Young Leaders from East Asian Seas region call for urgent action to protect the ocean

 

Uljin, South Korea – Nineteen (19) young leaders from 10 countries in the East Asian Seas region convened at the East Asian Seas Congress Youth Forum for a week of learning exchange and regional cooperation on the roles of youth in sustainable development of coastal and marine areas in the region. The forum was hosted by Korea National Ocean Science Museum (KOSM) and Partnerships in Environmental Management for the Seas of East Asia (PEMSEA) on April 16 to 18, 2024 in Uljin.

The youth delegates learned from experts from the government and select organizations of the Republic of Korea on various topics such as use of big data in marine conservation, existing business models that mainstream upcycling of marine plastics, advanced technology that promote sustainable use of marine resources, and marine mammal field rescue. Dr. Youngnam Kim of Korean Marine Environment Management Corporation shared the existing policies and programs on marine ecosystem monitoring, marine protected area, and the establishment of marine ecological networks in RO Korea, while Mr. Jinho Bae highlighted the ocean literacy projects and species-focused conservation efforts of KOSM.

 

In his welcome remarks, KOSM President Mr. Kim Oichul said, “We must work together to leverage the strengths we have, share knowledge, and promote impactful initiatives for the development of East Asian waters. We look forward to the activities of young East Asian representatives as the next-generation leaders in the fields of marine ecosystem conservation.”

 

One of the highlights of the forum was the call to action agreed by youth delegates. The call to action will be forwarded to PEMSEA Partnership Council to ensure the inclusion of youth agenda in the next Ministerial Forum in the East Asian Seas Congress happening in Xiamen, China on November 6-8, 2024.

The youth delegates emphasized the need for enough support and engagement among youth to be at the forefront of ocean and climate action as the future regional and global leaders who will craft policies and implement programs to ensure a healthy and resilient ocean.

The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries (MOF) reaffirmed their commitment to the region and recognized the crucial role of youth in developing innovative solutions that will help address the crisis on climate and ocean. 

 

 

“South Korea is committed to protecting the marine ecosystem of East Asian Seas and finding sustainable solutions for the coastal areas, collaborating not only with PEMSEA but also with youth representatives from member countries,” said Mr. Haengnok Oh, Director of Marine Environment Policy Division of MOF.

The Youth Forum 2024 delegates are composed of university students and young professionals who are leading programs and research focusing on marine issues in their respective countries. It is being held every three years as part of the EAS Congress.

“May you seize this privilege and embrace your role and responsibilities as the next generation of coastal and ocean leaders in the East Asian Seas region who will continue to foster healthy and resilient coasts, communities, people, and economies,” said Ms. Aimee Gonzales, Executive Director of PEMSEA Resource Facility.

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