Representative of MCD together with 9 coodinators of International Coastal Cleanup from Bangladesh, Brunei, India, Japan, The Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan and Thailand joined the workshop named “Marine Debris I: Macro Debris” in Korea in order to resolve marine debris issues in International Coastal Cleanup movement.

The workshop was held by Korea Institute of Ocean Science & Technology (KIOST) and Our Sea of East Asia Network – OSEAN from 12/06 to 20/06 in Geoje island (Korea).

The workshop was held to issue a standardized classification of marine debris in Asian Pacific countries, laying the foundation for further research on marine debris minimization. This year’ workshop was also a forum to share experience of raising awareness among the communities about marine debris and extending coverage of Coastal Cleanup activities in 10 attending countries. The ideas voiced by those 10 countries in the workshop shall also be used to improve International Coastal Cleanup activities in September 2013.

Representative from MCD shared its experience in executing International Coastal Cleanup over the past 12 years. MCD cooperated with local authorities and communities, private enterprises as well as NGOs in Coastal Cleanup movement and made remarkable achivements. More than 6000 people in 18 areas in 6 cities and provinces joined International Coastal Cleanup in Viet Nam and 12 tons of litter were collected. This report by MCD not only gave an overview on marine debris in Vietnam but also shared solutions to this condition among attending countries. In 2013, Coastal Cleanup activities will be combined with the program “Blue Light House- Joining Partnership with MCD and the Youth in response to Climate change in Coastal Areas and Islands of Viet Nam”.

The workshop “Marine Debris I: Macro Debris” belongs to the training series held by KIOST and OSEAN in 3 years (2013-2015) with the theme being “Marine debris” via APEC Marine Environment Training and Education Centre (AMETEC)