WHY? – Why is the YES Initiative Necessary?

1. Transboundary Marine Environmental Issues

1. The Yellow Sea is a semi-enclosed sea, meaning pollution from one country directly impacts others.
2. Issues such as microplastics, industrial waste, and harmful algal blooms are international problems requiring joint solutions.
3. Sustainable management of coastal ecosystems and marine resources depends on cooperation between nations.

2. Balancing Sustainable Marine Utilization

1. Developing a model that balances environmental conservation and economic development, instead of reckless industrialization.
2. The Yellow Sea is a high-value economic and social asset, necessitating careful development and conservation.
3. Policy coordination is essential to ensure sustainable fisheries and marine resource management.

3. The Need for Practical Implementation through International Cooperation

1. Existing agreements and policies alone are insufficient to address environmental challenges—action-oriented collaboration is required.
2. A governance framework involving governments, private enterprises, academia, research institutions, and civil society must be established.
3. Policies should be science-driven, with ongoing monitoring and data-based decision-making.

The YES Initiative is not just a symbolic agreement—it exists to drive real, meaningful action.

The Foundation of the YES Initiative

The Need for Korea-China Cooperation

1. The Yellow Sea directly connects the economic and environmental landscapes of South Korea and China.
2. Pollution from one country quickly affects the other, making joint responses essential.
3. Without collaborative efforts, the sustainable use of the Yellow Sea will be impossible.

Building a Sustainable Marine Governance Model

1. Recognizing the limitations of existing marine protection policies and international cooperation mechanisms.
2. Establishing an action-driven cooperation model involving governments, private sectors, international organizations, and research institutions.
3. Implementing scientific data-driven policies and promoting marine pollution reduction initiatives.

The YES Initiative was launched to strengthen multilateral cooperation and ensure the long-term sustainability of the Yellow Sea.