AGENDA

Chair /Moderator

Harrison Charo Karisa, Senior Fisheries Specialist (Aquaculture), Environment, Natural Resources & Blue Economy Global Practice, The World Bank

Opening remarks

Valerie Hickey, Global Director, Environment, Natural Resources & Blue Economy Global Practice, The World Bank

Alexandra Pugachevsky, Program Manager, Korea-World Bank Group Partnership Facility (KWPF)

Presentations

“AquaInvest PlaGorm and KWPF seaweed grant”

SPEAKERS' BIOS:

Dr. Valerie Hickey is the Global Director of Environment, Natural Resources and the Blue Economy (ENB) at the World Bank.

Previously, as the manager for Advisory and Operations in the Climate Change Group, Valerie oversaw the implementation of the World Bank’s commitments on climate change, climate mainstreaming and climate finance. Before that, she was the Practice Manager for ENB in Latin America and the Caribbean where she managed a cross-sectoral team that supported countries and communities on issues related to climate change, sustainable forest management, integrated conservation and development, integrated coastal zone management, fisheries, pollution management and environmental health, environmental economics and environmental risk management. Valerie holds a Ph.D. in Environmental Science and Policy from Duke University.

Christian Peter is the Practice Manager for the Environment, Natural Resources and Blue Economy`s Global Platform Unit at the World Bank. He has 30 years of experience working on environment, conservation and the management of natural resources. Since joining the World Bank in 1998 he held various headquarter and field-based operational positions as Environmental and Natural Resources Management Specialist in the Africa, Latin America and Caribbean as well as East Asia and the Pacific Regions. Christian holds a MSc in Forest Science and Management from the Georg-August University Göttingen/Germany.

Heon-ju Jo has extensive experience in the fisheries, starting his career as a researcher at the Korea Institute for Industrial Economics & Trade and later contributing to the National Institute of Fisheries Science, specifically in the Distant Water Fisheries Resources Division. He now serves as the Director Senior Researcher in the Fisheries Management and Resource Research Division at KMI.

The Korea Maritime Institute (KMI) is a government funded research institute contributing to the formulation of national policies in maritime and fisheries affairs to boost national economy. Their main initiatives include the promotion of public welfare through research and development. It encompasses ocean economy strategy, marine, fisheries, maritime policy research, logistics and maritime industry, and more.

Hee-sung Jo is affiliated with Wando County Office, working within the Fisheries Management and Processing Team.

Wando County, known for its 265 islands and Rias-style coastline, is also famed for thriving seaweed sectors. The nutrient-rich environment, with granite and limestone, supports over 2,200 marine species, contributing to the growth of seaweed production, therapy, and more. The County is not only famous for enhancing the local ecosystem but also well boosts coastal communities through sustainable practices.

Hee-sung Jo's duties involve certifying eco-friendly seafood and ensuring the safety of seafood products.

His contributions play a crucial role in promoting sustainable fisheries. His research and expertise fields include overseeing labeling and enforcement, managing seafood source distribution centers, and providing consultation and support for ASC certification.

Alexandra Pugachevsky (Sasha) is Korea World Bank Partnership Facility (KWPF) Program Manager. She joined the KWPF team in August 2022. She was previously Country Program Coordinator for the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, managing one of the largest Reimbursable Advisory Services portfolios in the Bank and leading dialogue with the GCC countries counterparts (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE). Prior to that, Sasha worked in the Vice President’s office of the Middle East and North Africa region and the Country Management Unit for West Bank and Gaza. Sasha