Exploring Innovative Practices at the International Symposium on Capacity Building for Sustainable Oceans, Tokyo – July 2016

The Nippon Foundation and Government of Japan, in collaboration with The Nature Conservancy hosted an International Symposium on Capacity Building for Sustainable Oceans from 19^th July to 20^th July 2016, at The Capitol Hotel Tokyu in Tokyo, Japan. The symposimum was attended to by Heads of Government, science, industry, academia, international organizations and community representatives.

The two-day symposium is in pursuit of the commitment made by The Nippon Foundation at the Rio+20, to open a global dialogue to support many communities and countries to improve ocean health. The Foundation together with the Government of Japan and The Nature Conservancy then created a platform to explore innovative Global ocean building practices on the managing of our oceans and educating and connecting. Profile of practical examples of successful programs at the community level, as well as cross-boundary networks to discover the available opportunities for taking care of our oceans were also noted.

The two-day symposium also explored elements of each practice which are specifically effective at building capacity in relation to issues such as ocean education, fisheries, marine and coastal planning,  climate change adaptation, science for decision making and multi-stakeholder networks. It also provided a special panel discussion on the Future Prospect for Ocean Education in Japan, stressing on the need to create more awareness of the ocean’s essential services and contributions, to which one mentioned of the need to increase applicants for jobs on the sea.

H.E Tommy Remengesau Jr., President, Republic of Palau and H.E. Anote Tong, Former President of the Republic of Kiribati also gave keynote speeches at the Symposium Opening. Ambassador Mataitoga and Second Secretary Kelera Savu attended from the Embassy.