Latest news with #5thAPECOcean-RelatedMinisterialMeeting
Scoop
08-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Innovation And Collaboration Needed To Address Ocean Sustainability Challenges
Press Release – APEC News The ocean connects the Asia-Pacific region; it stands as a frontier for innovation and digital transformation, as well as a key resource for prosperity. Busan, Republic of Korea, 8 May 2025 In a significant moment for APEC's ongoing efforts to safeguard the ocean, Ambassador Yoon Seongmee, Chair of the 2025 APEC Senior Officials' Meeting, and Executive Director Eduardo Pedrosa underscored the urgent need for innovative solutions and greater regional collaboration to tackle critical ocean sustainability challenges. Addressing APEC's ocean and fisheries ministers at the 5th APEC Ocean-Related Ministerial Meeting held last week in Busan, Ambassador Yoon highlighted the ocean's central role in APEC's broader development agenda, emphasizing that it is not only a crucial resource but also a frontier for innovation. 'The ocean connects the Asia-Pacific region; it stands as a frontier for innovation and digital transformation, as well as a key resource for prosperity,' Ambassador Yoon said. 'Our collective action today will help define a sustainable and prosperous future, not only for our oceans but for all of APEC's economies.' Ambassador Yoon spotlighted how APEC has evolved to meet the challenges posed by climate change, technological advancements and demographic shifts, noting that ocean issues are increasingly tied to these larger global challenges. In this context, she also emphasized the importance of the APEC Ocean-Related Ministerial Meeting (AOMM). 'AOMM is the highest-level forum dedicated to cooperation on ocean and fisheries issues within APEC, and its discussions will form a vital component of the outcomes of APEC 2025.' Pedrosa echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that the APEC economies are deeply interconnected through the Pacific Ocean, the world's largest body of water. 'We are connected by the Pacific Ocean, and its resources are vital to the economic and social well-being of our economies,' Pedrosa said. 'However, the ocean is facing profound challenges, and it is imperative that we continue to innovate and collaborate to secure its health and sustainability for future generations.' Pedrosa highlighted APEC's strategic roadmaps that guide collective action in addressing ocean-related issues, including the APEC Roadmap on Marine Debris, the Roadmap on Combatting IUU Fishing, and the Roadmap on Small-Scale Fisheries and Aquaculture. 'These roadmaps provide clear frameworks for APEC economies to align their efforts, implement effective measures, and protect marine ecosystems,' he noted. 'They serve as a foundation for collaborative strategies to combat marine pollution, reduce illegal fishing and ensure the sustainable management of small-scale fisheries.' Pedrosa also emphasized how emerging technologies, such as data collection, remote sensing and traceability, will enhance APEC's capacity to monitor and manage marine resources. 'Innovation is crucial for the resilience of our oceans,' Pedrosa stated. 'By leveraging technology, we can improve our ability to forecast, manage and protect marine ecosystems while supporting sustainable economic activities like fisheries and aquaculture.' As APEC economies continue to address these challenges, both Ambassador Yoon and Pedrosa emphasized the need for ongoing dialogue and action. 'Today's discussions represent just the beginning,' Pedrosa concluded. 'Through continued cooperation and innovative solutions, we will ensure that the ocean remains a source of prosperity for all economies, while safeguarding its health for future generations.' Korea as the host of APEC 2025 will host a total of 13 ministerial and high-level meetings throughout the year. The next ministerial meetings on human resources development, education and trade will be held in Jeju from 12-16 May.
