The Sea of Japan and the Yellow Sea are shared resources for the coastal countries, which bring many blessings such as fishing, marine transport and vacation areas.

　Nevertheless, it is feared that the recent rapid industrialization, overpopulation in urban areas, and expanding use of the ocean for fishing and marine transport purposes are leading to an alarming deterioration of the marine environment. The number of marine disasters such as the sinking of oil tankers is also increasing. It causes serious damage to the rich fishing grounds and tourism in the coastal areas.

　In "The Age of the Northwest Pacific Region", preventing the environment from marine disasters is a common mission for the people living in the coastal countries and areas in the Region.

　To fulfill this mission, such regions and relevant organizations must stand together and promote, in a collaborative way, various international activities on their initiative. At the same time, it is considered indispensable to establish a base for promoting these activities.

　To receive the blessings of the Sea of Japan and Yellow Sea now and in the future and maintain a lasting sound environment, the Northwest Pacific Region Environmental Cooperation Center (NPEC) is making an effort toward marine environmental protection including management of the coastal basins along the Sea of Japan and the Yellow Sea, with the related areas and countries in the Region.