RO Korea Signs MOU for the East Asian Seas (EAS) Congress 2012

Changwon City, RO Korea — The Ministry of Land, Transport and Maritime Affairs (MLTM) of the Republic of Korea, Changwon City Government and PEMSEA signed a Memorandum of Understanding to formalize the hosting and organization of the East Asian Seas (EAS) Congress 2012 on 25 April 2011.

 

The MOU signing highlighted the commitment of the Republic of Korea through MLTM, represented by Mr. Park, Kwang-Youle, Director General for Marine Environment Policy Office and the Changwon City Government, represented by Dr. Park Wan-Soo, Mayor of Changwon City, to contribute to the achievement of the vision and objectives of the Sustainable Development Strategy for the Seas of East Asia (SDS-SEA).

 

Dr. Park Wan-Soo expressed his City’s full support to ensure the successful conduct of the EAS Congress 2012. Mayor Park indicated that Changwon, as the first planned city and the environmental capital city in RO Korea, will serve as an excellent venue for the EAS Congress 2012. The EAS Congress was considered by the Mayor to be an opportunity for Changwon to showcase its environment-related initiatives and to elevate the city as an environmental hub for the East Asian Seas region.

 

The Government of RO Korea and the Changwon City Government will provide administrative and financial support for the hosting of the EAS Congress. A new facility is currently being constructed in Changwon City to serve as the venue for the Fourth Ministerial Forum to be held as part of the EAS Congress. Changwon City has also initiated the organization of its preparatory committees. The selection process for an events management group to handle the logistical arrangements for the Congress is ongoing.

 

The EAS Congress 2012 is tentatively scheduled for 9-13 July 2012 at the Changwon Exhibition Convention Center. The EAS Congress is seen as a key event coinciding with the Yeosu Expo 2012 in RO Korea, which is also focusing on oceans and coasts.

 

The EAS Congress is recognized as an information marketplace and a platform for partnership building. The EAS Congress includes an International Conference, the Fourth Ministerial Forum, an Environmental Exhibition, various special events and field visits. Around 2,500-3,000 local and international participants are expected to attend, representing the academe, local and national governments, local and international NGOs, private sector, funding organizations, UN organizations, youth sector, etc.

 

The 2012 event will be the fourth EAS Congress. It is a triennial event that was first held in 2003 in Putrajaya, Malaysia. The second EAS Congress in 2006 was held in Haikou City, PR China with over 800 participants. While the most recent EAS Congress in 2009 in Manila, Philippines, attracted more than 1,500 participants.