Taipei, Nov. 1 (CNA) The Legislative Yuan passed a law laying out a basic framework for Taiwan’s ocean management Friday that requires the government to issue a white paper on ocean policy and marine pollution control within one year.

The white paper must detail Taiwan’s national ocean development goals and guidelines for ocean development strategies along with measures for carrying out those strategies, according to the new act.

Under the new “basic act for ocean affairs,” the government will also be required to integrate and make good use of domestic resources to control and prevent marine pollution, protect Taiwan from ocean disasters and accelerate ocean restoration.

It also sets June 8 as National Oceans Day to affirm Taiwan’s participation in the celebration of World Oceans Day on June 8 every year and raise public awareness of marine conservation throughout Taiwanese society.

The law is aimed at “building a top-notch ocean country” that is eco-friendly, safe and prosperous and safeguards Taiwan’s marine interests and rights, deepens its diverse marine culture, and pushes for marine resource sustainability and healthy ocean industries.

It was drafted by the Cabinet-level Ocean Affairs Council (OAC), which was formed on April 28, 2018, and then approved by the Cabinet on April 25 this year before being forwarded to the Legislature for review.

The legislation will take affect after being promulgated by the president, a procedure considered to be a formality that should happen in the coming weeks.

(By Chen Chun-hua and Elizabeth Hsu)

Source: https://focustaiwan.tw/politics/201911010015