I will realize the 'Korea Blue Action Plan' with a scale of 3.7 trillion won, containing 76 challenging actions.
Minister of Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries Gang attended the 10th Our Ocean Conference (OOC) held at BEXCO in Busan on the 29th, stating, "Korea will lead sustainable oceans." OOC is an international conference of the highest authority in the ocean field, known as the 'Ocean Davos Forum,' where global ocean leaders gather to discuss marine issues and announce implementation pledges.
Minister Gang noted, "Even at this moment, there are many people whose lives are threatened by rising sea levels, losing their homes, and facing livelihood threats from the influx of waste and depletion of fishery resources," emphasizing the need for more concrete and innovative actions to address these issues, thus highlighting the Korea Blue Action Plan.
Specifically, Korea will invest 1.1461 trillion won in the marine economy (14 items), 1.3212 trillion won in sustainable fisheries (15 items), and 1.110 billion won in climate change (29 items). It plans to invest 251.4 billion won in marine pollution (13 items) and 29.6 billion won in marine security (2 items).
Minister Gang stated, "Korea will play a leading role in expanding global marine protected areas by designating over 2,000 square kilometers of protected areas this year," adding, "We aim to achieve the goal of designating 30% of the world's oceans as marine protected areas by 2030."
Our country ratified the BBNJ agreement for the protection of biodiversity in the high seas as the 21st in the world and the first in East Asia last March. Internationally, we are setting goals to actively contribute to the progress of discussions on marine protected areas through regional fisheries management organizations.
Minister Gang also said, "Korea is the only Asian member of the International Coalition to Combat Illegal Fishing," adding, "In addition to the current legal framework, we will continuously work toward compliance with the Global Fishing Charter, aiming to develop and enhance electronic monitoring technology and expand the implementation of the catch certification system."
Meanwhile, about 2,500 leaders in the marine field from approximately 100 countries attended the 10th OOC, including former U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and UN Ocean Envoy Peter Thompson, along with government ministers and vice ministers, senior officials from international organizations, and representatives from global corporations and NGOs. Attendees will analyze and share the results of 10 years of OCC implementation while planning to set objectives for the next 10 years.