Creating a Northwest Pacific Region Network
Overview of international cooperation
It is crucial for coastal countries and areas to work in coordination and cooperation with one another in order to protect the marine environment in the Northwest Pcific (the Sea of Japan and the Yellow Sea). Therefore, a variety of projects are being implemented to promote mutual dialogues and exchanges among related countries and areas.
Furthermore, in order to support environmental protection measures implemented by each coastal country or local government solely or in a collaborative manner, NPEC collects and disseminates environment-related data and information as well as develops human resources and networks.
In the Northwest Pacific Region, the Northwest Pacific Action Plan (NOWPAP) is formed by UNEP as a framework to promote the international cooperation at the national level in the region. In addition, there is the Association of North East Asia Regional Governments (NEAR) to promote the regional cooperation at the municipal level in the region.
NPEC is designated as the Special Monitoring and Coastal Assessment (CEARAC), which is one of the reginal activity centers of the NOWPAP. Working with other member countries CEARAC contributes to conserving the environment in the Northwest Pacific region through various activities such as the ocean environmental monitoring with satellites and development of the algorithm for the coastal environment assessment.
NPEC is serving as the secretariat of NEAR’s environmental subcommittee. We are working on the environmental protection in the region through cooperation with the municipalities.
(Reprinting of No.238, 2012 produced by Toyama Pref.)
International Cooperation Activities
1. Support to the Environmental Subcommittee of NEAR
Toyama Prefecture is elected as a coordinator for the Environment Subcommittee of the Association of North East Asia Regional Governments (NEAR) and NPEC performs the administrative duties of the subcommittee.
2. Promotion of the cooperation among coastal municipalities for the environment
In order to effectively promote environmental cooperation amang local governments in coastal regions, NPEC collects information of environmental protection and exchanges views to implement projects for environmental protection.
3. Joint environmental reseaches with Liaoning, China
To tackle serious air pollution problems, NPEC has conducted joint reseach programs with Liaoning Province such as on Yellow Sand, automobile emissions and Volatile Organic Compound (VOC).The programs include researches, briefing seeions for local citizens and training sessions for officials of Liaoning Province.
Theme
- 2008～2011：Yellow Sand
- 2012～2014：Automobile emissions
- 2014～：Volatile Organic Compound（VOC)
4. Promotion of the human resource development
The Environmental Experience Program is being implemented, targeting young people in the Northeast Asia Region, to develop human resources who are able to think and act by themselves, through firsthand experience and international exchange on environmental protection.