Scoop
08-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Innovation And Collaboration Needed To Address Ocean Sustainability Challenges
Issued by the APEC Secretariat Busan, Republic of Korea, 8 May 2025 In a significant moment for APEC's ongoing efforts to safeguard the ocean, Ambassador Yoon Seongmee, Chair of the 2025 APEC Senior Officials' Meeting, and Executive Director Eduardo Pedrosa underscored the urgent need for innovative solutions and greater regional collaboration to tackle critical ocean sustainability challenges. Addressing APEC's ocean and fisheries ministers at the 5th APEC Ocean-Related Ministerial Meeting held last week in Busan, Ambassador Yoon highlighted the ocean's central role in APEC's broader development agenda, emphasizing that it is not only a crucial resource but also a frontier for innovation. "The ocean connects the Asia-Pacific region; it stands as a frontier for innovation and digital transformation, as well as a key resource for prosperity," Ambassador Yoon said. "Our collective action today will help define a sustainable and prosperous future, not only for our oceans but for all of APEC's economies." Ambassador Yoon spotlighted how APEC has evolved to meet the challenges posed by climate change, technological advancements and demographic shifts, noting that ocean issues are increasingly tied to these larger global challenges. In this context, she also emphasized the importance of the APEC Ocean-Related Ministerial Meeting (AOMM). "AOMM is the highest-level forum dedicated to cooperation on ocean and fisheries issues within APEC, and its discussions will form a vital component of the outcomes of APEC 2025." Pedrosa echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that the APEC economies are deeply interconnected through the Pacific Ocean, the world's largest body of water. "We are connected by the Pacific Ocean, and its resources are vital to the economic and social well-being of our economies," Pedrosa said. "However, the ocean is facing profound challenges, and it is imperative that we continue to innovate and collaborate to secure its health and sustainability for future generations." Pedrosa highlighted APEC's strategic roadmaps that guide collective action in addressing ocean-related issues, including the APEC Roadmap on Marine Debris, the Roadmap on Combatting IUU Fishing, and the Roadmap on Small-Scale Fisheries and Aquaculture. "These roadmaps provide clear frameworks for APEC economies to align their efforts, implement effective measures, and protect marine ecosystems," he noted. "They serve as a foundation for collaborative strategies to combat marine pollution, reduce illegal fishing and ensure the sustainable management of small-scale fisheries." Pedrosa also emphasized how emerging technologies, such as data collection, remote sensing and traceability, will enhance APEC's capacity to monitor and manage marine resources. "Innovation is crucial for the resilience of our oceans," Pedrosa stated. "By leveraging technology, we can improve our ability to forecast, manage and protect marine ecosystems while supporting sustainable economic activities like fisheries and aquaculture." As APEC economies continue to address these challenges, both Ambassador Yoon and Pedrosa emphasized the need for ongoing dialogue and action. "Today's discussions represent just the beginning," Pedrosa concluded. "Through continued cooperation and innovative solutions, we will ensure that the ocean remains a source of prosperity for all economies, while safeguarding its health for future generations." Korea as the host of APEC 2025 will host a total of 13 ministerial and high-level meetings throughout the year. The next ministerial meetings on human resources development, education and trade will be held in Jeju from 12-16 May.
Scoop
01-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Ministers Commit To Collective Actions For Ocean Sustainability
Issued by the 5th APEC Ocean-Related Ministerial Meeting Busan, Republic of Korea, 1 May 2025 Ministers from APEC economies gathered in Busan, Republic of Korea, today for the 5th APEC Ocean-Related Ministerial Meeting, reaffirming their collective commitment to addressing the critical challenges facing the ocean and marine resources in the Asia-Pacific region. The meeting marks the resumption of high-level ocean dialogue within APEC after a decade-long gap. In his opening remarks, Korea's Minister of Oceans and Fisheries, Kang Do-Hyung, emphasized the importance of the ocean as an essential resource for all APEC economies and its critical role in the economic development of the region. 'The ocean serves as a foundation of life that embraces us all, and it stands as a key resource for our shared future,' said Minister Kang. 'Over the millennia, it has underpinned the delicate balance between economic development and environmental sustainability.' However, Minister Kang added that the ocean is currently facing a range of serious challenges. 'The rising sea temperatures and sea levels, the depletion of fishery resources, and the growing issue of marine debris are threatening not only marine ecosystems but also the sustainability of fisheries, aquaculture, and marine tourism—resulting in significant economic and social costs,' Minister Kang added. But Minister Kang also shared encouraging facts that even in the face of these crises, the international community continues to make tireless efforts to protect the ocean and ensure a sustainable future. 'The recently adopted BBNJ Agreement has become a historic milestone in preserving marine ecosystems in areas outside the jurisdiction of any economy,' Minister Kang stated, referring to the 2023 agreement under the United Nations Convention of the Law of the Sea. 'The international community has set a clear goal of securing ratification by at least 60 economies by June this year and is working together toward that target.' Minister Kang also highlighted other international efforts, such as the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, which is recognized for laying the foundation for a more sustainable fisheries sector by limiting harmful subsidies that contribute to overfishing and IUU fishing. 'APEC, through the Ocean and Fisheries Working Group, has steadily strengthened regional efforts to address a wide range of ocean issues, including combating IUU fishing and reducing marine debris to promote sustainable development in the ocean and fisheries sectors,' Minister Kang added. APEC has developed strategic roadmaps to address critical ocean issues, including marine debris, illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, as well as small-scale fisheries and aquaculture. The APEC Roadmap on Marine Debris, endorsed in 2019, emphasizes voluntary and cooperative actions among member economies to reduce marine debris, particularly plastic litter, through policy development, capacity building and sustainable waste management practices. Similarly, the APEC Roadmap on Combatting IUU Fishing outlines collaborative strategies to prevent and eliminate IUU fishing activities. This includes the development and implementation of economy-wide plans of actions, capacity building and the adoption of port state measures to strengthen enforcement and compliance across the region. In 2022, APEC also adopted the Roadmap on Small-Scale Fisheries and Aquaculture, aimed at promoting the sustainable development of small-scale fisheries and aquaculture sectors. This roadmap focuses on enhancing the livelihoods of small-scale fishers and aquaculture producers through improved market access, capacity-building, and the promotion of responsible and sustainable practices. These roadmaps serve as frameworks for APEC economies to align their efforts and implement effective measures to protect marine ecosystems and ensure the sustainable use of ocean resources. 'These multifaceted efforts highlight the complexity and severity of the challenges we face. At the same time, they offer hope that even the most difficult ocean-related issues can be addressed through cooperation and innovation,' he continued. 'In this moment where crisis and hope coexist, we have gathered here today to respond collectively to the challenges facing our oceans and to chart a course toward a sustainable future. I sincerely hope that today's discussions will not remain as mere documents or declarations but will be translated into concrete actions and policies by all APEC member economies,' Minister Kang concluded.
Scoop
01-05-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
Minister Kang's Statement On The 5th APEC Ocean-Related Ministerial Meeting
Issued by the 5th APEC Ocean-Related Ministerial Meeting Busan, Republic of Korea,1 May 2025 On Tuesday in Busan, Kang Do-Hyung, Korea's Minister of Oceans and Fisheries, shared with his ocean and fisheries counterparts a statement that reflects the outcomes of the 5th APEC Ocean-Related Ministerial Meeting, which he chaired on 1 May 2025. Under the theme "Navigating our Blue Future – Connection, Innovation, and Prosperity," the meeting underscored the urgent need for stronger cooperation to tackle environmental challenges, promote sustainable ocean practices and promote economic empowerment and participation of all stakeholders in the region. The statement highlighted the critical role of regional collaboration in addressing marine pollution, disaster preparedness and the sustainability of fisheries and aquaculture. Ministers also emphasized the need for the development of the APEC Ocean Resilience Enhancement Roadmap, a framework aimed at enhancing disaster risk management and strengthening regional resilience. Ministers recognized the growing threat of marine pollution, urging the timely implementation of the APEC Roadmap on Marine Debris and calling for innovative technological solutions to reduce pollution and safeguard marine biodiversity. In the area of fisheries management, ministers reiterated the importance of science-based approaches to ensure the sustainability of ocean resources, food security and the livelihoods of coastal communities. They called for increased efforts to combat Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing and for the enhancement of capacity-building initiatives to support robust monitoring and enforcement across the region. APEC ministers also committed to fostering collaboration on sustainable aquaculture development and small-scale fisheries, stressing the need for public-private partnerships and knowledge exchange to drive economic growth while preserving marine ecosystems.
