National level implementation of Chapter 17: the Korean example

Chapter 17 of Agenda 21 requires new approaches to marine and coastal area management and development, approaches that are integrated in content and precautionary in ambit. With this understanding, Korea is moving in the direction of a more sustainable society along the general action plans outlined in Agenda 21. This paper describes how Korea has transformed its marine environmental policies at different economic development stages, examines how Korea follows up the UNCEDʹs recommendations, and reviews how various domestic and international strategies for marine and coastal management are being prepared.