On 25 February 2021, governmental officials from Chungcheongnam-do, Republic of Korea, visited the NOWPAP Regional Coordinating Unit (RCU) in Busan, Korea, exploring the possibilities of cooperation with NOWPAP in addressing marine litter.
Mr Sang-jun LEE from the Ocean Environment Team of Chungcheongnam-do introduced their work plan and challenges in managing marine litter. He highlighted that marine litter is a transboundary issue and wished to enhance international cooperation through the NOWPAP mechanism. He also informed that the Chungcheongnam-do Government planned to organize an international event on marine litter in the fall of 2021 and sought the assistance of NOWPAP on this event.
Dr Ning Liu, Programme Officer of NOWPAP RCU, introduced the NOWPAP marine litter activities in the past sixteen years. He briefed that NOWPAP was in the process to update the NOWPAP Regional Action Plan on Marine Litter. NOWPAP organizes annual marine litter management workshops and International Coastal Cleanup Campaigns in the NOWPAP Member States on a rotational basis. The workshop will be hosted by Japan this year and Korea next year. NOWPAP has also conducted extensive research on marine litter and is pleased to share those reports with the Chungcheongnam-do government.
Mr Lee introduced that the city alliance on addressing marine litter between Korea and China, which the Yellow Sea Large Marine Ecosystem Project initiated, and inquired whether it was possible to further liaise with China's partner city. Dr Liu suggested bringing this issue to the National Focal Points of Marine Litter to seek their help. It is important to enhance cooperation both at national and local levels.
Both sides agreed to further exchange information and provide assistance in organizing international events on marine litter whenever it is possible.
