The Organizing Committee for Expo 2012 Yeosu Korea and Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) on December 15 has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Vietnam Administration of Seas and Islands (VASI) for “Study for conservation and restoration of marine environment in Vietnam” and “Study on climate vulnerable coastal areas in Vietnam”.
The Korean government has pledged assistance toward the creative development of coastal areas and their preservation by launching Yeosu Project during its bid for the World Expo 2012. The Project will be carried out by Korea's aid organization, Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA).
Initiated by the Korean government, the Yeosu Project is a program designed to conduct studies, R&D and educational activities to address marine-related challenges confronting developing countries. The Korean government is planning to inject 8.9 million USD in developing and underdeveloped nations to install basic facilities needed for the eco-friendly development of maritime resources and to preserve them. The project will continue until 2012, followed by the launch of the main project from 2013.
Vietnam has been chosen for facing environmental challenges such as sea level rise and climate change. The project aims to assist in building Vietnam’s marine environment by focusing on near-shore ecological system and climate change. Through KOICA, Korean research teams will conduct the research in cooperation with VASI. About 350,000 USD will be used for two assignments, expecting to promote healthy and diverse oceans by addressing some of the world’s most pressing environmental issues including climate change and sea level rise.
Under the theme “The viving ocean and coast: Diversity of resources and creative activities”, the 2012 World Expo in Yeosu, Korea will be held from May 12 to August 12 in 2012. Organizers hope the event will help lay the foundation for an eco-friendly development of oceans by featuring a variety of facilities and exhibits that highlight its theme. There are 75 countries, including Vietnam, have pledged to take part in the event to show how to wisely use the ocean and coastal areas for sustainable growth of the planet.