United Nations Environment Programme NOWPAP
Northwest
Distr.
GENERAL
Pacific
UNEP/NOWPAP IG. 13/9 Rev.1
Action Plan
26 November 2008
Original: English
Thirteenth Intergovernmental Meeting of
the Northwest Pacific Action Plan
Jeju, Republic of Korea
20-21 October 2008
Report of the Meeting
UNEP/NOWPAP IG. 13/9 Rev.1
Page 2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction 3
Agenda item 1: Opening of the meeting 4
Agenda item 2: Organization of the meeting 7
(a) Election of officers 7
(b) Organization of work 7
(c) Adoption of the agenda 7
(d) Presentation of credentials 8
Agenda item 3: Report of the UNEP Executive Director on implementation of the Northwest
Pacific Action Plan 8
Agenda item 4: Reports of the implementation of NOWPAP programme of work during 2007
2008 13
(a) CEARAC 13
(b) DINRAC 13
(c) MERRAC 14
(d) POMRAC 14
Agenda item 5: Report by NOWPAP member state and partners on issues related to NOWPAP
implementation
17
Agenda item 6: Proposal on methods and criteria for RCU evaluation 18
Agenda item 7: Consultations on increased contributions to the NOWPAP Trust Fund 19
Agenda item 8: New NOWPAP RAC activities in 2008-2009 and 2010-2011 21
Agenda item 9: Preparation of the Fourteenth Intergovernmental Meeting 22
Agenda item 10: Other business 23
Agenda item 11: Adoption of the report of the meeting 23
Agenda item 12: Closure of the meeting 23
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Annex I Resolutions 25
Annex II List of Participants 29
Annex III List of Documents 35
Annex IV Statements of NOWPAP Partners 36
Introduction
1.
The First Intergovernmental Meeting (IGM) held on 14 September 1994 in Seoul,
Republic of Korea, adopted the Action Plan for the Protection, Management and Development of
the Marine and Coastal Environment of the Northwest Pacific Region (NOWPAP). The Second
IGM (20 November 1996, Tokyo, Japan) approved the geographic scope of the Action Plan as
well as a tentative scale of contributions to the NOWPAP Trust Fund for 1997. The Fourth IGM
(6-7 April 1999, Beijing, People's Republic of China) agreed to establish four Regional Activity
Centres (RACs). The Fifth IGM (29-30 March 2000, Incheon, Republic of Korea) adopted a
procedure for the establishment of the NOWPAP RCU as well as its Terms of Reference (TOR).
The Sixth IGM (5-6 December 2000, Tokyo, Japan) decided to develop and implement a new
activity, NOWPAP/7, on the "Assessment and Management of Land-Based Activities" within the
NOWPAP programme of work. The Seventh IGM (20-22 March 2002, Vladivostok, Russian
Federation) requested the Directors of the RACs and UNEP to establish the appropriate fora of
National Focal Points for each of the RACs. All NOWPAP RACs established their Focal Points
Meetings during 2002-2003. The Eighth IGM (5-7 November 2003, Sanya, People's Republic of
China) approved the text of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Regional Cooperation
on Preparedness and Response to Oil Spills in the Marine Environment of the Northwest Pacific
Region and the related Regional Oil Spill Contingency Plan (RCP). The Eighth IGM also
approved the TOR for each of the RAC Focal Point Meetings. The Ninth IGM (2-4 November
2004, Busan, Republic of Korea) decided to develop a project to deal with marine litter. The
Ninth IGM also agreed to hold an Intersessional Workshop around mid-2005 in the Republic of
Korea to discuss new directions of work of NOWPAP RACs, the marine litter project and the
increased contributions to the NOWPAP Trust Fund.
2.
Since the inception of NOWPAP, the member states have acknowledged the importance
of setting up a Regional Coordination Unit (RCU) as a fundamental prerequisite for the
successful implementation of the Action Plan. In Resolution 2 of the Sixth IGM, the NOWPAP
member states decided to accept the offers of the Governments of Japan and the Republic of
Korea to co-host a RCU in Toyama, Japan and Busan, the Republic of Korea, respectively.
Following the request of the NOWPAP member states, UNEP has recruited six staff members
for the RCU. The RCU offices were inaugurated on the 1st and 2nd November 2004 in Toyama
and Busan, respectively.
3.
The Tenth IGM (24-26 November 2004, Toyama, Japan) decided to start the Marine
Litter Activity (MALITA) in the NOWPAP region, to expand the geographical coverage of the
NOWPAP Oil Spill Regional Contingency Plan (RCP) and to initiate new directions of work for
the NOWPAP RACs. The Eleventh IGM (20-22 December 2006, Moscow, Russian Federation)
decided to carry out the evaluation of the performance of NOWPAP Regional Activity Centres
(RACs) in 2007 in order to further enhance their efficiency and effectiveness. The meeting
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approved the revised TOR for the NOWPAP RCU and the Focal Points Meetings of CEARAC,
MERRAC and POMRAC, and also adopted the General NOWPAP Policy on Data and
Information Sharing to facilitate information exchange among the member states and related
organizations. The Twelfth IGM (23-25 October 2007, Xiamen, People's Republic of China)
agreed to undertake the rotation of Coordinator and Deputy Coordinator between the RCU
Toyama and Busan office between December 2008 and January 2009, taking into account
Resolution 4 of the Seventh IGM. The Twelfth IGM also approved, in principle, the draft
NOWPAP Regional Action Plan on Marine Litter (RAP MALI) and the draft text of the NOWPAP
Regional Oil and Hazardous and Noxious Substances (HNS) Spill Contingency Plan.
4.
Following the offer of the government of the Republic of Korea to host the Thirteenth
NOWPAP IGM, the meeting was held on 20-21 October 2008 in Jeju.
5.
This document is the record of the discussions and deliberations of the Thirteenth
NOWPAP IGM.
6.
The meeting was attended by representatives of the NOWPAP member states, namely
the People's Republic of China, Japan, the Republic of Korea and the Russian Federation. The
Directors of each of the four NOWPAP Regional Activity Centres (RAC) also attended. The
representatives from UNEP Marine Ecosystem Unit and UNEP Division of Global Environment
Facility; East Asian Seas Regional Coordinating Unit (EAS/RCU); Partnerships in Environmental
Management for the Seas of East Asia (PEMSEA); and the UNDP/GEF Yellow Sea Large
Marine Ecosystem (YSLME) Project attended as observers. The full list of participants is
attached as Annex II to this report. The list of documents is attached as Annex III.
Agenda Item 1: Opening of the Meeting
7.
The Thirteenth IGM was opened at 09:00 a.m. on Monday, 20 October 2008 in Jeju, the
Republic of Korea, by Mr. Ruisheng Yue, Head of Delegation of the People's Republic of China,
the hosting state of the Twelfth IGM. He extended a warm welcome to all participants in this
meeting.
8.
On behalf of the hosting government, Mr. Haeryong Kwon, Head of Delegation of the
Republic of Korea, welcomed all participants to the Thirteenth IGM and appreciated RCU for
preparing the meeting. He stated that NOWPAP have made remarkable progress and evolved to
become a solid cooperative framework for the marine environment protection in the Northwest
Pacific region since its inception in 1994. He expressed his government's appreciation to the
member states for their help in the wake of the "Hebei Sprit" oil spill accident in December 2007
when the NOWPAP Regional Contingency Plan was activated and coordinated through the
Marine Environmental Emergency Preparedness and Response Regional Activity Centre
(MERRAC). Addressing the usefulness of the Regional Oil Spill Contingency Plan, he wished
that the NOWPAP Regional Oil and HNS Spill Contingency Plan would be put into practice as
soon as possible. He also mentioned that the NOWPAP Trust Fund shortfall should be dealt with
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by sincere efforts for payment-on-time of pledges and increase of the contributions to the Trust
Fund to meet its annual target amount of US$ 500,000. Finally, regarding the current financial
constraints of the NOWPAP Trust Fund, he stressed the importance of streamlining RACs
activities to avoid duplication and any inefficiency.
9.
Mr. Ruisheng Yue, on behalf of the People's Republic of China, expressed his special
thanks to the Republic of Korea for hosting the Thirteenth Intergovernmental Meeting and to
NOWPAP RCU for organizing the meeting. He stated that NOWPAP as one of the Regional
Seas Programmes has been implemented to protect the marine and coastal environment with
substantial support of UNEP and efforts of the member states. In recent years, many projects
and activities have been made remarkable progress within the framework of NOWPAP due to
active participation and common efforts of the member states, the effective work of RCU as well
as substantial inputs of RACs. In particular, the NOWPAP Regional Action Plan on Marine Litter
and the Regional Oil Spill Contingency Plan were commended. He mentioned challenges that
NOWPAP is facing to move ahead such as strengthening the cooperation between RACs under
the guidance of the Intergovernmental Meeting and assistance from RCU, issues of future
strategic planning of NOWPAP, financial support and resource mobilization, the NOWPAP GEF
project proposal, and the optimization and effectiveness improvement of RACs activities.
10.
Mr. Masayoshi Mizuno, the Head of Delegation of Japan, expressed his deep gratitude
to the hospitality extended by the Korean government and to RCU for organizing the meeting.
He mentioned that NOWPAP focused on conservation and management of our regional seas to
enable the member states to cooperate and take actions in a harmonious way, which would not
be achieved with just a single country's efforts. He also mentioned that four RACs, as a good
foundation, contributed to NOWPAP operations. He reported several progresses regarding
NOWPAP implementation made in his country: the Basic Act on Ocean Policy was
enacted in 2007 and a consolidated system to tackle the ocean-related issues being in
place since then; and a number of policy-oriented committees to deal with the marine
litter problems were established with the participation of relevant ministries and agencies,
politicians, local governments, NGOs and academia. At regional scale, he referred to the
NOWPAP Regional Oil Spill Contingency Plan activated during the oil spill incident last
year and immediate and well-coordinated support from the NOWPAP member states,
including Japan, as an indication of good cooperation under the NOWPAP framework.
He also mentioned that two International Coastal Cleanup (ICC) campaigns held in
China and Russia last September as good examples of the enhancement of the
NOWPAP collaborative network. He then pointed out the necessity of raising public
awareness on the NOWPAP performance, and stressed that tangible outcomes that
directly benefit our society should be achieved and widely disseminated to the public. He
called upon the attention of other member states that this meeting would provide an
opportunity for them to review NOWPAP activities and to prioritize actions to be taken in
order to improve and strengthen the NOWPAP operations.
11.
Ms. Natalia Tretiyakova, Head of Delegation of the Russian Federation extended her
gratitude to the government of the Republic of Korea for organizing the meeting. Acknowledging
the importance of the action plan for the protection, management and development of the
marine and coastal environment of the Northwest Pacific region, she emphasized the support
and interest of successful activities of the NOWPAP Pollution Monitoring Regional Activity
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Centre (POMRAC). She appreciated the successful cooperation carried out by the Marine
Environmental Emergency Preparedness and Response Regional Activity Centre (MERRAC)
through activation of the NOWPAP Regional Oil Spill Contingency Plan. She also mentioned
that the Russian government was ready to provide oil sorbents at that time. Taking into account
the 2012 forthcoming APEC Summit to be held in Vladivostok, the Russian government is
emphasizing the significance of the current and future activities of NOWPAP. She also informed
that the Russian government is in process to prepare the decision on fulfilment of the financial
commitments together with related ministries, taking into account the administrative reform in
2008.
12.
The opening statement of Mr. Achim Steiner, UNEP Executive Director, was delivered by
Dr. Ellik Adler, UNEP Marine Ecosystem Unit Coordinator. He stated that UNEP was going
through significant transformation and the programme of work for the whole organization was
being realigned along the six major sub-programmes, such as climate change, ecosystem
management, environmental governance, disasters and conflict, harmful substances and
hazardous waste, and resource efficiency. This realignment is result-oriented and is expecting to
bring substantial benefit to countries, regions and global community. In particular to NOWPAP,
he mentioned that UNEP envisions being able to provide more programmatic and administrative
support to the Secretariat to implement regional prioritized activities within the framework of the
UNEP Mid-Term Strategy. In this regard, he mentioned future NOWPAP activities (e.g., climate
change and biodiversity conservation) and that UNEP would commit to supporting the region
through NOWPAP, taking into account programmatic advantages outlined in its Mid-Term
Strategy.
13.
Mentioning the RCU performance review to be undertaken in 2009 and RACs evaluation
carried out in 2007, he suggested the overall assessment of the NOWPAP action plan, including
RACs, RCU and other elements and functions of the NOWPAP infrastructure to initiate the
update of the action plan or take other steps considered necessary for the region. He also
pointed out that the scale of contributions to the NOWPAP Trust Fund has not been changed
since 1994 and some member states have not paid their pledges for a long time, stressing that
the main source of funding for NOWPAP is the contributions from the member states to the Trust
Fund. He further stated that UNEP would be delighted to learn that the NOWPAP member states
would lead the other Regional Seas Programmes in terms of providing their Secretariat and
RACs with adequate financial and human resources to address environmental challenges in the
region efficiently.
