Ecological Quality Objectives for the NOWPAP region
On 18 May 2016, the regional workshop organized by NOWPAP POMRAC was held in Vladivostok, Russia. Experts from NOWPAP member states and representatives from NOWPAP partners in the region (PICES and IOC WESTPAC) discussed targets and indicators for the Ecological Quality Objectives (EcoQOs) formulated earlier, in 2014, related to five major issues: biodiversity and habitats, alien species, eutrophication, contaminants and marine litter. Experts found with satisfaction that at least several targets related to biodiversity, eutrophication and contaminants might be common for all four NOWPAP member states. Following preparation of national inputs and submissions from all NOWPAP Regional Activity Centers, the regional overview on EcoQO targets and indicators for the NOWPAP region will be prepared at the end of 2017.
New DINRAC and MERRAC projects for 2016-2017
Both DINRAC and MERRAC had their Focal Points Meetings during the last two weeks. Details of implementation plans of their 2016-2017 activities were discussed. The main projects for DINRAC will be as follows:
- Development of DINRAC website (maintenance and updating of existing databases, visualization of data through web-based GIS, etc.).
- Annual summary of major environmental data (continued from 2014-2015).
- Collection of information on endangered/threatened species in the NOWPAP region (second phase, with expanded geographical coverage).
- Compilation of marine environmental standards used in NOWPAP member states.
MERRAC will focus on the following activities in 2016-2017:
- Organization of an expert meeting as well as BRAVO and DELTA exercises.
- Development of MERRAC information system through web-based GIS.
- Development of information sharing platform on oil and HNS spills.
- Preparation of a regional report on response to oiled wildlife.
NOWPAP at G7 Environment Ministers Meeting
On 15-16 May 2016, G7 Environment Ministers have met in Toyama, Japan, where one of two offices of NOWPAP Regional Coordinating Unit is located. Several sessions were organized focusing on the following issues: 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, Chemicals Management, Resource Efficiency, Biodiversity, Marine Litter, Climate Change and Related Measures. UNEP Executive Director, Achim Steiner, participated in the first session on 2030 Agenda. NOWPAP Coordinator, Alexander Tkalin, had a chance to make a brief introduction of UNEP and NOWPAP efforts to deal with marine litter at the morning session on 16 May. NOWPAP Regional Action Plan on Marine Litter and some other NOWPAP publications were available for participants of the meeting. The G7 summit will be held in Mie Prefecture (Japan) on 26-27 May 2016.
For more information on NOWPAP, please visit http://www.nowpap.org.