Cooperation with Southeast Asia
SwAM cooperates with the Southeast Asia primarily with two regional intergovernmental bodies.
Current projects
Cooperation in the region is primarily with two regional intergovernmental bodies COBSEA and IOC-WESTPAC.
COBSEA
The cooperation aims to strengthen regional capacity in the Seas of East Asia region through knowledge exchange, methodological development, and North–South and South–South cooperation. The objective is to develop sustainable models for marine resource management, contributing to improved decision-making and stronger protection of the marine environment.
IOC-WESTPAC
Methodological development, capacity building and regional cooperation to support the development and implementation of marine spatial planning and sustainable ocean management in the region.
Areas of cooperation
- Sustainable marine management
- Sustainable blue economy
- Climate change
The cooperation aims to create conditions for both economic growth and long-term positive social development in coastal regions. Through regional cooperation, capacity is strengthened to develop and implement sustainable models for the use and conservation of marine resources. At the same time, North–South cooperation and mutual knowledge exchange between regions are promoted, strengthening the shared capacity to address future environmental and societal challenges.
Agreements
Under a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), SwAM has the opportunity to cooperate with Regional Seas Conventions, including the Nairobi Convention and COBSEA (Coordinating Body on the Seas of East Asia).
Since 2025, SwAM and COBSEA have jointly developed an annual work plan to identify potential areas for cooperation and knowledge exchange, including:
- Cumulative environmental assessment for the marine environment
- Marine spatial planning
- Marine protected areas
Results and progress
The cooperation to date has strengthened and deepened SwAM’s relationships with COBSEA and IOC-WESTPAC and laid the foundation for long-term partnerships with regional intergovernmental organisations in the region, as well as with countries such as the Philippines and Thailand. These relationships are considered to provide good opportunities for future cooperation within continued bilateral environmental cooperation, where Swedish expertise can contribute to regional capacity development and international knowledge exchange.
