"The World and Japan" Database (Project Leader: TANAKA Akihiko)
Database of Japanese Politics and International Relations
National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS); Institute for Advanced Studies on Asia (IASA), The University of Tokyo

[Title] Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Korea and the Government of Japan on cooperation in the field of environmental protection

[Place] Seoul
[Date] June 29, 1993
[Source] United Nations Treaty Collection
[Notes] Came into force on 29 June 1993 by signature, in accordance with article 10(1).
[Full text]

The Government of the Republic of Korea and the Government of Japan,

Noting that global environmental deterioration would pose serious threats to the survival of mankind,

Recognizing the urgent need of regional and global efforts to prevent such deterioration and to ensure environmentally sound and sustainable economic and social development,

Believing that cooperation between the two Governments is of mutual advantage in coping with similar problems of environmental protection in each country and will further promote such regional and global efforts,

Noting that the framework of the cooperation between the two Governments in the field of science and technology has been provided for by the Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Korea and the Government of Japan on Cooperation in the Field of Science and Technology signed on December 20, 1985, and

Desiring to strengthen the cooperation between the two Governments in the field of environmental protection.

Have agreed as follows:

Article 1

The two Governments shall, on the basis of equality and mutual benefit, maintain and promote cooperation in the field of environmental protection.

Article 2

Cooperative activities under this Agreement may take the following forms:

(a) Exchange of information and data on research and development activities, policies, practices, legislation and regulations, and on technology related to environmental protection;

(b) Exchange of scientists, technical personnel and other experts;

(c) Joint seminars and meetings by scientists, technical personnel and other experts;

(d) Implementation of agreed cooperative projects, including joint research; and

(e) Other forms of cooperation as may be mutually agreed upon.

Article 3

1. In order to coordinate and facilitate cooperative activities under this Agreement, a Joint Committee on Environmental Cooperation (hereinafter referred to as "the Committee") consisting of the representatives of the two Governments shall be established.

2. The Committee shall meet, in principle once a year, alternately in the Republic of Korea and in Japan.

3. The Committee shall have the following functions:

(a) to discuss any matter relating to the implementation of this Agreement;

(b) to review the progress of the implementation of this Agreement: and

(c) to propose to the two Governments specific measures to ensure the enhancement of cooperation under this Agreement.

4. Contacts between the two Governments concerning the implementation of this Agreement when the Committee is not in session shall be made through diplomatic channels.

Article 4

Cooperative activities may be undertaken in mutually agreed areas pertaining to environmental protection and improvement, such as:

(a) Pollution abatement and control, which comprise: air pollution control, including control of emissions from mobile and stationary sources; water pollution control, including municipal and industrial waste-water treatment; marine pollution control; soil pollution control, including agricultural runoff and pesticide control; waste management and resource recovery; control and disposal of toxic substances; noise abatement;

(b) Conservation of ecosystems and biological diversity;

(c) Prevention of dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climate system; and

(d) Other areas of environmental protection and improvement as may be mutually agreed upon.

Article 5

Implementing arrangements setting forth the details and procedures of the specific cooperative activities under this Agreement may be made between the two Governments or their agencies, whichever is appropriate.

Article 6

Each Government shall accord to the nationals of the other country facilities necessary for the implementation of the cooperative activities under this Agreement.

Article 7

This Agreement shall be implemented within the scope of laws and regulations in force in each country.

Article 8

1. Scientific and technological information of a non-proprietary nature arising from the cooperative activities under this Agreement may be made available to the public by either Government through customary channels and in accordance with the normal procedures of the participating agencies.

2. The disposition of patents, designs, and other industrial property arising from the cooperative activities under this Agreement shall be provided for in the implementing arrangements referred to in Article 5.

Article 9

No provision in this Agreement shall be interpreted as to affect other arrangements for cooperation between the two Governments, existing at the date of signature of this Agreement or concluded thereafter.

Article 10

1. This Agreement shall enter into force on the date of signature and remain in force for a period of two years.

2. This Agreement shall be automatically extended for successive periods of two years, unless either Government notifies the other Government in writing of its intention to terminate this Agreement at least six months prior to the expiry of any one period.

3. The termination of this Agreement shall not affect the completion of any project and program undertaken in accordance with the implementing arrangements referred to in Article 5 and not fully executed at the time of the termination of this Agreement.

DONE in duplicate at Seoul on June 29, 1993 in the English language.

For the Government of the Republic of Korea:

Han Sung-Joo

(Signature in Korean Language)

For the Government of Japan:

Muto Kabun

(Signature in Japanese Language)