14.
Dr. Alexander Tkalin, NOWPAP Coordinator, expressed his sincere appreciation to the
Korean government for hosting the meeting and welcomed all participants. He stressed that
NOWPAP became well recognized by the relevant organizations, programmes and projects in
the region. He addressed the three issues among other agenda items to be discussed at the
meeting: the GEF project proposal, rotation of Coordinator and Deputy Coordinator between the
RCU Toyama and Busan office, and the sustainability of the NOWPAP Trust Fund. He further
commented that the success of the NOWPAP activities exclusively depends on the support from
the member states and the implementation of activities and projects could be only possible when
the contributions from the member states to the Trust Fund are being paid in time.
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Agenda Item 2: Organization of the Meeting
Agenda Item 2(a): Election of Officers
15.
According to the NOWPAP practice, the Chairperson of the IGM would be the
representative of the host state, the Rapporteur would be the representative of the member state
to host the next IGM, and two Vice Chairpersons would be the representatives of the remaining
two member states, respectively. The meeting agreed to elect the following officers:
Chairman:
Mr. Haeryong Kwon, Republic of Korea
Vice-Chairman:
Ms. Natalia Tretiyakova, Russian Federation
Vice-Chairman:
Mr. Ruisheng Yue, People's Republic of China
Rapporteur:
Mr. Masayoshi Mizuno, Japan
Agenda Item 2(b): Organization of Work
16.
It was agreed that the UNEP Governing Council's Rules of Procedures would be applied
through the meeting as appropriate. Japan pointed out that Rule 48 of the proposed Rules of
Procedures would be subject to the traditional NOWPAP's decision-making by consensus.
Subject to the point raised by Japan, the IGM adopted the Rules of Procedures by consensus.
The meeting conducted its business in plenary with English as the working language. As
necessary, working groups would be formed to discuss specific issues.
Agenda Item 2(c): Adoption of Agenda
17.
After considering the provisional agenda submitted by the Secretariat (UNEP/NOWPAP
IG. 13/1), The People's Republic of China requested that the issues related to HNS be
discussed during the meeting. The meeting adopted the agenda as follows:
1. Opening of the Meeting
2. Agenda item 2: Organization of the meeting:
(a) Election of officers
(b) Organization of work
(c) Adoption of the agenda
(d) Presentation of credentials
3. Report of the UNEP Executive Director on implementation of the Northwest Pacific Action
Plan:
4. Reports of the implementation of NOWPAP programme of work during 2007-2008:
(a) CEARAC
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(b) DINRAC
(c) MERRAC
(d) POMRAC
5. Reports by NOWPAP member states and partners on issues related to NOWPAP
implementation
6. Proposal on methods and criteria for RCU evaluation
7. Consultations on increased contributions to the NOWPAP Trust Fund
8. New NOWPAP RAC activities in 2008-2009 and 2010-2011
9. Preparation of the Fourteenth Intergovernmental Meeting
10. Other business
- NOWPAP Regional Oil and Hazardous and Noxious Substances (HNS) Spill
Contingency Plan
11: Adoption of the report of the meeting
12: Closure of the meeting
Agenda Item 2(d): Presentation of Credentials
18.
The delegates of the People's Republic of China, Japan, the Republic of Korea and the
Russian Federation presented their credentials to the Secretariat. The credentials were reviewed
and accepted.
Agenda Item 3: Report of the UNEP Executive Director on Implementation of the
Northwest Pacific Action Plan
19.
Upon the invitation of the Chairman, the NOWPAP Coordinator, Dr. Alexander Tkalin,
presented the report of the UNEP Executive Director on the implementation of the Northwest
Pacific Action Plan (UNEP/NOWPAP IG. 13/3). He briefed on the progress of the four RACs with
respect to their major outcomes achieved during 2007-2008 and mentioned that the detailed
reports of the four RACs would be presented by the RAC Directors under Agenda Item 4.
20.
In addition to specific projects carried out by the NOWPAP Regional Activity Centres
(RACs), he reported on activities being implemented and coordinated by the Regional
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Coordinating Unit (RCU). NOWPAP RCU and RACs have continued to developing partnerships
through co-organizing events (e.g., workshops and training courses), sharing information and
coordinating related activities (on issues such as Harmful Algal Blooms, Remote Sensing,
Integrated Coastal and River Basin Management) with East Asian Seas Regional Coordinating
Unit (EAS/RCU), North East Asian Regional-Global Ocean Observing System (NEAR-GOOS),
Partnerships in Environmental Management for the Seas of East Asia (PEMSEA), North Pacific
Marine Science Organization (PICES), UNESCO/IOC Sub-Commission for the Western Pacific
(WESTPAC) and UNDP/GEF project on the Yellow Sea Large Marine Ecosystem (YSLME). The
Letters of Cooperation with YSLME and PEMSEA, respectively, were signed in 2007
21.
According to NOWPAP Public Awareness Strategy, he reported on NOWPAP efforts to
raise public awareness: maintaining and updating homepages of NOWPAP and RACs; posting
NOWPAP news on websites and in newsletters of partners; introducing NOWPAP activities on
UNEP Headquarters, ROAP and GPA websites; putting NOWPAP publications on the website of
the Aquatic Sciences and Fisheries Abstracts (ASFA) online reference system; preparing and
distributing of brochures, leaflets and posters on NOWPAP activities; attending relevant global
and regional meetings writing articles for magazine, newspapers and newsletters; and providing
lectures and presentations.
22.
He reported, in accordance with NOWPAP Resource Mobilization Strategy, on NOWPAP
efforts on approaching external funding sources and providing RACs and Marine Litter Focal
Points with relevant information. In response to NOWPAP RCU request, the UNEP Regional
Seas Programme provided US$ 20,000 to organize a workshop on NOWPAP Regional Action
Plan on Marine Litter in November 2007 and would also support financially (within US$ 15,000)
the performance review of NOWPAP RCU to be undertaken in 2009. The NOWPAP Marine
Litter Monitoring, Prevention and Control Meeting and International Coastal Cleanup Campaign
were held on 11-12 September in Dalian, People's Republic of China with the financial support
from the Chinese government. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan provide an earmarked
contribution of US$ 54,240 to support the 2008 NOWPAP International Coastal Cleanup and
Training Workshop on 26-28 September in Vladivostok, Russian Federation.
23.
He explained that according to Resolution 5 of the 12th NOWPAP IGM, the NOWPAP
project proposal on "Addressing Land-based Activities that affect the Marine and Coastal
Environment of the Northwest Pacific Region" had to be submitted to the GEF for the pipeline
entry in 2008, in consultation with the UNEP DGEF and the member states. Based on this
Resolution, the project concept was finalized by RCU in consultation with UNEP DGEF, but the
submission of the GEF project proposal was suspended following to the request from both
Japan and the Republic of Korea in August 2008 for further discussion on the contents of the
proposal among the member states. In this regard, he requested the member states to consider
and discuss this issue at the meeting, based on the three options presented to the member
states prior to the meeting through the circular e-mail.
24.
Dr. Alexander Tkalin, NOWPAP Coordinator, summarised three options regarding the
currently developed GEF project proposal: (1) to scale down the project in the manner that co-
financing from the Governments of Japan and the Republic of Korea would be either reduced or
deleted, but that co-financing from the private sector in areas where the on-going activities
address Persistent Toxic Substances (PTS) hotspots would be considered; (2) to redraft the
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proposal in a way that only China and Russia participate while Japan and Korea participate
mostly through attending the meetings; and (3) to stop attempting to have a GEF project on PTS.
25.
He reported that the NOWPAP Regional Action Plan on Marine Litter (RAP MALI) that
was, in principle, approved at the 12th IGM (October 2008) and further discussed at the special
meeting (November 2008) has started to be implemented right after approval of all member
states in March 2008. Since then, sectoral guidelines developed during the NOWPAP Marine
Litter Activity (MALITA) were translated into Chinese and Korean, respectively, and distributed to
the stakeholders and the general public. POMRAC would also translate some guidelines into
Russian. The Regional Overview on Marine Litter in the NOWPAP Region was updated and
published in May 2008. The NOWPAP Marine Litter Monitoring, Prevention and Control Meeting
and International Coastal Cleanup (11-12 September in Dalian, China) and NOWPAP
International Coastal Cleanup and Training Workshop (26-28 September in Vladivostok, Russia)
were organized, with financial support from the People's Republic of China and Japan,
respectively.
26.
He mentioned that the rotation of Coordinator and Deputy Coordinator between the RCU
Toyama and Busan Office would be undertaken in December 2008, in accordance with
Resolution 3 of the 12th IGM.
27.
The NOWPAP Coordinator briefed the meeting on the financial arrangements for the
implementation of NOWPAP and mentioned that this issue would be considered and discussed
in-depth under Agenda Item 7 (UNEP/NOWPAP IG. 13/7).
28.
The alternate head of Delegation of the Republic of Korea appreciated RCU and RACs
efforts to implement resolutions adopted at the Twelfth Intergovernmental Meeting and activities
carried out during 2007-2008. He urged that the member states to pay their Trust Fund
contributions faithfully for the overall implementation of NOWPAP activities. He requested RCU
to make every effort to rotate Coordinator and Deputy Coordinator between the RCU Toyama
and Busan office in early January 2009 without any delay.
29. The Head of Delegation of the People's Republic of China congratulated on
accomplishing achievements as agreed at the Twelfth Intergovernmental Meeting, for example,
the approval of the Regional Action Plan on Marine Litter and signing the letters of cooperation
with PEMSEA and YSLME, respectively.
30.
The Head of Delegation of Japan stressed the importance of public awareness to
disseminate the information about NOWPAP operations, achievements and accumulated data
and reports and encouraged RCU and RACs to exert more efforts to raise awareness effectively
and widely among the public through the utilization of existing mechanisms.
31.
The Head of Delegation of the Russian Federation appreciated RCU to prepare the
report of Executive Director and requested RCU to provide more options related to the GEF
project proposal.
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32.
The Head of Delegation of the People's Republic of China pointed out that the currently
prepared GEF project concept is in line with the GEF strategy in International Waters focal area
strategy for the current GEF phase (July 2006-June 2010) and it was favourably reviewed by
many under the GEF framework. The GEF project, in terms of external funding sources, would
strengthen the NOWPAP capacity and infrastructure through the GEF support. He suggested
considering three alternative options prepared by RCU.
33.
Dr. Ellik Adler, UNEP Marine Ecosystems Unit Coordinator, explained that many
Regional Seas Programmes (e.g., Caribbean, Mediterranean and Black Sea) have benefited
enormously from the development and implementation of the GEF projects. Since the UNEP
Headquarters encourages the Regional Seas Programmes to develop the GEF projects, he
requested Japan and the Republic of Korea to explain why they suggested holding or deferring
the submission of the project at this later stage of the project development.
34.
Mr. Takehiro Nakamura from the UNEP Division of the Global Environment Facility
(DGEF) stated that, following Resolution 5 of the 12th NOWPAP IGMs, the NOWPAP GEF
proposal was developed by RCU as a feasible project concept, in consultation between the
DGEF, in line with the GEF Strategy in the International Waters focal area, based on the project
concept earlier endorsed by the NOWPAP member states and accepted to enter into the GEF
pipeline. The NOWPAP project concept was cleared by the UNEP Project Approval Group
without substantial comments and UNEP has been encouraged to submit the concept any time.
However, upon the request from both Japan and the Republic of Korea to discuss the matter
further at the IGM-13 among member states, the prepared concept had not been submitted to
the GEF. As a result, RCU in consultation with DGEF, prepared the three options based on
comments provided by Japan and the Republic of Korea.
35.
He highlighted two issues raised by Japan and the Republic of Korea; the use of RCU
resources for the GEF project, and the provision of co-financing, particularly by non GEF eligible
countries. Since the GEF project proposal was developed by UNEP to contribute to the
implementation of the Northwest Pacific Action Plan itself, it is understood that the use of RCU
resources is justifiable, and that the co-financing would be provided by the member states and
the NOWPAP Trust Fund. It was suggested that commitment for co-financing be provided during
the project preparation phase in considering all possible sources of co-financing. In particular,
the enhanced level of co-financing is expected from the on-the-ground demonstration activities
in Japan and the Republic of Korea, in order to share and transfer experiences, information and
results on these demonstration activities among and between the member states for mutual
learning and replication. He finally pointed out that the proposal went through a series of
formal/informal discussion with the NOWPAP stakeholders and relevant GEF focal points, and
urged the member states to resolve this issue as soon as possible to have access to GEF
resources in supporting of the implementation of the Action Plan.
36.
The Head of Delegation of Japan explained his government position that Japan was not
ready to support the current GEF project proposal focusing on PTS which did not deem to be an
urgent issue in the region, comparing with those priority activities such as marine litter and other
activities that RACs have taken. He also stated that the scale of the project and financial
contributions required for both Japan and the Republic of Korea under the current proposal
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seemed to be unrealistic and unfeasible, and stressed that more careful consultation and
coordination by the NOWPAP RCU and DGEF should be sought after. However, he also stated
that Japan encouraged NOWPAP to explore potential external funding sources to support the
subject proposal, when considering the severe budgetary constrains of the NOWPAP Trust Fund.
