Joint Statement by the ‘Partners of the Yellow Sea’ Joint Statement by the ‘Partners of the Yellow Sea’ on Co-operation for the Protection of the Coastal and Marine Environment and Sustainable Use of Marine Resources in the Yellow Sea 1. Preamble We, the Members of the Yellow Sea Partnership, have noted that: • the marine and coastal ecosystems in the Yellow Sea are under threat from environmental and natural resource degradation due to rapid economic expansion and increased anthropogenic activity in the coastal areas; • successful co-operation in restoration and protection of the marine environment and sustainable use of marine and coastal resources in the Yellow Sea requires the active participation of all stakeholders who are utilising resources, and/or have responsibilities in managing the marine environment in the Yellow Sea; and • it is essential to strengthen closer co-operation in order to protect the marine environment and promote the sustainable use of marine resources in the Yellow Sea, for the mutual benefits of our people and for long-term improving relations amongst the countries in the region. 2. Common Goals We confirm our common goals in protecting the marine environment and sustainable use of marine and coastal resources in order to: • reduce the adverse environmental threats and impacts of development activities on the marine environment in the Yellow Sea to allow its recovery; • promote the environmentally-sustainable management and use of the marine and coastal resources in the Yellow Sea; and • foster mutual knowledge and understanding between our people on our environment. 3. Co-operation To achieve the common goals, we agree to establish a Yellow Sea Partnership, and will seek closer co-operation to: • encourage wider and more active participation of all stakeholders in the protection of the marine environment and sustainable use of marine and coastal resources, and enhance co-ordination amongst all relevant national and local government agencies, research institutions and non-governmental organizations (NGOs); • establish mechanisms to ensure and enhance effective dialogue and co-operation between stakeholders for protecting the marine environment and sustainable use of marine and coastal resources in the Yellow Sea; and • Harness resources for sustainable protection of the marine environment and management of marine and coastal resources in the Yellow Sea. 4. Framework for Co-operation We are confident that the partnership among participating organisations would be greatly strengthened if regular dialogue and consultations can be organised and maintained, in particular through regular meetings and workshops. We recognise the importance of wider participation of all stakeholders in the protection of the marine environment in the Yellow Sea, and will engage ourselves in promoting participation of all levels of governmental agencies, legislative bodies, international organisations, local communities and relevant institutions. We, the Yellow Sea Partnership are open to all and any interested parties and are not mutually exclusive to current partners. We will commit our efforts to make the Yellow Sea, a sea of friendship, a sea of co-operation, a sea of peace, and a sea of prosperity. All Members of The Yellow Sea Partnership That participated in the First Yellow Sea Partnership Workshop Beijing, China 16 March 2006