Mahesh PRADHAN is currently serving as the COBSEA Coordinator, an intergovernmental mechanism that brings together nine countries (Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Republic of Korea, Singapore, Thailand, and Viet Nam) in protecting and conserving the marine environment in the seas of East Asia. COBSEA is one of seven Reginal Seas Conventions and Action Plans (RSCAPs) administered by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP). The seven UNEP administered RSCAPs are part of 18 Regional Seas Programmes globally, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year.
COBSEA focuses on addressing the triple planetary crises in the context of the East Asian Seas, with respect to climate change, nature and biodiversity loss, as well as pollution and waste. A key thematic priority of COBSEA’s work focuses on Ocean Climate Action, which seeks to strengthen the ability of marine and coastal ecosystems in the East Asian Seas to contribute to climate change mitigation and enhance climate adaptation and resilience, by supporting and promoting Nature-based Solutions and Ecosystem-based Adaptation.
Mahesh has nearly three decades of experience in multilateral environmental cooperation, covering a number of substantive areas, including sustainable nutrient management, holistic waste management, environmental education and training, as well as international environmental governance.