37.
The alternate head of Delegation of the Republic of Korea pointed out that the
contributions from the member states are to the Trust Fund had not been fully met, not allowing
co-financing for the GEF project and suggested that NOWPAP concentrate on the currently on-
going projects unless the financial difficulties are resolved.
38.
Dr. Ellik Adler mentioned that the GEF project proposal had been discussed and
developed for a long time. He recognized that NOWPAP did not have any GEF project with the
YSLME and PEMSEA being implemented outside the NOWPAP framework, and that the current
NOWPAP activities are mostly supported by the Trust Fund. In this regard, he stressed that the
GEF project was a good opportunity for NOWPAP to mobilize the external funding sources.
39.
The Head of Delegation of the People's Republic of China expressed his disappointment
that even though the GEF project proposal has been developed by several round of discussions
through the previous IGMs, it failed to be submitted to the GEF Secretariat. Mentioning the
efforts paid by UNEP and RCU to prepare the documents required by GEF, he suggested the
member states keeping their national position in a constant manner and improving the internal
communication within a country to facilitate NOWPAP activities effectively.
40.
The Head of Delegation of Japan mentioned that in the preparation phase of the GEF
project proposal, suggestion to develop a project on PTS did not originate from the member
states but from UNEP. He expressed Japan's willingness to consider other possibilities
regarding how to make GEF project proposal available to the NOWPAP region without focusing
on PTS. He encouraged the member states to consider some other themes, which would be of
importance to the region and suitable to GEF criteria.
41.
The delegate of the Republic of Korea pointed out the priority and the budgetary issues
of the currently developed GEF project proposal and suggested re-considering the possible
submission of the project proposal in the future.
42.
The meeting agreed to discuss the issue at a small group meeting.
43.
Dr. Takehiro Nakamura later on summarized the results of the small group meeting on
the GEF project proposal. The meeting agreed that the NOWPAP efforts on the current proposal
focusing on PTS should not be continued since the current concept would not be an integral part
of the NOWPAP but that the member states may come back to the issue when the member
states have a better understanding of the priority issues and have addressed outstanding
financial issues
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44.
On the Trust Fund issue, the alternate head of delegation of the Republic of Korea
suggested including the status of earmarked contributions to the RCU operations made by
Korea and Japan in a table in the report of the Executive Director from the next year which is
necessary for the donor countries to prepare their annual contribution plan for the RCU
operations. Regarding the recruitment of new P-3 level staff and current P4 and P5 staff, whose
contract would be terminated some time in next year, he mentioned the transparency of the
recruitment process. He also suggested that the member states be able to give their inputs in
the RCU evaluation process, including their own evaluation and the overall performance of staff
so as to ensure their excellence are recognized while improve inadequacy.
45.
Dr. Ellik Adler mentioned unpaid pledges of the member state and informed that the
UNEP Headquarters is aware of this issue and has taken appropriate actions. He also
suggested Korea to consider providing a secondment to the Busan RCU office, taking into
account the rotation of the Coordinator and Deputy Coordinator between the RCU Toyama and
Busan office, in addition to generous financial contributions from both Japan and Korea for the
RCU operations.
46.
After a lengthy discussion, the meeting adopted the report of the UNEP Executive
Director on the implementation of NOWPAP for 2007-2008 as reflected in Resolution I attached
in Annex I to the report of the meeting.
Agenda Item 4: Reports of the implementation of NOWPAP programme of work
during 2007-2008
Agenda Item 4(a): CEARAC
47.
Upon the invitation of the Chairman, the Director of CEARAC, Mr. Hidemasa Yamamoto
presented the report on the activities of CEARAC (UNEP/NOWPAP IG. 13/4/1) and the modified
workplan and budget for CEARAC, as approved by the Sixth CEARAC Focal Points Meeting (6-
8 March 2008, Toyama, Japan).
Agenda Item 4(b): DINRAC
48.
Upon the invitation of the Chairman, the Director of DINRAC, Mr. Jianguo Wang,
presented the report on the activities of DINRAC (UNEP/NOWPAP IG. 13/4/2) and the modified
workplan and budget for DINRAC, as approved by the Seventh Focal Points Meeting (13-14
May 2008, Beijing, China).
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Agenda Item 4(c): MERRAC
49.
Upon the invitation of the Chairman, the Director of MERRAC, Dr. Seong-Gil Kang,
presented the report on the activities of MERRAC (UNEP/NOWPAP IG. 13/4/3) and the modified
workplan and budget of MERRAC, as approved by the Eleventh Focal Points Meeting (10-13
June 2008, Daejeon, Korea).
Agenda Item 4(d): POMRAC
50.
Upon the invitation of the Chairman, the Director of POMRAC, Dr. Anatoly Kachur,
presented the report on the activities of POMRAC (UNEP/NOWPAP IG. 13/4/4) and the modified
workplan and budget of POMRAC, as approved by the Sixth Focal Points Meeting (17-19 June
2008, Yantai, China).
51.
The delegates of Japan made comments on each RAC activities. For CEARAC,
confirming the importance of Harmful Algal Blooms (HAB) and Remote Sensing related activities
and the assessment of nutrients, he commended the growing cooperation on CEARAC activities
among the member states and its success to assess the status of the marine environment in the
NOWPAP region. For POMRAC, regarding Working Group 1 and 2 and ICARAM activities, he
suggested that POMRAC prepare a concrete roadmap and plans to achieve expected outcomes
of each activity. For MERRAC, the delegate pointed out that MERRAC's main mandates is to
deal with oil pollution, and that marine litter and other issues were recently added as new
activities to be carried out by MERRAC. Since most of the MERRAC experts who attended the
Focal Points Meeting were experts on oil and HNS pollution, and most of them were not aware
of the issues related to marine litter and ballast water, which was suggested by MERRAC, he
recommended that careful consideration on the focal points' expertise and capability be made
before initiating new activities.
52.
The Head of the Delegation of the People's Republic of China suggested that the
member states and other RACs continuously support DINRAC to provide and share data and
information on the marine environment. He also suggested considering the way of optimizing
RACs activities to improve efficiency. For example, each RAC has two or three meetings a year
and invites representatives of other RACs to the meeting. As a result, significant financial
resources are spent for this practice.
53.
The Head of Delegation of Japan supported the Chinese comments to improve financial
efficiency of RACs activities. Regarding the current budgetary situation of the NOWPAP Trust
Fund, he stressed the importance of utilizing the limited budget in a most efficient manner and
suggested prioritizing activities of each RAC. He also suggested that member states need to
carefully analyze the proposed work plans by RACs and evaluate the outcomes of such plans in
order to ensure the quality of the work of RACs. He also recommended that Intergovernmental
Meetings be utilized as the best opportunity for the four member states to have in-depth
discussions on review and evaluation on RACs activities and that a certain amount of time be
spent on such discussions in the future Intergovernmental Meetings.
UNEP/NOWPAP IG. 13/9 Rev.1
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54.
Dr. Ellik Adler briefed the meeting on the historical background of the establishment of
the four NOWPAP RACs with consideration of their activity-based capacity. He recommended
re-considering each RAC activities and setting a strategic programme on identified priorities for
the region, taking into account the results of the RAC evaluation carried out in 2007. He also
suggested considering the overall evaluation of NOWPAP action plan with respect to function
rather than structure.
55.
The delegate of the Republic of Korea believed that each RAC has its own reasonable
scope to operate effectively. While NOWPAP is still in the evolving process, it is too early to start
focusing on very limited priorities but this issue should be discussed on the short-, mid- and
long-term basis within the scope of each RAC.
56.
The Head Delegation of the Russian Federation stated that each RAC activity is effective.
Furthermore, RACs have their own agreed Terms of Reference and their activities were
evaluated during the intersessional period. She deemed it to be little premature to evaluate RAC
activities again at this stage. She also mentioned that the RAC reports contain technical issues
and detailed technical discussions should be covered at the expert level, in particular due the
limited time available to the Intergovernmental Meeting.
57.
Upon the suggestions of the Chairman, the meeting agreed to discuss Agenda Item 8 on
new RAC activities in 2008-2009 and 2010-2011, immediately after Agenda Item 4.
58.
Upon the invitation of the Chairman, the NOWPAP Coordinator explained new activities
of NOWPAP RACs for 2008-2011 (UNEP/NOWPAP IG. 13/8) since the Tenth IGM approved
RACs activities for 2006-2007 only. Due to limited time, he suggested adopting new activities for
RACs guidance in principle and further discussing at the next Intergovernmental Meeting, if
necessary. He also suggested having the next IGM during 3-days period for in-depth discussion
on each agenda item, including RACs report.
59.
The Head of Delegation of Japan suggested elaborating future plans of RACs activities,
on the basis of thorough evaluation and assessment on current activities. He recommended that
IGMs provide such an opportunity for the member states to have in-depth discussions on future
plans, spending a fair amount of time.
60.
The delegate of the Republic of Korea agreed, in principle, the necessity of examination
of RACs activities and mentioned the RACs evaluation carried out last year. He suggested
investigating each RAC activities and its future plan for the RAC operation rather than
undertaking another RACs evaluation. Furthermore, he suggested making a roadmap for future
RAC activities at the meeting and according to the roadmap, the intergovernmental meeting
could guide RACs activities, also taking into account the NOWPAP financial constraint. In
response to the previous Japanese comments on MERRAC activities, he stressed that
MERRAC activities related to marine litter, including the development of useful guidelines, have
been successfully implemented as planned within the NOWPAP Marine Litter Activity.
UNEP/NOWPAP IG. 13/9 Rev.1
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61.
The Head of Delegation of the People's Republic of China suggested that the detailed
technical issues related to certain RACs should be delivered through National Focal Points of
each RAC and discussed at the respective RAC Focal Point Meeting while the
Intergovernmental Meeting should provide the overall guidance of RAC activities.
62.
Regarding DINRAC activities, the delegate of the People's Republic of China suggested
two new activities: (1) Knowledge-based on the marine environment in the region, taking into
account the needs of users (e.g., scientists, policy makers, and general public); and (2) GIS-
based visualization of the marine and coastal environmental data (for example, the FAO website
containing GIS-based coastal and marine environment data on the global scale). He also
stressed the importance of data and information sharing through the cooperation between RACs.
In addition, he suggested that DINRAC should consider other activities deemed appropriate.
Regarding MERRAC, its main activities related to international cooperation on oil spill
preparedness and response. After conducting successfully the 2nd Joint Oil Spill Exercise in
Qingdao, China, some difficulties were found in facilitation of movement of equipment and
personnel through customs that should be improved in the future. A CD on the joint exercise
prepared in Chinese would be translated into English and submitted to the next MERRAC Focal
Points Meeting.
63.
The Head of Delegation of Japan, in response to the assessment and evaluation of RAC
activities, stressed the need to prioritize activities and to decide the overall directions and policy
decisions to guide the future activities of RACs in the IGM meetings, noting the facts that the
technical and scientific issues are often discussed at the Focal Points of Meeting of RACs. He
further commented on each RAC. For CEARAC, for the coastal environmental assessment,
efforts should be continued to collect basic data and analyze the nutrient situation in the region
in cooperation with other RACs. He requested DINRAC to further explain the necessity and
urgency of the proposed activity regarding assessment of alien species listed in the DINRAC
future plans, including some researches on invasive species and its potential damages. He also
requested MERRAC to elaborate on the necessity and emergency of issues related to ballast
waters and alien invasive species, and commented that, looking at the current limited budgetary
situation, such activities should not be regarded as priority activities. For POMRAC, he
suggested that POMRAC analyze the collected national data and incorporate such data into
regional assessment. Regarding the RAP MALI, the Japanese government considered that RAP
MALI meeting should have wider range of participation, from national and local governments,
NGOs and civil society, to raise public awareness as widely as possible. The Head of Delegation
of Japan also suggested that RCU play a coordinating role among RACs to streamline the
relevant activities and to avoid unnecessary duplication of work.
64.
The MERRAC Director mentioned that sea-based marine litter issue is related to the
MARPOL Convention Annex V and a working group would be established to deal with the litter
problem separately from the MERRAC Focal Points. Regarding the currently limited budget and
human resources, he stated that new potential activities (e.g., ballast water and alien invasive
species) could be only undertaken when the related budget is available while MERRAC would
be focusing on its core activities (e.g., oil spills).
UNEP/NOWPAP IG. 13/9 Rev.1
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65.
Dr. Ellik Adler suggested approving new RAC activities to be implemented during 2008-
2011 and mentioned the necessity of comprehensive evaluation of the whole NOWPAP system
in the future.
66.
The meeting approved the RAC reports on their work for 2007-2008 as reflected in
Resolution 1 in Annex I attached to the report.
Agenda Item 5: Reports by NOWPAP member states and partners on issues
related to NOWPAP implementation
67.
