Capacity Building for Marine Debris Prevention and Management in the APEC Region: Workshop Report, Yeosu, Korea 12-18 June 2017.

Abstract

1. Capacity Building for Marine Debris Prevention and Management in the APEC Region, a training program for the APEC economies, was held in Yeosu, Korea on 12-18 June 2017 which had 28 participants from 14 APEC member economies, including Chile; China; Hong Kong, China; Indonesia; Republic of Korea; Malaysia; Mexico; Papua New Guinea; Peru; the Philippines; Russia; Thailand; and Viet Nam. Expert speakers from 7 organizations - China; Republic of Korea; Chinese Taipei; The United States; UNEP; NOWPAP; and NOWPAP POMRAC were also invited to the program to give lectures on subject of their expertise. 2. Marine debris and its impacts to threaten marine life and reduce economic potential in the APEC region is becoming a serious issue. The amount of plastic marine debris discharged to waterways and finally to the Pacific Ocean is expected to grow. This has serious consequences to shipping, tourism, and fishing industries. Furthermore, there is growing concern for impacts of micro-plastics on seafood and human health. In order to reduce the impact of marine debris, this project in the APEC region proposes the following steps; 1) raise awareness and attention for marine debris among the APEC economies, especially those from developing economies, through information sharing, policy formation, social and economic impact analysis and technical training on marine debris 2) share information about the resources and techniques that are available to assist economies with the environmental impact 3) provide technical assistance to develop an operational manual for economies lacking effective marine debris response procedures, and 4) guide in helping APEC economies to prepare for marine debris emergencies. 3. The objectives of the workshop are: 1) Raising awareness of the social, economic, and environmental damage and impact caused by marine debris which disrupts and impacts the trade, growth and livelihood of the APEC region; 2) Strengthening government officials’ capacity to enhance marine debris management related policies of the APEC region; and 3) Aligning with international standards by effective management of marine debris In light of the above objectives, this program focused on: 1) Development of proceedings on the training standards and educational contents, including best practices; 2) Organization of education and training course and its evaluation; and 3) Establishing a network between participants and experts.