A group of marine scientists from the Northwest Pacific Region gathered online on 18 May 2021, discussing how to develop a detailed project proposal for a bigger intervention to strengthen the efforts of the NOWPAP Member States in conserving biological diversity in the NOWPAP region.
The marine biodiversity of the NOWPAP region is rich and unique. Subtropical, temperate, and cold-water marine life cohabit in this region due to the movement of warm and cold ocean currents. However, the high population density and intensive economic activities have imposed enormous pressures on the marine environment.
Conservation of marine and coastal biodiversity is recognised as one of the main themes of the Northwest Pacific Action Plan adopted in 1994. In the past decades, the NOWPAP Regional Activity Centers have studied marine invasive species, assessed threats on marine biodiversity, marine protected area, seagrass, etc., and identified eutrophication, non-indigenous species, and habitat alteration are among major pressures on biodiversity in the region.
The meeting participants proposed examining the status and trends of indicator species, which will help understand the ongoing biodiversity changes and future requirements for biodiversity conservation. They also recommended researching the quantified extent and condition of important habitats of indicator species and the effectiveness of response measures.
The meeting suggested aligning the project proposal with the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) post-2020 Biodiversity framework, the United Nations Decades on Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021 - 2030), Ecosystem Restoration (2021 - 2030) and other relevant frameworks and global goals and targets. The meeting has also discussed the contents of the project proposal, structure of components, approaches and potential schedule to develop the project proposal.