Upon the invitation of the Chairman, the representatives from the NOWPAP partners
made short statements on behalf of their organizations: the Partnerships in Environmental
Management for the Seas of East Asia (PEMSEA), the UNDP/GEF Yellow Sea Large Marine
Ecosystem Project (YSLME) and the Coordinating Body on the Seas of East Asia (COBSEA)
attached as Annex IV to this report (UNEP/NOWPAP IG. 13/5/1, 13/15/2 and 13/5/3). In addition,
the UNESCO/IOC Sub-Commission for the Western Pacific (WESTPAC) and North Pacific
Marine Science Organization (PICES) have provided their statements in written form, attached in
Annex IV to the report (UNEP/NOWPAP IG. 13/5/4 and 13/5/5).
68.
The Head of Delegation of Japan explained the implementation of NOWPAP activities in
Japan and addressed the assistance of the Japanese government when the oil spill incident
occurred last year in Korea through the NOWPAP Regional Oil Spill Contingency Plan; the on-
going efforts at various levels in Japan to deal with the marine litter problem; and Japan's
continuous assistance to raise public awareness through the ICC campaigns. He also suggested
each member state to take their own approach to deal with marine litter issues, and expressed
that Japan would share its experience, such as the Model Survey project on marine litter
implemented by the Ministry of the Environment of Japan, and know-how with other member
states.
69.
Dr. Ellik Adler appreciated the NOWPAP partners' efforts to introduce their activities and
suggested the member states to present their national reports from the next Intergovernmental
Meeting as new practice of NOWPAP.
70.
The Head of Delegation of the People's Republic of China pointed out that the issue of
national reports involves many implications such as budget issues, and there was no decision in
the previous IGMs on it. He suggested that national report should be included in the report of the
UNEP Executive Director, if any member state would like to present its implementation of
NOWPAP activities at the national level.
71.
The alternate head of Delegation of the Republic of Korea stressed the need of
NOWPAP to increase cooperation with the international organizations to maximize the
synergetic effects because NOWPAP has common elements with other organizations. Issues of
climate change and its impact on the marine environment, jellyfish, harmful algal blooms and
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UN's regular processes were suggested as examples for future cooperation between NOWPAP
and other regional organizations.
Agenda Item 6: Proposals on methods and criteria for RCU evaluation
72. Upon the invitation of the Chairman, the NOWPAP Coordinator presented the
methodology and criteria for the performance review of the NOWPAP RCU, in accordance with
Resolution 1.8 of the Twelfth NOWPAP Intergovernmental Meeting (UNEP/NOWPAP IG. 13/6).
He suggested that the RCU performance review should be focused on assessing effectiveness,
efficiency and relevance of RCU activities related to the overall goal and objectives of NOWPAP,
including achievements of planned outputs, impact and sustainability of outcomes, stakeholder
involvement and other relevant factors, since April 2005 when two RCU offices are fully in
operation. The review could be carried out by preparing and sending questionnaires to the
member states and NOWPAP RACs; interviewing RCU staff members (including travel to the
two RCU offices); analysing the relevant documents; and preparing a report with
recommendations. The estimated cost would be US$ 20,000-25,000, generously supported (in
part) by the UNEP Regional Seas Programme. He also recommended hiring an independent
consultant, preferably outside the NOWPAP countries but familiar with the region. Finally, he
also mentioned the consideration of the overall assessment of NOWPAP, including RACs, RCU
and action plan itself, in the near future as suggested earlier by Dr. Ellik Adler.
73.
The Head of Delegation of Japan stressed the importance of this review and urged other
member states and RCU fully utilize the results to find out best options to guide RCU to the right
direction in order to improve its quality of work to serve the interests of the member states. He
suggested that questionnaires be sent to relevant international organization partners besides
National Focal Points and RACs directors; conduct telephone interviews with National Focal
Points and RAC directors; when visiting the two RCU offices for discussion, the consultant could
stop over at the capitals to have face-to-face discussions with the National Focal Points; and
clarifying what kind of performance (e.g., coordination, management and implementation) would
be evaluated. The delegate of Japan also requested RCU to carefully schedule the RCU
performance evaluation activities, considering the remaining time before the next IGM.
Regarding the travelling cost of the consultant, the delegate of Japan pointed out that it should
be carefully planed to minimize the cost incurred, and stressed that only necessary financial
resources should be spent from the Trust Fund.
74.
Regarding the issues of the timing of the RCU performance review, raised by Japan and
the People's Republic China, the NOWPAP Coordinator suggested carrying it out in the first
quarter of 2009.
75.
The alternate head of Delegation of the Republic of Korea suggested including the staff's
role and performance to understand the practical operation of RCU; carrying out the evaluation
as early as possible; and with regard to recruitment of the consultant for the RCU performance
evaluation, making an appropriate procedure and distributing the list of consultant candidates to
the member states for their approval; and taking into account the experience learned from the
RACs evaluation. He also suggested, with regard to the methodology and criteria for the RCU
performance review, that the key review question's items of 3.1 and 3.8 be deleted or added
UNEP/NOWPAP IG. 13/9 Rev.1
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with reference phrase based on the MOU contracted between UNEP and RCU host
organizations/countries.
76.
Dr. Ellik Adler suggested considering a consultant who has carried out the NOWPAP
RACs evaluation with remark on his outstanding experience and deep knowledge on the UNEP
Regional Seas Programme.
77.
The Head of Delegation of the People's Republic of China and the Russian Federation
provided some substantial and editorial comments on the document.
78.
Regarding the travelling of an independent consultant to be hired, the meeting agreed
that consultant should ideally visit all member states; taking into account both the advantages of
the face-to-face talk and cost-effectiveness.
79.
The Head of Delegation of the People's Republic of China supported Dr. Ellik Adler's
idea to select the suggested independent consultant, taking into account his wide experience
(including NOWPAP RACs and RCU).
80.
The delegate of the Republic of Korea suggested considering the wide scope of
consultant candidates, in addition to the consultant candidate suggested during the meeting, and
requested RCU to consult closely with the member states regarding the selection of consultant.
81.
The meeting adopted, in principle, the Terms of Reference and related document
(UNEP/NOWPAP IG. 13/6) and agreed that the NOWPAP Coordinator would distribute the
modified document, taking into account comments and suggestions raised at the meeting, and
within 10 days after this meeting member states should send their comments by e-mail.
Agenda Item 7: Consultations on increased contributions to the NOWPA Trust
Fund
82.
Upon the invitation of the Chairman, the NOWPAP Coordinator reported on the current
status of the NOWPAP Trust Fund, stressing the necessity of increasing the total amount of
contributions of the member states to the Trust Fund. He also recalled related resolutions of the
Tenth, Eleventh and Twelfth Intergovernmental Meeting.
83.
He mentioned that after the consideration of the current financial situation, the Twelfth
Intergovernmental Meeting decided to reduce the budget for the 208-2009 biennium by
approximately 15% from the previous biennium, to US$ 1,000,000. If the situation with the Trust
Fund contributions from the member states would not be improved by 2010, the budget of
NOWPAP for the 2010-2011 biennium should be further reduced to US$ 900,000. To resolve
this issue and ensure the sustainability of NOWPAP activities, the annual target amount of the
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Trust Fund contributions should be US$ 500,000 as decided at the Second Intergovernmental
Meeting (November 1996).
84.
The Head of Delegation of Japan stated that, considering the current NOWPAP
budgetary situation, which would be likely to go into deficit within next 5 years, this issue should
be resolved very urgently. He suggested taking two immediate measures to resolve this difficulty,
including the payment of the unpaid pledges of one member state and the increase of the level
of annual contributions to the Trust Fund to US$ 125,000 by each member state. He also
mentioned the need to reduce the level of expenditure of RACs which should not exceed the
actual level of the contributions to the Trust Fund if these two measures would not be
implemented.
85.
Dr. Ellik Adler mentioned that it is uncommon for the international organizations not to
pay their national pledges for a long time while other member states pay their pledges on time,
which is also imposing burdens on other member states. In this regard, the UNEP Headquarters
is taking this issue into account seriously.
86.
The alternate head of Delegation of the Republic of Korea suggested resolving this
urgent issue as soon as possible, together with RCU, and considering the reduction of the
NOWPAP budget to the level of the actual contributions to the Trust Fund unless the member
states reach an agreement to increase the target amount of contributions of US$ 500,000.
87.
The Head of Delegation of the Russian Federation supported the equal shared
contributions to the Trust Fund between the member states. She also mentioned that this issue
has a long story. The Russian government has carefully studied the matter and found out that
the roots of the problem were in 1994 when the 1st Intergovernmental Meeting adopted the
Northwest Pacific Action Plan without any credentials confirming the right for such adoption.
Unfortunately, the consequence of that action reflects now. The Russian government has very
tight discussions with Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Finance to find out solution of
this issue and hope to settle down the matter as soon as possible. The letter of 29 June 2008
signed by Mr. Steiner, UNEP Executive Director, has not been delivered to the relevant Russian
ministry. She also mentioned that the equal share of the contribution should provide the equal
opportunity to participate in all NOWPAP activities.
88.
The Head of Delegation of the People's Republic of China stressed that his government
position has remained the same and the government is ready to increase contributions to the
Trust Fund proportionately together with other member states. Considering the different status of
each member state, he suggested that the contribution scale, based on the principle of common
but differentiated responsibilities, should be composed of the basic and additional portions. He
also recalled resolutions of the previous intergovernmental meetings that all NOWPAP member
states should increase their contributions to the Trust Fund to the target amount of US$ 500,000
per year in due time and requested the member states to prepare the increase of their
contributions to the Trust Fund in order to resolve the financial issue as soon as possible.
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89.
Dr. Ellik Adler suggested the Chairman of this meeting sending a letter to the Russian
ministries to address the NOWPAP financial issues in a positive manner.
90.
The Head of Delegation of the Russian Federation requested UNEP to re-send the letter
sent in July 2008 as well as to check the diplomatic channel to deliver such letter to the ministry
properly to avoid any unnecessary misunderstanding in the future.
91.
The Head of Delegation of Japan expressed the necessity to explore every possible
channel, including a bilateral one, to assist the Russian Federation and to deliver such message
to the Russian Federation.
92.
The Chairman suggested the willingness of the member states to resolve, and to assist
in resolving, this issue be reflected in a form of resolution of the meeting.
93.
In response to the Japanese proposal, the Head of Delegation of the People's Republic
of China and delegate of the Republic of Korea expressed their concerns over the use of
bilateral channel, bearing in mind that NOWPAP operates on a multilateral basis.
94.
The meeting agreed to further discuss this issue at the next Intergovernmental Meeting
as reflected in Resolution 2 in attached as Annex I to the meeting report.
Agenda Item 8: New RAC activities in 2008-2009 and 2010-2011
95.
Since discussion of this agenda item was relevant to Agenda Item 4 (reports on the
implementation of NOWPAP programme of work during 2007-2008), the meeting agreed to
discuss it immediately after Agenda Item 4.
96.
Upon the invitation of the Chairman, the NOWPAP Coordinator briefed the meeting on
new activities of NOWPAP RACs for the 2008-2011 biennium (UNEP/NOWPAP IG. 13/8),
bearing in mind the overall goals of NOWPAP and its collaborative mechanism to implement
NOWPAP activities through RACs and RCU. The RSP Global Strategic Directions for 2008-2012
and the UNEP Medium-Term Strategy for 2010-2013 were available as information documents
for this meeting (UNEP/GCSS.X/8 and UNEP(DEPI) RS.9/6).
97.
In particular, he mentioned several activities for 2008-2011 such as implementation of
Regional Action Plan on Marine Litter, preparation of the second State of Marine Environment
Report for the NOWPAP region, implementation of the new project on Integrated Coastal and
River Basin Management, and further activities related to data and information management
(UNEP/NOWPAP IG. 13/8). Further new activities for each RAC were also recommended in the
document (UNEP/NOWPAP IG. 13/8).
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98.
The Head of Delegation pointed out the procedural oversight made by RCU and DINRAC
regarding the proposed "Assessment of the current situation with alien species and their
potential damage in the NOWPAP region," stressing that DINRAC Director made no explanation
when Japan requested further information regarding the necessity and urgency of the activity
under Agenda 4. He also pointed out that other member states also did not discuss this matter
at all. He called the other member states' attention that it would not seem to be effective to allow
inclusion of such proposal without having any thorough deliberations and discussions especially
when member states should prioritize the genuinely necessary activities within the limited budget
of the Trust Fund.
99.
After discussion, the meeting approved the new activities of NOWPAP RACs for 2008-
2011 (UNEP/NOWPAP IG. 13/8. Rev. 1) as reflected in Resolution 1 attached as Annex I to the
meeting report.
Agenda Item 9: Preparation for the Fourteenth Intergovernmental Meeting
100. The Head of Delegation of Japan announced that Japan would hold the Fourteenth
NOWPAP IGM in 2009, subject to budgetary appropriation by the Ministry of Finance in the end
of 2008. He explained that once the budgetary appreciation was confirmed, Japan would consult
with other member states and NOWPAP RCU regarding details of the venue and date.
