JMT Provides a Briefing to the Implementing Agency of the Regional Project for Monitoring and Reduction of Marine Debris from Fisheries

JAKARTA, 19 May 2022 – A project inception briefing was organised virtually by the JAIF Management Team (JMT) on 19 May 2022. It was attended by approximately 20 staffers of the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center (SEAFDEC) that implements the newly-approved JAIF project Regional Collaborative Research and Capacity Building for Monitoring and Reduction of Marine Debris from Fisheries in Southeast Asia.

The briefing served as an opportunity for SEAFDEC to learn about essential knowledge for implementing JAIF projects. In his opening remarks, Naoki Minamiguchi, JMT Director, highlighted the significance of the project in addressing sea-based marine debris, one of the most critical transboundary issues that call for immediate and regional actions according to the ASEAN Regional Action Plan for combating marine debris (2021-2025). The importance of the project was echoed by Mr. Koichi Honda, Deputy Secretary-General and Japanese Trust Fund Program Manager. He appreciated Japan’s long-term assistance and cooperation in the fisheries sector in the region.

A presentation provided by Miyuki Ishikawa, JMT Programme Coordinator, covered JAIF rules and procedures, monitoring and evaluation, financial management, and guidelines on visibility. Technical advice was also provided by the Food, Agriculture and Forestry Division (FAFD) of the ASEAN Secretariat.

The briefing was moderated by Mr. Isara Chanrachkij, Project Planning and Management Division of SEAFDEC.