The Action Plan for the Protection, Management and Development of the Marine and Coastal Environment of the Northwest Pacific Region (NOWPAP) was adopted by the People’s Republic of China, Japan, the Republic of Korea and the Russian Federation in September 1994 as a part of the Regional Seas Programme of the United Nations Environment Programme.
The overall goal of the Northwest Pacific Action Plan is "the wise use, development and management of the coastal and marine environment so as to obtain the utmost long-term benefits for the human populations of the region while protecting human health, ecological integrity, and the region’s sustainability for future generations".
The Northwest Pacific region features coastal and island ecosystems with spectacular marine life and commercially important fishing resources. The region is also one of the most densely populated parts of the world, resulting in enormous pressures and demands on the environment.
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.
The geographical scope of NOWPAP covers the marine environment and coastal zones from about 121o E to 143o E longitude, and from approximately 33o N to 52o N latitude. NOWPAP Regional Oil & HNS Spill Contingency Plan applies, without prejudice to the sovereign right of any Member, to the waters lying between 33° N and approximately 55° N latitude and about 121°E and 145° E longitude.
A network of four NOWPAP Regional Activity Centers (RACs) coordinated by the Regional Coordinating Unit (RCU) ensures integrated and well-managed implementation under the Action Plan.
Read more about NOWPAP in our new brochure (2018) here.
For more information about NOWPAP Regional Activity Centers and their work, please visit their sites.
Special Monitoring & Coastal Environmental Assessment Regional Activity Centre (CEARAC)
Data and Information Network Regional Activity Centre (DINRAC)
Marine Environmental Emergency Preparedness and Response Regional Activity Centre (MERRAC)