101. The Head of Delegation of the People's Republic of China and the Russian Federation
and the alternate head of Delegation of the Republic of Korea appreciated the Japanese
government to host the next intergovernmental meeting. It was also agreed that the Fourteenth
Intergovernmental Meeting would be held for three days.
Agenda Item 10: Other Business
Agenda Item 10(1): NOWPAP Regional Oil and Hazardous and Noxious Substances Spill
Contingency Plan
102. Two versions of draft resolution on the NOWPAP Regional Oil and Hazardous and
Noxious Substances (HNS) Spill Contingency Plan prepared by MERRAC and RCU,
respectively, were considered.
103. After a short discussion, the meeting adopted Resolution 3 on NOWPAP Regional Oil
and HNS contingency plan. It was agreed that the Plan would enter into effect immediately after
adopting this Resolution.
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Agenda Item 10(2): Other Business
104. The alternate head of Delegation of the Republic of Korea requested RCU to prepare the
reduction of the budget and modify the workplan of RCU and RACs for the 2010-2011 biennium
for discussions at the next IGM, based on the actual contribution level of the NOWPAP Trust
Fund until the contributions to the Trust Fund are increased to the target amount.
105. The Head of Delegation of Japan proposed a draft text of resolution for consideration that
addresses the importance of thorough analyses and discussions by the member states
regarding the activities of RACs in order to enhance the performance of NOWPAP activities.
106. After a short discussion, the meeting agreed to consider the proposed text, sharing
common concerns and recognizing the necessity of assessment and prioritization of RACs
activities, in the future.
107. The delegate of the Republic of Korea asked to be informed of the overall process of P-3
recruitment and future P4 and P5 recruitment process in terms of transparency.
108. Dr. Ellik Adler explained that the NOWPAP RCU is administered by UNEP and the staff
contracts are decided internally every two years, based on the performance evaluation. He also
mentioned that the renewal or non-renewal contracts are decided according to the internal
evaluation.
Agenda Item 11: Adoption of the Report of the Meeting
109. The meeting approved resolutions and agreed that the meeting report with its annexes
would be distributed within one week and then finalized taking into account comments and
suggestions raised by the member states.
Agenda Item 12: Closure of the Meeting.
110. The Chairman invited the member states and RAC Directors to make a closing statement
if they wish to do so.
111. The delegate of the People's Republic of China appreciated the hospitality of the
Republic of Korea, the Chairman's stewardship and RCU efforts. He also remarked to
strengthen RCU and RACs activities to implement resolutions adopted at the meeting.
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112. The Head of Delegation of Japan expressed his sincere gratitude to the Republic of
Korea. He also extended his appreciation to other member states for their active participation to
the discussions, and to Chairman for his stewardship. He mentioned that the progress made
during the two-day meeting and pending issues should be further discussed at the next IGM.
113. The alternate head of Delegation of the Republic of Korea expressed sincere gratitude to
RCU staff for organizing the meeting. He mentioned that all participants share the common
interest of concerning the marine environment and looked forward to seeing all next year in
Toyama.
114. The Head of Delegation of the Russian Federation expressed her thanks to the Korean
government for arranging the meeting and appreciated fruitful outcomes of the meeting.
115. After the customary exchange of courtesies, the Chairman declared the meeting closed
at 18:00 pm on Tuesday, 21 October 2008.
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Annex I
Resolutions
Resolution 1
PROGRAMME OF WORK FOR THE 2008-2009 BIENNIUM
The Thirteenth Intergovernmental Meeting,
1. Approves the report of the Executive Director of UNEP on the progress of the
implementation of NOWPAP activities and the status of the NOWPAP Trust Fund,
2. Approves also the progress reports of the four Regional Activity Centres of NOWPAP
(CEARAC, DINRAC, MERRAC and POMRAC),
3. Approves new activities of NOWPAP RACs for 2008-2011 as presented in Table 1,
4. Encourages NOWPAP RCU to continue its efforts to develop partnerships with related
organizations, programmes and projects in the region,
5. Encourages the member states to facilitate and promote the implementation of NOWPAP
Regional Action Plan on Marine Litter (RAP MALI) at the national and regional level,
6. Requests RCU and RACs to implement activities of the NOWPAP RAP MALI as scheduled,
in close collaboration with relevant organizations, programmes and projects, including NGOs
and private sector, and to seek possible external funding sources for RAP MALI
implementation,
7. Decides to undertake the performance review of NOWPAP RCU using agreed methodology
and criteria (UNEP/NOWPAP IG. 13.6), revised in accordance with member states
comments.
Table 1. Activities of the NOWPAP RACs for 2008-2011
CEARAC
DINRAC
2008-2009:
2008-2009:
· HAB Case Studies and Integrated Website
· Serving as a NOWPAP Clearing-House
· Educational Materials and Training Course on
(using a "switchboard" to provide links to
RS Data Analysis*
resources available in NOWPAP member
· Procedures for Assessment of Eutrophication
countries, e.g. HAB, marine litter,
Status for the NOWPAP Region (including
nutrients, contaminants, biodiversity, etc.)
evaluation of land based sources of nutrients)*
· Assessment of the current situation with
· Marine Litter (with other RACs)
alien species and their potential damage in
implementation of RAP MALI
the NOWPAP region
· Maintaining and updating NOWPAP
Marine Litter database (with other RACs)
UNEP/NOWPAP IG. 13/9 Rev.1
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2010-2011:
2010-2011:
· New Implementation Structure for CEARAC
· Serving as a NOWPAP Knowledge Base
Activities
on Marine and Coastal Environment (more
· Revised Integrated Reports on HAB and RS*
data and information is expected to
· Coastal Environmental Assessments Methods
become available through close
for the NOWPAP Region (with other RACs)*
collaboration with other RACs and regional
· Marine litter (with other RACs)
partners such as COBSEA, WESTPAC
and YSLME)**
· GIS-based visualization of marine
environmental data
· Marine Litter database (with other RACs)
· Other activities deemed appropriate
**taking into account the needs of users: general
public, scientists, policy-makers
*these activities will be implemented in collaboration with
regional partners
MERRAC
POMRAC
2008-2009:
2008-2009:
· Oil and HNS Preparedness and Response
· National Reports and Regional Overview
(within the framework of NOWPAP RCP,
on ICARM.
including specific projects and training
· Follow-up on Atmosphere deposition and
exercises) in accordance with OPRC
River and Direct Inputs of Contaminants
convention and OPRC-HNS protocol
as part of activities related to Land-based
· Marine Litter (with other RACs) -
Sources of Pollution (with other RACs).
implementation of RAP MALI
· Reference Database for ICARM and
Updated Reference Databases for AD
2010-2011:
and RDI
· Oil and HNS Preparedness and Response
· Marine litter (with other RACs)
(within the framework of NOWPAP RCP,
implementation of RAP MALI
including specific projects and training
exercises)
2010-2011:
· Marine Litter (with other RACs)
· Further activities on ICARM (with other
RACs and regional partners): Preparation
Potential future activities*
of Overview "Land-based Sources of
· Ballast Waters and Alien Invasive Species
Pollution in the NOWPAP Region" and
(within the context of IMO initiatives on
start of preparation of Strategic Plan on
ballast waters management)
ICARM for the NOWPAP Region.
· Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL
· Revised Regional Overviews on AD and
convention)
RDI for preparation of the "State of
· Liability and Compensation (CLC, Fund,
Marine Environment Report 2" (with
Bunker and HNS conventions)
other RACs).
· Updated Reference Databases for ICARM,
AD and RDI.
*depending on necessity and urgency and budget · Marine litter (with other RACs)
availability for 2010-2011
UNEP/NOWPAP IG. 13/9 Rev.1
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Resolution 2
SUSTAINABLE CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE NOWPAP TRUST FUND
Recognizing the need to implement currently on-going NOWPAP activities and to initiate new
activities,
Sharing the sense of urgency to address the gap between expenditure and contribution level
that, if continues, will soon lead NOWPAP Trust Fund to the severe budgetary constraints and
diminishing NOWPAP activities,
Also recognizing the necessity to increase the total amount of the member states contributions
to the NOWPAP Trust Fund to the target amount of US$ 500,000 per year, as agreed at the 2nd
Intergovernmental Meeting,
Taking note of resolutions of the 10th, 11th and 12th Intergovernmental Meetings on the necessity
to increase the annual contributions of the member states as well as different positions of the
member states with respect to practical possibilities to increase their contributions to the Trust
Fund,
The Thirteenth Intergovernmental Meeting,
1. Decides to endorse the following tentative scale of contributions of the member states to the
NOWPAP Trust Fund for 2008 as presented in Table 2,
2. Urges the member states to make the utmost efforts in 2009-2010 to meet the target amount
of annual contributions to the Trust Fund of US$ 500,000.
3. Urges also the member states to pay their unpaid pledges to the Trust Fund as soon as
possible,
4. Decides to further discuss this issue at the next Intergovernmental Meeting.
Table 2. Scale of tentative contributions
Country
Basic %
Additional %
Total (US$)
People's Republic of China
5 3
40,000
Japan
5 20
125,000
Republic of Korea
5 15
100,000
Russian Federation
5 5
50,000
Total
20 43
315,000
UNEP/NOWPAP IG. 13/9 Rev.1
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Resolution 3
NOWPAP REGIONAL OIL AND HAZARDOUS AND NOXIOUS SUBSTANCES SPILL
CONTINGENCY PLAN
Being Members of the Memorandum of Understanding on Regional Co-operation Regarding
Preparedness and Response to Oil Spills in the Marine Environment of the Northwest Pacific
Region (hereinafter referred to as the MoU) which was signed during 2004/5 at ministerial level
of NOWPAP Members, the People's Republic of China, Japan, Republic of Korea and the
Russian Federation,
Recognising the serious threat posed to the marine environment by Hazardous and Noxious
Substances (HNS) pollution incidents as well as oil pollution incidents involving ships, offshore
units, ports and terminals, etc.,
Taking into account the entry into force of the Protocol on Preparedness, Response and Co-
operation to Pollution Incidents by Hazardous and Noxious Substances, 2000 (OPRC-HNS
Protocol),
Bearing in mind that, in the event of an oil or HNS pollution incident, prompt and effective action
is essential in order to minimise the damage which may result from such an incident,
Taking note of the necessity and importance of the NOWPAP Regional Oil and HNS Spill
Contingency Plan specifying operational procedures related to co-operation in case of
emergency,
Being aware of the need to promote regional co-operation and to enhance existing national and
regional capabilities of preparedness and response to marine oil and HNS pollution incidents,
Based on the Resolution 6 of the 12th NOWPAP Intergovernmental Meeting which approved the
draft text of the revised NOWPAP Regional Oil and HNS Spill Contingency Plan,
The Thirteenth Intergovernmental Meeting,
1. Adopts the revised NOWPAP Regional Oil and HNS Spill Contingency Plan.
2. Agrees that the revised NOWPAP Regional Oil and HNS Spill Contingency Plan comes into
effect by adopting this resolution.
