Yeosu Academy of the Law of the Sea

Oceans and coasts are not only the origin of life on Earth, but also a rich repository of biological diversity and a foundation for human survival. However, indiscriminate development and exploitation of these resources such as discharge of pollutants into the ocean, over-fishing and damages of coral reefs pose significant threats and stress to the marine environment, calling for needs to formulate ways to protect them.

The Yeosu Declaration, pursued as part of the legacy of the Yeosu Expo is intended not only to enhance the awareness of dangers faced by the sea but also to promote the necessity of international cooperation for turning these challenges into hopes for the future. The year 2012 is a significant year in terms of human efforts to pursue sustainable development. It is the 40th anniversary of the Stockholm Declaration, the 30th anniversary of the Nairobi Declaration, the 20th anniversary of the Rio Declaration and the 10th anniversary of the Johannesburg Declaration. In this respect, the Yeosu Declaration will celebrate humanity’s efforts to find sustainable ways to develop the ocean, and create an international consensus in support of the Expo’s theme, “The Living Ocean and Coast.”

As an international manifesto, the Yeosu Declaration will be jointly developed in consultation with marine experts from home and abroad, including those from international organizations. The draft created in 2010 will be elaborated and reviewed by an international panel of experts from various fields. In year leading up to the Expo, the Yeosu Declaration will be presented at various forums and symposiums of international organizations, to raise its visibility and build a consensus in the international community in support of the content of the document.