Implementing the decisions of the 10th NOWPAP Intergovernmental Meeting (IGM), the four Regional Activity Centres (RACs) of NOWPAP have recently convened their Focal Points Meetings. The detailed work plan for the 2006-2007 biennium has been developed by each RAC. Following the 10th IGM decision on new directions of work for the RACs, CEARAC, MERRAC and POMRAC have revised the Terms of References for their Focal Points Meetings.
Activities which RACs will implement in 2006-2007 biennium include: developing guidelines for eutrophication monitoring using satellite data; training on remote sensing data analysis and applications; developing guidelines on mitigation measures for harmful algal blooms (led by CEARAC); establishing NOWPAP meta-database and clearing house mechanism (led by DINRAC); mapping regional vulnerable resources; modeling oil spills; establishing minimum level of preparedness for oil spills; preparing for hazardous and noxious substances spills and issues related to OPRC and MARPOL conventions (led by MERRAC); preparing state of marine environment report; developing integrated coastal zone and river basin management (led by POMRAC). In addition, all four RACs are actively participating in the new NOWPAP Marine Litter Activity.
Implementation of NOWPAP contributes to the Global Programme of Action for the Protection of the Marine Environment from Land-based Activities (GPA) in the Northwest Pacific region.