UNEP/NOWPAP IG. 13/9 Rev.1
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Annex II
List of Participants
People's Republic of China
Mr. Ruisheng YUE
Deputy Director-General
Department of International Cooperation
Ministry of Environmental Protection
115 Xizhimennei Nanxiaojie, Beijing 100035, People's Republic of China
Tel: 86-10-66556492, Fax: 86-10-66556494, E-mail: yuers@mep.gov.cn
Ms. Mengheng ZHANG
Senior Programm Officer
Department of International Cooperation
Ministry of Environmental Protection
115 Xizhimennei Nanxiaojie, Beijing 100035, People's Republic of China
Tel: 86-10-66556515, Fax: 86-10-66556513, E-mail: Zhangmh@mep.gov.cn
Mr. Xiangbin PEI
Senior Programme Offcier
Department of Pollution Control
Ministry of Environmental Protection
115 Xizhimennei Nanxiaojie, Beijing 100035, People's Republic of China
Tel: 86-10-66556276, Fax: 86-10-66556272, E-mail: pei.xiangbin@sepa.gov.cn
Mr. Hailiang E
Director
China Maritime Safety Administration
Ministry of Transport
No. 11 Jianguomennei Ave, Beijing 100736, People's Republic of China
Tel: 86-10-65292872, Fax: 86-10-65292875, E-mail: ehailiang@msa.gov.cn
Ms. Kun PAN
Officer
Department of Treaty and Law
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
No. 2, Chaoyangmen Nandajie, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100701, People's Republic of China
Tel: 86-10-65963254, Fax: 86-10-65963257, E-mail: pan_kun@mfa.gov.cn
UNEP/NOWPAP IG. 13/9 Rev.1
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Ms. Yun ZHOU
Director
International Cooperation Centre
Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences
Anwai, Beiyuan, Beijing 100012, People's Republic of China
Tel: 86-10-84915198, Fax: 86-10-84915194, E-mail: zhouyun@craes.org.cn
Ms. Lijing WANG
Assistant Professor / Director
International Cooperation Centre,
Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences
Anwai, Beiyuan, Beijing 100012, People's Republic of China
Tel: 86-10-84915302, Fax: 86-10-84918794, E-mail: wanglj@craes.org.cn
Japan
Mr. Masayoshi MIZUNO
Director
Global Environment Division, International Cooperation Bureau, Ministry of Foreign Affairs
2-2-1, Kasumigaseki, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-8929, Japan
Tel: +81-3-5501-8245, Fax: +81-3-5501-8244, E-mail: masayoshi.mizuno@mofa.go.jp
Mr. Toru NAKAHASHI
Director for International Ocean Affairs
Ocean Policy Division, Policy Bureau, Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism
2-1-3 Kasumigaseki, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-8918, Japan
Tel: +81-3-5253-8266, Fax: +81-3-5253-1549, E-mail: nakahashi-t2je@mlit.go.jp
Ms. Hiroko KOSAKA
Official
Global Environment Division, International Cooperation Bureau, Ministry of Foreign Affairs
2-2-1, Kasumigaseki, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-8929, Japan
Tel: +81-3-5501-8245, Fax: +81-3-5501-8244, E-mail: hiroko.kosaka@mofa.go.jp
Mr. Yasutaka KATAGIRI
Special Assistant to the Director
Ocean Policy Division, Policy Bureau, Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism
2-1-3 Kasumigaseki, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-8918, Japan
Tel: +81-3-5253-8267, Fax: +81-3-5253-1549, E-mail: katagiri-y2kn@mlit.go.jp
Mr. Nobuyuki KONUMA
Section Chief
Global Environmental Issues Division, Global Environment Bureau,
Ministry of the Environment
1-2-2 Kasumigaseki, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-8975 Japan
Tel:+81-3-5521-8245, Fax: +81-3-3581-3348, E-mail: nobuyuki_konuma@env.go.jp
UNEP/NOWPAP IG. 13/9 Rev.1
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Republic of Korea
Mr. Hae-ryong KWON
Deputy Director General
International Economic Affairs Bureau
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade
95-1 Doryum-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul 110-787 Republic of Korea
Tel: +82-2-2100-7708, Fax: +82-2-2100-7991, E-mail: hrkwon84@mofat.go.kr
Ms. Eun-ju AHN
1st Secretary
Climate Change and Environment Division
International Economic Affairs Bureau
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade
95-1 Doryum-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul 110-787 Republic of Korea
Tel: +82-2-2100-7750, Fax: +82-2-2100-7991, E-mail: ejahn96@mofat.go.kr
Ms. Eun-young KIM
3rd Secretary
Climate Change and Environment Division
International Economic Affairs Bureau
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade
95-1 Doryum-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul 110-787 Republic of Korea
Tel: +82-2-2100-7748, Fax: +82-2-2100-7991, E-mail: key0214@mofat.go.kr
Mr. Jang-bun PARK
Deputy Director
Marine Pollution Response Planning Division, Korea Coast Guard
3-8, Songdo-dong, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon, 406-741, Republic of Korea
Tel : +82-32-835-3126 Fax : +82-32-835-3621 E-mail : jppark@kcg.go.kr
Mr. Seon-Tae KIM
Director
Marine Environment Policy Division, Ministry of Land, Transport and Maritime Affairs (MLTM)
2F, K-water, 188 Joongang-ro, Gwacheon-si, Gyeonggi-Do, Republic of Korea
Tel: +82-2-504-5370, Fax: +82-2-503-2070, E-mail: kimst@mltm.go.kr
Ms. Jae-ok ROH
Deputy Director
Marine Environment Policy Division, Ministry of Land, Transport and Maritime Affairs (MLTM)
2F, K-water, 188 Joongang-ro, Gwacheon-si, Gyeonggi-Do, Republic of Korea
Tel: +82-2-504-6747, Fax: +82-2-503-2070, E-mail: joroh@mltm.go.kr
Mr. Sun-Bae HONG
Assistant Director
Marine Environment Policy Division, Ministry of Land, Transport and Maritime Affairs (MLTM)
2F, K-water, 188 Joongang-ro, Gwacheon-si, Gyeonggi-Do, Republic of Korea
Tel: +82-2-504-6747, Fax: +82-2-503-2070, E-mail: Hong0610@mltm.go.kr
UNEP/NOWPAP IG. 13/9 Rev.1
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Mr. Suh-Yong CHUNG
Professor (Consultant to RO Korea)
Division of International Studies
Korea University
Anam-Dong, Seongbuk-Gu, Seoul 136-701, RO Korea
Tel: +82-2-3290-2424, Fax: +82-2-303-7838, E-mail: mahlerchung@yahoo.com
Mr. Woo-Rack SUH
Manager (Consultant to RO Korea)
Korea Marine Environment Management Corporation (KOEM)
Haegong Bldg., 71 Samseong-Dong, Gangnam-Gu, Seoul 135-870, RO Korea
Tel: +82-2-3498-8603, Fax: +82-2-3462-7707, E-mail: suhwoorack@naver.com
Mr. Dong-Keun KANG
Manager (Consultant to RO Korea)
Korea Marine Environment Management Corporation (KOEM)
Haegong Bldg., 71 Samseong-Dong, Gangnam-Gu, Seoul 135-870, RO Korea
Tel: +82-2-3498-8564, Fax: +82-2-3498-8695, E-mail: puluke@hanmail.net
Russian Federation
Ms. Natalia TRETIYAKOVA
Deputy Head of Division
Department for International Cooperation
Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment
4/6, Bolshaya Gruzinskaya Str., 123995, Moscow, Russian Federation
Tel: +7-495-254-7947, Fax: +7-499-252-6747, E-Mail: nataliat@mnr.gov.ru
Partners
Ms. Srisuda JARAYABHAND
Coordinator
COBSEA Secretariat
United Nations Environment Programme
UN Building 2nd Floor Block B
Rajdamnern Avenue, Bangkok 10200 Thailand
Tel: +66-02-2881905, Fax: +66-02-2812428, E-mail: jarayabhand@un.org
Mr. Won-Tae SHIN
Programme Specialist of PEMSEA Resource Facility (PRF)
Partnerships in Environmental Management for the Seas of East Asia (PEMSEA)
P.O. Box 2502, Quezon City 1165, Philippines
Tel: +632-929-2992, Fax: +632-926-9712, E-mail: wtshin@pemsea.org
UNEP/NOWPAP IG. 13/9 Rev.1
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Mr. Yihang JIANG
Project Manager of YSLME
UNDP/GEF Yellow Sea Project c/o KORDI
1270 Sa-dong, Sangnok-gu, Ansan, Gyeonggi-do, 426-744 Republic of Korea
Tel: +82-31-400-7825, Fax: +82-31-400-7826, E-mail: yihang@yslme.org
NOWPAP RACs
Mr. Hidemasa YAMAMOTO
Director of CEARAC
Special Monitoring and Coastal Environmental Assessment Regional Activity Centre
5-5 Ushijimashin-machi, Toyama 930-0856, Japan
Tel: +81-76-445-1571, Fax: +81-76-445-1581, E-mail: h-yamamoto@npec.or.jp
Mr. Takafumi YOSHIDA
Researcher of CEARAC
Special Monitoring and Coastal Environmental Assessment Regional Activity Centre
5-5 Ushijimashin-machi, Toyama 930-0856, Japan
Tel: +81-76-445-1571, Fax: +81-76-445-1581, E-mail: yoshida@npec.or.jp
Mr. Jianguo WANG
Director of DINRAC
Data and Information Network Regional Activity center
No. 1 Yuhuinanlu, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100029 People's Republic of China
Tel: +86-10-8464-0869, Fax: +86-10-8463-0849, E-mail: jgwang@sepa.gov.cn
Mr. Seong-Gil KANG
Director of MERRAC
Marine Environmental Emergency Preparedness & Response Regional Activity Centre
P.O. Box 23, Yuseong, Daejeon 305-600, Republic of Korea
Tel: +82-42-868-7281, Fax: +82-42-868-7738, E-mail: kangsg@moeri.re.kr
Mr. Jeong-Hwan OH
Senior Consultant of MERRAC
Marine Environmental Emergency Preparedness & Response Regional Activity Centre
P.O. Box 23, Yuseong, Daejeon 305-600, Republic of Korea
Tel: +82-42-868-7205, Fax: +82-42-868-7738, E-mail: jhoh@moeri.re.kr
Ms. Hyon-Jeong NOH
Consultant of MERRAC
Marine Environmental Emergency Preparedness & Response Regional Activity Centre
P.O. Box 23, Yuseong, Daejeon 305-600, Republic of Korea
Tel: +82-42-869-0401, Fax: +82-42-868-7738, E-mail: hjnoh@moeri.re.kr
UNEP/NOWPAP IG. 13/9 Rev.1
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Mr. Anatoly KACHUR
Director of POMRAC
Pollution Monitoring Regional Activity Centre
Pacific Institute of Geography, FarEastern Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences
7 Radio Street, Vladivostok 690022, Russian Federation
Tel: +7-4232-313-071, Fax: +7-4232-312-833, E-mail: kachur@tig.dvo.ru
UNEP
Ellik ADLER
Senior Programme Officer
Marine Ecosystems Unit Coordinator
UNEP
P.O.Box 30552 S Block 3rd Level
Nairobi, Kenya
Tel: +254-20-762 4033/4544, Fax: +254-20-762 4618, E-mail: ellik.adler@unep.org
Mr. Takehiro NAKAMURA
Senior Programme Officer-International Waters
Division of GEF Coordination
UNEP
P.O.Box 30552 - 00100 Nairobi, Kenya
Tel: +254 20 7623886, Fax: +254 20 7624041, E-mail: takehiro.nakamura@unep.org
NOWPAP RCU
Mr. Alexander TKALIN
Coordinator
NOWPAP RCU (Toyama Office)
5-5 Ushijimashin-machi, Toyama 930-0856, Japan
Tel: +81-76-444-1611, Fax: +81-76-444-2780, E-mail: alexander.tkalin@nowpap.org
Mr. Xiaodong ZHONG
Deputy Coordinator
NOWPAP RCU (Busan Office)
408-1 Sirang-ri, Gijang-eup, Gijang-gun, Busan 619-902, Republic of Korea
Tel: +82-51-720-3001, Fax: +82-51-720-3009, E-mail: xiaodong.zhong@nowpap.org
Mr. Norio BABA
Administrative Officer
NOWPAP RCU (Toyama Office)
5-5 Ushijimashin-machi, Toyama 930-0856, Japan
Tel: +81-76-444-1611, Fax: +81-76-444-2780, E-mail: norio.baba@nowpap.org
Ms. Jeung Sook PARK
Scientific Affairs Officer
NOWPAP RCU (Busan Office)
408-1 Sirang-ri, Gijang-eup, Gijang-gun, Busan 619-902, Republic of Korea
Tel: +82-51-720-3002, Fax: +82-51-720-3009, E-mail: jeungsook.park@nowpap.org
UNEP/NOWPAP IG. 13/9 Rev.1
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Annex III
List of documents
Working documents
UNEP/NOWPAP IG. 13/1
Provisional agenda
UNEP/NOWPAP IG. 13/2
Annotated provisional agenda
UNEP/NOWPAP IG. 13/3
Report of the UNEP Executive Director on implementation of
the Northwest Pacific Action Plan for 2007 2008
UNEP/NOWPAP IG. 13/4/1
CEARAC report of activities, 2007 2008
UNEP/NOWPAP IG. 13/4/2
DINRAC report of activities, 2007 2008
UNEP/NOWPAP IG. 13/4/3
MERRAC report of activities, 2007 2008
UNEP/NOWPAP IG. 13/4/4
POMRAC report of activities, 2007 2008
UNEP/NOWPAP IG. 13/5
Reports by NOWPAP member states and partners
UNEP/NOWPAP IG. 13/6
Methodology and criteria for the performance review of the
NOWPAP Regional Coordinating Unit (RCU)
UNEP/NOWPAP IG. 13/7
Consultations on increased contributions to the NOWPAP
Trust Fund
UNEP/NOWPAP IG. 13/8
New NOWPAP RAC activities in 2008-2009 and 2010-2011
Information documents
UNEP/NOWPAP IG. 13/INF/1
Provisional list of documents
UNEP/NOWPAP IG. 13/INF/2
Provisional list of participants
UNEP/NOWPAP IG. 13/INF/3
Provisional timetable
UNEP/NOWPAP IG. 13/INF/4
Report on UNEP's Oceans and Coasts Brainstorming:
Towards a UNEP Integrated Strategy on Oceans and Coasts
UNEP/GCSS.X/8
Proposed UNEP Medium-term Strategy 20102013
UNEP (DEPI)/RS.9/6
Global strategic directions for the Regional Seas Programmes
2008-2012: Enhancing the role of the Regional Seas
Conventions and Action Plans
UNEP/NOWPAP IG. 12/11
Twelfth Intergovernmental Meeting on the Northwest Pacific
Action Plan: report of the meeting
UNEP/NOWPAP IG. 13/9 Rev.1
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Annex IV
Statement of NOWPAP partners
Statement of the Coordinating Body on the Seas of East Asia
(COBSEA)
Ms. Srisuda JARAYABHAND, Coordinator of COBSEA
Distinguished delegates,
Ladies and gentlemen,
First and foremost, on behalf of the Coordinating Body on the Seas of East Asia, I wish to
express my heartfelt thanks to NOWPAP for the invitation to participate in this 13th
Intergovernmental Meeting of NOWPAP here in Jeju Island. I also wish to take this opportunity
to express my appreciation to the Government of the Republic of Korea for the kind hospitality.
