The Southeast Asia Launch of the Report on the "Status of Coral Reefs of the
World: 2008."

4th Feb 2009 Wednesday: 6.30pm*
Botany Centre, Singapore Botanic Gardens
*Refreshments will be served from 5.45pm onwards

Programme:
6.30pm - Summary of the Southeast Asian chapter of "Status of Coral Reefs of
the World: 2008" by Karenne Tun, Marine Biology Lab, National University of
Singapore.

7.00pm - Public Lecture on "Sustainable Development of Coasts and Oceans:
threats, opportunities and responsible governance," by Dr. Chua Thia-Eng,
Chair of the East Asian Seas Partnership Council of the Partnerships in
Environmental Management for the Seas of East Asia (PEMSEA)

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About the Book Launch:
This "Status of coral Reefs of the World:2008" is under the auspices of the
Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network (GCRNM) of the International Coral Reef
Initiative (ICRI).
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Synopsis of the Public Lecture
A brief introduction of ocean as the last frontier: its importance to the
survival of mankind, its contribution to marine economy and the focus of
human activities and culture in the 21st century. An analysis of old and new
challenges (climate change, energy and financial crisis) to the security of
the ocean and the new opportunities (including ecological and biological
economies) arising from them. The need for developing and strengthening
responsible ocean governance and activities and role and key activities of
PEMSEA in promoting regional cooperation and partnership in addressing these
challenges.

About the Speaker:
As the Chair of the East Asian Seas Partnership Council of the PEMSEA, Dr.
Chua is also serving concurrently as a member of Research Council and
Visiting Fellow of the Ocean Policy Research Foundation of Japan (2008- ),
Chair Professor at the Coastal and Ocean Management Institute of Xiamen
University (China) (2008- ) and Associate editor of the Oceans and Coastal
Management Journal. He was a former academic staff member of University of
Singapore, University of Science Malaysia and University of the Philippines.
He had served in various capacities with UN and international organizations
including ICLARM, FAO, IMO, GEF and UNDP.

He has published more than 220 scientific papers, articles, reports and
books. His recent books include ³The Dynamics of Integrated Coastal
Management: Practical Applications in the Sustainable Coastal Development in
East Asia² and ³ Securing the Ocean² (chief editor). In recognition of his
work, the State Council of the People¹s Republic of China conferred him the
prestigious ³Friendship Award² in October,1997. The Royal Government of
Cambodia conferred him the Sahak Metrey Medal in March 2002 by his majesty
King Sihanouk. In 2006, he was recognized as one of the outstanding alumni
of the National University of Singapore.

Dr. Chua completed his high school in Malaysia (1957) and undergraduate
studies at Nanyang University (1963), postgraduate studies ( Diploma in
Fisheries, Masters and doctorate degree) at the University of Singapore
(1964-71) and postdoctorate at the University of Tokyo.
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For more information, kindly contact Rachel/Shufen at 6465 1690/1.

All are welcome.

Best Regards,
Rachel

Rachel Lim § Snr. Programme Officer/Coastal & Marine Env. Programme Office §
National Biodiversity Centre § National Parks Board § Tel: +65 64651690 §
Fax: +65 64655196.