On March 13, 2025, IAHR President Philippe Gourbesville attended the launch of the Yellow Sea Environment Sustainability Initiative (YES Initiative) at Songdo Convensia, Incheon. The official launched marked a significant step forward in global efforts to protect and restore one of the most degraded marine areas on Earth.

The Yellow Sea has suffered extensive environmental degradation, with over 60% of its tidal wetlands lost to land reclamation in the past 50 years. Rapid coastal development for agriculture, aquaculture and industrial development are considered the primary drivers of coastal destruction in the region. This degree of loss of area, widespread pollution, algal blooms and declines of invertebrate and vertebrate fauna have resulted in the classification of this ecosystem as endangered. In addition to land reclamation, the Yellow Sea ecosystem is facing several other serious environmental problems. Pollution is widespread and deterioration of pelagic and benthic habitat quality has occurred, and harmful algal blooms frequently occur. Invasion of introduced species are having a detrimental effect on the Yellow Sea environment. Declines of biodiversity, fisheries and ecosystem services in the Yellow Sea are widespread.

The initiative brings together key stakeholders to develop scientific and policy-driven solutions to tackle the environmental challenges facing the Yellow Sea. The launch event, co-hosted and supported by IAHR, Incheon Metropolitan Government, KAIST, and the World Water Council (WWC), gathered over 200 experts, policymakers, and environmental leaders.  IAHR’s support for this initiative highlights its commitment to environmental sustainability and international cooperation.

Recognising the importance of involving younger generations, the event promoted youth participation trough the Young Professional Forum and YES Generation programmes, providing a platform for emerging leaders to contribute to the future of marine conservation.

Future Plans of YES Initiative

Moving forward, the YES Initiative will host annual general assemblies and committee meetings to further enhance international cooperation and develop scientific and technological solutions for environmental sustainability. The initiative also aims to facilitate policy-driven actions by collaborating with key stakeholders.

Chairperson Gyewoon Choi, Chairperson of the YES Initiative Preparatory Committee, stated, “To secure the sustainable future of the Yellow Sea, nations must collaborate and take decisive actions.” He emphasised that this launch marks the beginning of a stronger international coalition for marine conservation.

Philippe Gourbesville, IAHR President, said, "This new initiative is a further step in reaffirming our commitment to climate change mitigation, and brings new opportunities for our members to cooperate with the YES Initiative community."