COBSEA, being another Regional Seas Programme like NOWPAP, has always regarded
NOWPAP as a very close sister organization of UNEP with a similar vision and mission. The
collaboration between NOWPAP and COBSEA has been well established, especially in the area
of information management and marine litter.
The year 2008 was another milestone for COBSEA. The New Strategic Direction for COBSEA
(2008-2012) was endorsed by member countries at the 19th Intergovernmental Meeting held in
Siem Reap, Cambodia on 22-23 January 2008. This new strategic direction identifies three
thematic areas as priority for COBSEA namely marine and land-based pollution; coastal and
marine habitat conservation; and management and response to coastal disasters. These areas
are to be addressed through the four inter-linked strategies on information management,
national capacity building, strategic and emerging issues and regional cooperation.
Since the 19th Meeting of COBSEA, several activities have been initiated to implement the
strategic direction in order to enhance benefit to member countries.
For information management, work is well underway to finalize the establishment of the EAS
Knowledgebase comprising national and regional databases. The National database will provide
information on projects, programmes and the state of the coastal and marine environment of the
East Asian Seas region. The Regional database will provide information on projects and
programmes and sharing of lessons learned, which will facilitate coordination of projects at the
national and regional levels. In this regard, NOWPAP has already provided useful inputs to the
development of the regional database.
To enhance national capacity of members in implementing international obligations as
signatories under the Multilateral Environmental Agreements, the review of the Implementation
of marine pollution-related MEAs in COBSEA Member countries has been carried out. Based on
the outcomes of the review on MEAs, the regional capacity building forum on Marine Pollution
related MEAs forum was organized in Guangzhou, China in May this year to identify capacity
UNEP/NOWPAP IG. 13/9 Rev.1
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building needs of the countries and recommend capacity building activities to enhance the
implementation of the relevant MEAs in the next biennium.
The development of the East Asian Seas Environment Outlook in collaboration with partner
organizations is an example of an activity that is aimed at enhancing regional cooperation. The
informal drafting group meeting was organized in February 2008. However, the first draft of the
Outlook has been delayed due to the late submissions of the theme contributions.
For strategic and emerging issues, the 19th Meeting of COBSEA approved the COBSEA
Regional Action Plan on Marine Litter or RAP MALI. Implementation of the RAP MALI was
initiated at national and regional levels. Three pilot projects on awareness campaign were
conducted in Cambodia, Indonesia and Vietnam
The regional activity this year was the organization of the Clean Up East Asian Seas Campaign
2008 and the 2nd COBSEA Marine Litter Workshop. The Cleanup Campaign was successfully
organized with partners from national governments, NGOs, private sector and local communities.
More than one thousand people participated in the beach and underwater cleanup in Pattaya.
Four beaches from China, Malaysia, Korea and Thailand were selected to receive the COBSEA
Clean Beach Award. Representatives from local government of these beaches also participated
in the Workshop to share their experiences in keeping the beach clean. The Green Fins Photo
Contest on the theme "Marine Litter, the Sea and the Coast" was successfully conducted
Workshop participants also discussed and recommended how to effectively implement the
COBSEA RAP MALI. As NOWPAP have also adopted the RAP MALI, further collaboration
regarding the implementation of the RAP MALI will be very useful for both organizations.
Finally I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to NOWPAP Member Countries and RCU for
extending their support in COBSEA activities. I hope that cooperation and collaboration between
the two organizations will further grow in strength in future and result in some joint activities that
can further benefit all our members.
I wish NOWPAP and all its members a very successful and fruitful meeting.
Thank you.
UNEP/NOWPAP IG. 13/9 Rev.1
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Statement of the Partnerships in Environmental Management for the
Seas of East Asia (PEMSEA)
Mr. Won-Tae SHIN
Programme Specialist of PEMSEA Resource Facility (PRF)
Partnerships in Environmental Management for the Seas of East Asia (PEMSEA)
On behalf of PEMSEA, I wish to thank NOWPAP for inviting us to this important meeting in Jeju.
As you may be aware, PEMSEA has been evolving from a regional project to a regional
cooperative mechanism with the mandate of the Haikou Partnership Agreement. PEMSEA is
now governed by the East Asian Seas (EAS) Partnership Council, which is composed of 11
country and 17 non-country Partners, including NOWPAP. Being a regional cooperative
mechanism, PEMSEA is attempting to achieve measurable targets for sustainable development
of coasts and oceans, as stipulated in the Haikou Partnership Agreement. Pursuant to these
targets, PEMSEA has been providing technical services to Partners, as well as promoting
collaboration among country and non-country Partners in implementing the Sustainable
Development Strategy for the Seas of East Asia (SDS-SEA).
In July 2008, PEMSEA successfully concluded the 2nd EAS Partnership Council Meeting in
Tokyo, Japan. The Meeting delved into several key issues pertaining to the implementation of
the SDS-SEA and culminated in various recommendations and decisions. I would like to
summarize a few issues that are particularly relevant to NOWPAP.
Lack of coordination among transboundary projects
The 2nd EAS Partnership Council Meeting reviewed several ongoing transboundary projects
within the EAS region. The Council noted the lack of coordination at the regional and/or country
levels among the various projects and implementing agencies/organizations, which is resulting in
duplication of effort, inefficient use of resources, and limited sharing of knowledge, experience,
skills and tools. As a measure for addressing the issue, the Council urged the PRF to increase
its efforts to interact with the project offices/secretariats of sub-regional and regional projects and
programmes, to develop concrete proposals for improving interaction with such projects and
programmes.
The Framework of Partnership Programme
In concurrence with these coordinating efforts, the Council further recommended that the
Partners of PEMSEA utilize the Framework of Partnership Programmes (FoPP) as a tool for
improving the planning, coordination and tracking of marine and coastal management projects.
The FoPP was seen as a useful instrument for national, sub-regional and regional projects and
programmes alike, and the Council urged all Partners to work with the PRF to complete a
region-wide FoPP for submission to the next Council meeting.
The SOC Reporting system
Likewise, the Council adopted the State of the Coasts (SOC) Reporting system as an
operational tool of local governments implementing ICM programs. The SOC is designed to
UNEP/NOWPAP IG. 13/9 Rev.1
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provide local Chief Executives with information on environmental, social and economic changes
and trends occurring in the coastal area, over time.
The Council envisions that the SOC reporting system will eventually be able to provide a more
comprehensive indication of the environmental status and trends occurring in the coastal areas
across the region as we move toward the goal of ICM coverage of 20% of the regional coastline
by 2015.
Capacity Development through Training
The Council also encouraged PEMSEA Partners to coordinate and engage in various training
opportunities by linking with capacity development initiatives on ocean and coastal management.
The Council realized that country and non-country Partners have the capacity required to
conduct comprehensive training in coastal and ocean management, but Partners need to
strengthen complementarities and synergies for more effective and efficient delivery of such
services. The Council urged the PRF to promote the various training courses, tools and services
of PEMSEA, including the recently developed ICM model training course, ICM Code and
PSHEMS (Port Safety Health and Environmental Management System) Code and Recognition
Systems.
Climate Change Adaptation through ICM implementation
Much emphasis of the Council has been devoted to the climate change adaptation issue.
Knowing that coastal communities are among the most threatened by climate change, it is
evident that proper measures must be taken to protect lives and property in coastal areas. ICM
has been identified as an effective tool to address the threats and impacts of climate change in
coastal areas. From PEMSEA's experience, ICM can serve to operationalize a comprehensive
climate policy with the help of ICM tools, such as capacity development, risk assessment, the
State of the Coasts (SOC) reporting, and the Coastal Strategy and implementation plan. To
highlight the effectiveness of ICM in addressing the climate change adaptation, the Council
recommended the PRF to table the climate change adaptation through integrated coastal and
ocean management as a major topic for the Ministerial Forum during the EAS Congress 2009.
EAS Congress 2009 and the 3rd Ministerial Forum
The EAS Congress 2009, which is scheduled to be held during 23 27 November 2009 in
Manila, Philippines, is a key milestone event for PEMSEA. The highly anticipated and
participated triennial event is designed to provide a venue for sharing information and
partnership building, as well as an opportunity to review the progress made in line with the
implementation of the SDS-SEA.
The EAS Congress 2009 will feature the International Conference with more than 20 workshops
and seminars, the Ministerial Forum, the Youth Forum, and many other side events. The overall
theme of the Congress is "Partnerships at work: local implementation and good practices." The
theme for the 3rd Ministerial Forum has been set as "Climate Change Adaptation through
Integrated Coastal and Ocean Management."
During the Congress, good practices in local implementation of ICM in promotion of the
sustainable development objectives will be highlighted. These actions-on-the ground and local
implementations of ICM, teeming with ICM success stories, will furnish you with a unique
experience.
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PEMSEA cordially invites NOWPAP and its member countries and partners to join the EAS
Congress 2009 for sharing knowledge and lessons learned thought the implementation of the
NOWPAP activities. We hope that NOWPAP can play a significant role during the Congress and
contribute to this highly participated event by co-convening a workshop of NOWPAP's interest.
All participants of the Congress will benefit from NOWPAP's contribution.
In closing, PEMSEA would like to express its gratitude to NOWPAP and its member countries for
their contribution to the implementation of the SDS-SEA. In line with the decisions of the EAS
Partnership Council, the PRF is looking forward to developing concrete and tangible
collaborative activities that both organizations can implement for the furtherance of the
sustainable development objectives in the EAS region.
Lastly, PEMSEA expresses its utmost gratitude to the Government of RO Korea for the warm
welcome and hospitality, as well as kind support for PEMSEA.
Thank you and a good day.
UNEP/NOWPAP IG. 13/9 Rev.1
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Statement of the UNDP/GEF Yellow Sea Large Marine Ecosystem
Project
Mr. Yihang JIANG, Project Manager
UNDP/GEF Yellow Sea Large Marine Ecosystem Project
Dear Distinguished Chairperson,
Distinguished Delegates,
Ladies and gentlemen,
First of all, I would like to, on behalf of the UNDP/GEF Yellow Sea Large Marine Ecosystem
Project, express sincere thanks to NOWPAP for the invitation extended to the Project to
participate in the 13th Intergovernmental Meeting of NOWPAP in this beautiful island.
Personally, I have been involved in the development of Northwest Pacific Action Plan since
beginning of 80's, and devoted some efforts in developing the NOWPAP projects. I have also
been involved in the UNEP Regional Seas Programme within the UNEP family for more than 6
years. I am very interested to see the progresses that has been made so far in NOWPAP
programme and projects. With full understanding of challenges in front of NOWPAP, I would like
to congratulate the NOWPAP and its Regional Co-ordinating Unit for the hard work and
meaningful achievements.
As some of you fully noticed, the UNDP/GEF Yellow Sea Large Marine Ecosystem Project has
successfully prepared the Transboundary Diagnostic Analysis (TDA) to identify the
environmental problems and associate causes for the Yellow Sea. Furthermore, the Strategic
Action Programme (SAP) has also been prepared to identify the management actions to
address
the environmental problems and priorities in the Yellow Sea. The SAP prepared by the YSLME
project is based on the ecosystem-based approach, to provide comprehensive actions to
address environmental problems in the Yellow Sea as a whole, in particular those cross-
component problems.
During the implementation of the YSLME project, co-operation and co-ordination have been
considered and implemented started from design of the project activities. With understanding
that co-operation is critically important to solve the problems in the Yellow Sea, a Yellow Sea
partnership has been established with participation of major organizations, institutes and
projects, which includes UN organizations and projects, such as NOWPAP and PEMSEA, non-
governmental organizations, such as WWF and Wetlands International, and research institutes,
such as KORDI. The Partners are sharing necessary information and co-ordinate the activities
in the Yellow Sea to protect marine environment and sustainable use of marine and coastal
resources. One of the good examples is the initiation of the Yellow Sea Ecoregion Supporting
Project, initiated by WWF and financially supported by Panasonic to use about US$ 18 million in
biological diversity conservation in the Yellow Sea.
Apart from the activities under the Yellow Sea Partnership, co-operation between NOWPAP and
YSLME has been considered and implemented in the fields of marine environment monitoring
and assessment, data and information sharing and exchange, public awareness and capacity
building and marine litter monitoring and cleaning. I am very pleased to inform you that during
about 4 years implementation of YSLME project, we have fully shared relevant information on
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marine environment protection, jointly organized project activities using shared financial
resources, and achieved the common goals of the both.
I do wish to inform you an example on development of regional algorithm using ocean color
remote sensing to monitor Chl-a, CDOM and suspended materials in the turbid waters in the
coastal areas. This is the first attempt to have the regional efforts together in this field. The
results so far have shown valuable achievements. This activity is one of the examples to co-
operate with NOWPAP, IOC/WESTPAC and YSLME.
