In focus

Sixth global meeting of Regional Seas

The 6th Global Meeting of the Regional Seas Conventions and Action Plans (Istanbul, Turkey, 30 November - 2 December 2004) is fast approaching. You will find all the documents for the meeting HERE

Vanishing leatherbacks

Environmentalists from coastal communities in Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu and the Solomons warn that leatherback turtle numbers are in serious decline in their region. Unless swift action is taken, the turtles will disappear altogether from their waters.
They voiced their concerns at the Melanesian Marine Turtles Conservation Forum, held in the Solomon Islands in late October.

The South Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP), one of the sponsors of the meeting, also cited a recent report carried out by Conservation International showing that leatherback numbers in the region having fallen 97% in 22 years.

Read the full SPREP press release
Visit the SPREP website

NOWPAP's head office opened in Japan

The Regional Coordinating Unit for the North-West Pacific region was formally inaugurated in Toyama, Japan on 1 November 2004. Formally known as the Northwest Pacific Region Environmental Cooperation Center (NPEC), the office will oversee implementation of the regional action plan. The RCU will also oversee the work of four NOWPAP Regional Activity Centers in Beijing, Daejon, Toyama and Vladivostok, and provide a platform for meeting the country’s responsibilities under international marine and environmental conventions.

The ninth NOWPAP intergovernmental meeting immediately followed the inauguration in Busan on November 2, during which members signed a Memorandum of Understanding for a new Regional Oil Spill Contingency Plan, to address the threat of major oil spills in the region.

Read the full press release from the UNEP Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific