The UN Development Programme (UNDP) and the Global Environment Facility (GEF), in partnership with the governments of China and the Republic of Korea, launched an initiative for the restoration of ecosystems in the Yellow Sea.
The initiative will include joint data collection, a one-third reduction in fishing by 2020, and establishment of a regional network of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs).
7 June 2011: The UN Development Programme (UNDP) and the Global Environment Facility (GEF), along with the governments of China and the Republic of Korea, have launched an initiative to protect fisheries and endangered species, improve water quality and sustain local livelihoods in the Yellow Sea’s ecosystems.
Through UNDP and GEF, the programme will receive an initial contribution of US$14.3 million. Further investments from governments and other partners are expected to exceed US$10 billion.
The initiative is facilitating joint collection of data by the two Governments to inform integrated management across borders. In addition, both Governments involved have committed to reduce fishing by up to one third by 2020 by decreasing the number of fishing boats, banning fishing in certain areas and seasons, and monitoring and assessing changes in fish stocks. They also agreed to reduce nutrient discharges to the Yellow Sea by 10 percent every five years by enhancing wastewater treatment and lowering levels of fertilizer use and industrial outflows.
The initiative will promote the conservation of the sea’s biodiversity through establishment of a regional network of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and involvement of civil society organizations. [UNDP Press Release]