EMECS

In many parts of the world there are bodies of sea water that are almost entirely enclosed by land. These bodies of water are called enclosed coastal seas. Examples include the Mediterranean Sea, the Baltic Sea, Chesapeake Bay, the Gulf of Thailand, the Bo Hai in northern China and, in Japan, the Seto Inland Sea, Tokyo Bay and Ise Bay. Since ancient times, enclosed coastal seas have been known for their great scenic beauty. In 1990, the world's first International Conference on the Environmental Management of Enclosed Coastal Seas (EMECS '90) was held in the city of Kobe, Japan. Due to the success of the initial conference and subsequent activities, the word "EMECS" in the conference title is now recognized internationally, and activities in which scholars, government officials, industry representatives and private organizations work together to solve problems in enclosed coastal seas are now referred to as EMECS activities. Another key concept for EMECS activities in both international and academic circles is "governance," meaning comprehensive and joint management of enclosed coastal sea environments.

The International EMECS Center was established in November 1994 in Kobe Japan through the cooperation of concerned persons and organizations. Its purpose is to create new prospects for the preservation of the environments of the Seto Inland Sea and other enclosed coastal seas throughout the world. Since its establishment, the Center has sponsored the Third International Conference on the Environmental Management of Enclosed Coastal Seas (EMECS) in Stockholm, Sweden (August 1997) and the Fourth EMECS conference in Antalya, Turkey in November 1999. Fifth EMECS conference (EMECS 2001) was held from 19-22 November 2001, in Kobe and Awaji attended by over 1100 people from 41 countries. Began with the Technical Tour, Theme Sessions, Special Sessions, and Poster Sessions were held to discuss cooperation with NGOs, the importance of the environmental education, and new strategies for creation and restoration of the environment. The Asian Forum as one of special sessions was held. The Asian Forum was co-organised by APN, International EMECS Center, and Institute for Global Environmental Strategies (IGES) Kansai Research Center.

From 18-21 November 2003, EMECS 2003 will convene in Bangkok, Thailand. The APN will organise and sponsor a special session entitled the "Asia-Pacific Forum" on 19 November. This meeting will be open to all EMECS 2003 participants. (Incidentally, the APN will convene an APN coastal zone synthesis workshop back-to-back with the Asia-Pacific Forum at EMECS 2003 in Bangkok.)