This document provides an overview of Ecological Quality Objectives (EcoQOs) in the NOWPAP region, beginning with a history of NOWPAPs approach to EcoQOs and their relevance to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), followed by examples of similar approaches in other Regional Seas programmes and the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) of the EU. The document then moves into a description of national approaches by NOWPAP member states to the suggested five NOWPAP EcoQOs, while also highlighting differences in natural and socio–economic conditions, and an analysis of how the suggested EcoQOs could be used in NOWPAP member states. The final section provides recommendations moving forward, in regards to the NOWPAP EcoQOs.
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.