3rd Int'l Planning Meeting of Expo 2012 Yeosu to Review Preparations

The Organizing Committee presents guidelines in 11 areas

The Third International Planning Meeting of Expo 2012 Yeosu Korea took place Feb. 8 to review the final phase of the preparation process for the last time before the Expo.
Some 300 delegates from 101 countries and nine international organizations that will participate in the Expo assembled for the meeting at the Shilla Hotel in Seoul.
Among those on hand at the meeting were Secretary General Vicente Gonzalez Loscertales of the Bureau International des Exhibitions (BIE) and delegates from the United States, Australia, Germany, and other countries participating in the Expo.
As the final official preparatory gathering, the third meeting was dedicated to presenting the latest progress of preparations for the Yeosu Expo, including guidelines on 11 areas, including the installation of international pavilions, site operation, lodging, and transportation.
Kang Dong-suk, chairman of the Organizing Committee for Expo 2012 Yeosu, told reporters, "The success of the Expo will hinge on the Organizing Committee, participating countries, and international organizations who join forces to make it. The meeting has served as an opportunity for participating countries to make preparations for the Expo while communicating with each other."
On the same day, the Organizing Committee for Expo 2012 Yeosu and the BIE signed an agreement on the presentation of the BIE-Cosmos Prize.
The prize will recognize not-for-profit, innovative projects from citizens and organizations around the world on the theme of Expo 2012 Yeosu, "The Living Ocean and Coast: Diversity of Resources and Sustainable Activities." The prize will be awarded within the framework of the upcoming Expo, and nominees will have the chance to promote their projects at Expo 2012 Yeosu.
On Feb. 9, the participants toured the expo site in Yeosu to take a look at the Expo Hall and international pavilions.
Expo 2012 Yeosu Korea will be held in Yeosu from May 12 to Aug. 12, 2012, under the theme "The Living Ocean and Coast."
The Expo theme will help shed light on humankind's knowledge and advancement of technology concerning the ocean and coast and identify ways to resolve challenges facing the ocean. Since the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea went into effect in 1993, the ocean has emerged as an important element in resolving various problems humankind faces, including those related to resources, food, space and the environment. However, industrial activities have damaged the marine ecosystem and subsequently reduced fish stocks. As a result, the ocean faces a severe crisis. A damaged marine ecosystem, global warming and natural disasters are not limited to a certain country or region, but are issues that have global implications. Thus, Expo 2012 Yeosu Korea will pave the way for reaffirming the global effort to resolve such issues.
The Expo's theme, "The Living Ocean and Coast," was divided into three sub-themes: Development and Preservation of the Ocean and Coast, New Resources Technology, and Creative Marine Activities. These sub-themes have been further developed into six thematic groups ― Climate & Environment, Marine Life, Marine Industry & Technology, Marine City, Marine Civilization, and Marine Arts, each of which will be demonstrated in the respective sub-theme pavilions.
Development and Preservation of the Ocean and Coast: This sub-theme aims to inspire a new level of cooperation in the international community so as to combat climate change and create a paradigm where development and preservation find a better balance. The last few decades have witnessed severe environmental degradation caused by the reckless use and excessive development of natural resources by humankind. Our economies and societies must break away from their current fossil fuel-based economies to minimize the damages to both people and the environment. Today, individuals, businesses, countries and the global community must realize that marine resources are limited and should not be subject to careless use. They are the fundamentals for the sound development of our future society, and people and ecosystems must be considered on the same level.
New Resources Technology: This sub-theme illustrates the progress and future prospects of marine technology, a new growth driver for the advancement of humankind. Countries are becoming more competitive in marine-related industries and developing technologies to address issues related to resources and the changing environment. The discreet use of resources, which strikes a balance between development and preservation, is only possible if based on advanced marine science and technology. Fostering marine industries will create added value and generate new jobs to transform sluggish industries into low-cost, high-efficiency structures.
Creative Marine Activities: This sub-theme intends to demonstrate the relationship between the oceans and humankind through culture and art and promote the new ideals of the 'seatizen' and 'seavilization.' An energetic mix of play and experience (edutainment) will trigger the imagination and curiosity of attendees towards an unknown world, inspiring young boys and girls around the world to learn to love and appreciate the oceans. A wide collection of marine-related culture and arts, including poetry, novels, films, operas, musicals, plays, and music will be exhibited at the Yeosu Expo. nw

Kang Dong-suk, chairman of the Organizing Committee for Expo 2012 Yeosu, speaks at the Third International Planning Meeting of Expo 2012 Yeosu in Seoul on Feb. 8.

A scene from the 3rd International Planning Meeting of Expo 2012 Yeosu Korea held on Feb. 8 at Shilla Hotel in Seoul.

Sec.-Gen. Vincente Gonzales Loscertales of the Bureau International Exposition and representatives of the participating countries in the Expo 2012 Yeosu make a tour of the expo facilities following the Third International Planning Meeting of Expo 2012 Yeosu Korea in Seoul on Feb. 8.

President Lee Myung-bak and provincial governors pose for a photo session following their meeting held on Feb. 9 to wish for a successful Expo 2012 Yeosu Korea, May 12-Aug. 12 in Yeosu, South Jeolla Province.

President Lee Myung-bak pins a medal on Chairman Chung Mong-koo of Hyundai Motor Group in recognition for his contribution to attracting the Expo 2012 to Yeosu.

President Lee Myung-bak pins a medal on Chairman Hur Dong-soo of GS Caltex Corp. in recognition for his role in preparing for Expo 2012 Yeosu.