division, and representatives from UNEP. The purpose of the visit was to study the implementation areas of the Strategic Action Programme for the South China Sea and Gulf of Thailand (SCS SAP) Project at Si Chang Island, Chonburi Province.

We are excited to announce the call for proposals for SEA Grants (Innovation and Management Efforts for Marine and Coastal Ecosystems in the Seas of East Asia)! This is for a 12-18 months, valued at US$ 5-50,000 focused on community-based conservation initiatives and research. 

For more information, please visit https://www.ungm.org/Public/Notice/261657 and this flyer. Please spread the call for proposals in your network and identify possible sites in the project that would benefit from this. The submission deadline has been extended to 15 May 2025, 23:59 UTC+7.

For FAQs, please visit via this google link for real-time questions and responses: 

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1SFW-sVrzwdrf4aBHX6JduVV9XYSP-JQaz8Guw_E3NS0/edit?tab=t.0

Across the region, a new generation is stepping up to protect the South China Sea LME, driven by a shared understanding that the future of their communities and the ocean are inextricably linked.