Through our effective co-operation, we provide maximum benefits to the coastal countries in the
region and avoid duplication of efforts.
Chairperson,
Ladies and gentlemen,
The challenges in front of us in protecting marine environment and sustainable using of marine
and coastal resources are still waiting for our effective management, timely responses and
meaningful co-operation of all the coastal countries in the region. While we are working on the
harmful algal bloom problems in many sea areas of the region, the jellyfish bloom is bringing
more environment disasters in the Yellow Sea and the East China Sea, and some other sea
areas. Impacts of climate change on the marine ecosystems are waiting for us to provide more
scientific information and possible adaptive management actions. Therefore it is critical for us to
join hands and to work together to protect environment of OUR seas.
Thank you for your attention.
UNEP/NOWPAP IG. 13/9 Rev.1
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Statement of the UNESCO/IOC Sub-Commission
for the Western Pacific
Mr. Wenxi Zhu, Acting Head
IOC Regional Secretariat for WESTPAC
Ladies and gentlemen,
It is a great honor for me to be invited for the 13th Intergovernmental Meeting of NOWPAP. On
behalf of the UNESCO/IOC Sub-Commission for the Western Pacific (WESTPAC), I would like
to extend our sincere thanks to NOWPAP for the kind invitation, and also wish to take this
opportunity to commend NOWPAP for the achievements which have been made during the last
inter-sessional period.
With the understanding that addressing regional concerns presents too formidable a task to be
undertaken by any one nation and organization, WESTPAC has been attaching great
importance to the partnership with NOWPAP. The history of cooperation between NOWPAP and
WESTPAC could date back to the establishment of NOWPAP. To our delight, the spirit of
cooperation has been well maintained over the past years. Recently, we have jointly sponsored
training courses on Remote Sensing Data Analysis and established the website links for data
and information sharing. Together with YSLME and NOWPAP, a regional ocean color algorithm
has been developed for better assessment and monitoring of the primary productivity in the
Yellow Sea.
Though substantial cooperation has been explored and implemented mainly in the field of data
and information sharing and capacity building, the efforts are still far from enough to meet the
expectations of our member states. To this end, WESTPAC has been sparing no effort over the
past two years in restructuring itself to better serve the needs of its member states. Significant
progress has been made in orienting itself through identifying strategic areas and initiating new
regional projects, rectifying its deficiencies through establishing an advisory body, and improving
regional capacity on marine science through setting up a regional network of training and
research centers. It is owing to the joint efforts of its member states, Regional Secretariat and
partners that WESTPAC is in a better shape than ever to cooperate with NOWPAP in facing the
challenges imposed on the marine environment.
In this regard, apart from the current existing cooperation, WESTPAC would further strengthen
and expand the cooperation with NOWPAP on the activities on Harmful Algal Blooms, Remote
Sensing Techniques and Public Awareness. Additionally, WESTPAC would gladly provide
regular training opportunities to the young scientists from the member states of NOWPAP
through its regional network of training and research centers once those centers are established
soon.
Ladies and gentlemen,
Being both within the United Nations system, UNEP/NOWPAP and IOC/WESTPAC should
commit themselves to serving the needs of the member states in their efforts to achieve the
Millennium Development Goals. Keeping in mind the spirit of "delivering as one", let's therefore
work together to concentrate our efforts, and eliminate unnecessary duplication. We are fully
confident that with the generous support of the member states and unremitting efforts of the
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Regional Secretariats, the partnership between NOWPAP and WESTPAC would be further
strengthened in order to assist our member states in learning more about the nature and
resources of the marine and coastal areas, and applying that knowledge for the improvement of
management, sustainable development, the protection of marine environment and the decision
making processes.
Finally, I wish the meeting a great success and everyone a pleasant stay in this beautiful island.
UNEP/NOWPAP IG. 13/9 Rev.1
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NOWPAP and PICES: Potential Areas for Collaboration
Dr. Alexander Bychkov, Executive Secretary
North Pacific Marine Science Organization (PICES)
Dear Distinguished Chairperson,
Distinguished Delegates,
Ladies and gentlemen,
Unfortunately, because of the overlap with our Seventeenth Annual Meeting, PICES is unable to
send an observer to attend the Thirteenth Intergovernmental Meeting of NOWPAP and this time
we will only provide a statement on potential areas for collaboration between the two
organizations.
The North Pacific Marine Science Organization (PICES) is an intergovernmental scientific
organization, established in 1992, to: (i) promote and co-ordinate marine scientific research (on
everything from wind to whales) in the North Pacific and adjacent marginal seas; (ii) advance
scientific knowledge about the ocean environment, global weather and climate change, living
resources and their ecosystems, and the impact of human activities on them; and (iii) promote
the collection and rapid exchange of scientific information and data on these issues. According
to Article II of the PICES Convention, "The area which the activities of the Organization concern
shall be the temperate and sub-Arctic region of the North Pacific Ocean and its adjacent seas,
especially northward from 30 degrees north latitude. Activities of the Organization, for scientific
reasons, may extend farther southward in the North Pacific Ocean." The current membership of
PICES includes Canada, Japan, People's Republic of China, Republic of Korea, the Russian
Federation, and the United States of America (four of these countries are also members of
NOWPAP). Details about PICES and its activities can be found on our website at
http://www.pices.int.
While NOWPAP focuses on monitoring and assessment of environmental (anthropogenic)
problems and PICES has much broader geographic and scientific scope, the two organizations
have great potential for cooperation. In fact, some joint activities have been already taking
place:
In October 2005, NOWPAP co-sponsored a topic session on "Ecological effects of offshore
oil and gas development and oil spills" at the PICES Fourteenth Annual Meeting in
Vladivostok (Russia).
In April 2006, PICES supported the symposium on "Bioinvasions of non-indigenous species"
and the Fourth International Workshop on "Remote sensing of marine environment in the
Northwest Pacific region" organized by NOWPAP/CEARAC in Busan (Republic of Korea), to
discuss the introduction of non-indigenous species in the NOWPAP region and their potential
economic and environmental threats and to exchange the scientific findings and monitoring
technology on harmful algal blooms.
In March and September 2008, PICES was involved in the First and Second Coastal
Environmental Assessment Workshops carried out by NOWPAP/CEARAC in Toyama
(Japan) to develop common procedures for coastal environmental assessment in the
NOWPAP region, including nutrient enrichment, eutrophication and HAB occurrence.
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In May 2008, PICES was present as an observer at the Seventh DINRAC Focal Points
Meeting held in Beijing (People's Republic of China) to discuss approaches on exchange of
marine environmental data and information in the region.
In October 2008, NOWPAP will be present as an observer at the PICES Seventeenth Annual
Meeting in Dalian (People's Republic of China) and will address the Marine Environmental
Quality (MEQ) Committees on potential areas of cooperation with PICES. In addition, a
presentation on HAB-related activities of NOWPAP will be made by a representative of
CEARAC at the meeting of the PICES Section on Harmful Algal Blooms. NOWPAP will also
have a poster at PICES XVII outlining general information about the organization and
highlighting its scientific objectives and recent activities.
In November 2008, PICES will become one of supporters the Second NOWPAP Training
Course on "Remote Sensing Data Analysis" to be held in Jeju (Republic of Korea).
We believe that the following two high priority PICES initiatives set the basis for close
collaboration between the two organizations:
development of the new integrative scientific program, FUTURE (Forecasting and
Understanding Trends, Uncertainty and Responses of North Pacific Ecosystems); and
preparation of the next North Pacific Ecosystem Status Report, NPESR.
FUTURE focuses on ecosystem forecasts and communication of these forecasts and their
uncertainties to the society. The program considers climate change and its interaction with
anthropogenic forcing as an important issue. Compared with its predecessor, the PICES
Climate Change and Carrying Capacity Program, FUTURE has new emphases on
anthropogenic influence on coastal ecosystems and forecasting of their changes. One of the
three overarching themes identified in the Science Plan of FUTURE, "How do human activities
affect coastal ecosystems and how are societies affected by changes in these ecosystems?", is
especially relevant for NOWPAP. This theme includes the following sub-themes:
What are the dominant anthropogenic pressures in coastal marine ecosystems and how are
they changing?
How are these anthropogenic pressures and climate forcing, including sea level rise,
affecting nearshore and coastal ecosystems and their interactions with offshore and
terrestrial systems?
How do multiple anthropogenic stressors interact to alter the structure and function of the
systems, and what are the cumulative effects?
What will be the consequences of projected coastal ecosystem changes and what is the
predictability and uncertainty of forecasted changes?
How can we effectively use our understanding of coastal ecosystem processes and
mechanisms to identify the nature and causes of ecosystem changes and to develop
strategies for sustainable use?
To answer these questions, FUTURE plans to conduct retrospective analysis, observations,
process studies and model development. In the implementation strategy of FUTURE, not only
coordination of national programs but also cooperation with international programs is being
planned. We consider NOWPAP as one of the important international partners and believe that
multidisciplinary and large-scale research activities of FUTURE and environmentally-focused
activities of NOWPAP will supplement each other, and both organizations will benefit from this
collaboration.
In 2004, PICES produced a special publication titled Marine Ecosystems of the North Pacific.
This document provided a status report on the ecosystems of coastal and oceanic regions
throughout the North Pacific, approximately covering the 5-year period from 19982002 and
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addressing system components from climate and hydrography through fish, birds and mammals.
In 2007, PICES Science Board and Governing Council approved the concept that the next
NPESR should be an incremental improvement over the pilot report. Thus, the new version will
focus on the years from 20032008. Among other ecosystems, NPESR deals with coastal
ecosystems of the East Asian Marginal Seas which are also of special interest to NOWPAP.
Currently three phases are envisioned in the preparation of the report:
Phase 1 will consist of Regional Chapters, each written for a scientific audience. Lead
Authors for each chapter have been identified and are in the process of putting their teams
together. All Regional Chapters will follow a common framework and are planned to be
completed by June 30, 2009.
Phase 2 will be a synthesis and integration of all regions, also written for a scientific
audience, to develop a status report on issues that cross the entire North Pacific basin, and
to determine to what degree basin-wide climate and ocean indices are affecting all regions
simultaneously. Regional Chapters will provide important information for the synthesis and
facilitate comparison among regions. The period from July 1November 15, 2009, will allow
for Lead Authors and their teams to undertake regional inter-comparisons and synthesis
studies in preparation for a synthesis workshop to be held in late 2009. The deadline for
publishing the Synthesis Chapter is March 2010.
Phase 3 will be a brochure summarizing the major findings of the Regional Chapters and the
Synthesis Chapter. The target audience for this brochure is non-scientific and includes
policy makers, managers, and other interested members of society.
We expect similar benefits from collaboration with NOWPAP on NPESR as for FUTURE.
Assessment of coastal environments of the Northwestern Pacific carried out by NOWPAP will
enhance the ecosystem status assessment in NPESR, whereas the comparative analysis of
various ecosystems in the North Pacific conducted by PICES will help generalize regional
assessment by NOWPAP.
We believe that the long-term partnership between NOWPAP and PICES would be mutually
beneficial for both organizations and envision the following means of cooperation:
exchange of data and information;
exchange of experts;
co-sponsoring joint workshops and/or symposia;
joint capacity building activities.
We invite NOWPAP to further discuss the ways how PICES and NOWPAP could interact and
hope that specific proposals be developed by the Regional Activity Centres (RACs) of NOWPAP
and Standing Committees and/or expert groups of PICES.
Potential joint activities to be considered for 2009 (in chronological order) include:
A workshop to accumulate data/information on the state of the East Asian Marginal Seas
from 20032008 for the North Pacific Ecosystem Status Report will be held February 1819,
2009, in Seoul, Korea. We invite NOWPAP experts to participate and provide information on
oceanographic conditions, nutrient enrichment, eutrophication and HAB occurrence in the
region.
The third PICES Summer School on "Satellite oceanography" will be organized from August
2327, 2009, in Seoul, Korea. In this course, principles and applications in three major
areas (optical, infra-red and microwave) of satellite oceanography will be introduced to
students who have little experience in the field (focus will be on Asian countries). In addition
to lectures and seminars, hands-on training of image processing will be provided. Timing for
the Summer School is in line with the launching of a Korean satel ite. The subject of the
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Summer School is important for early career scientists in the region and relevant to activities
of NOWPAP, and we encourage NOWPAP to co-sponsor this event.
The PICES Eighteenth Annual Meeting will be held from October 23November 1, 2009, in
Jeju, Republic of Korea. The overall theme for the meeting is "Understanding ecosystem
dynamics and pursuing ecosystem approaches to management", and we invite NOWPAP to
co-convene a topic session or a workshop related to this theme. A proposal for a joint
session/workshop could be submitted to a relevant Committee or an expert group at the
upcoming PICES Annual Meeting (October 24November 2, 2008, Dalian, People's
Republic of China), or this session/workshop could be selected from the list of events
approved by the Science Board and Governing Council at this meeting.
We look forward to working closely with NOWPAP and wish your Thirteenth Intergovernmental
Meeting a success.
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