Expo 2012
Expo 2012 Yeosu Korea (Korean: 2012 여수세계박람회) is an International Exposition recognized by the Bureau of International Expositions (BIE) to be held in Yeosu, South Korea from May 12 to August 12, 2012. The theme of the Expo is “The Living Ocean and Coast” with subthemes of “Preservation and Sustainable Development of the Ocean and Coast,” “New Resources Technology,” and “Creative Marine Activities.” The Yeosu Expo is anticipating participation of more than 100 countries and international organizations, and 8 million visitors.
Outline
- Title (English) International Exposition Yeosu Korea 2012, EXPO2012 YEOSU KOREA
- Title (Korean) 2012 여수 세계 박람회
- The chairman of the Organizing Committee Kang Dong-Suk
- Theme 'The Living Ocean and Coast'
- Theme Song 'Stories told by the sea (By IU (singer)' [1]
- Mascot Yeony, Suny
- Venue New Port Area 1,740,000㎡ Yeosu city, Jeollanam-do (South Jeolla Province) in Korea – Exhibition area 250,000㎡
- Date May 12, 2012 ~ August 12, 2012 (93 days)
- Facilities Theme Pavilion, International Pavilion, International Organizations Pavilion, Sky Tower, etc.
- Ripple Effect (expected) The expected economic effect will be 12.2 trillion Korea won in production, 5.7 trillion Korea won in added value and 79,000 employees.
- Expected participation scale 8,000,000 people, 100 countries and 10 international organizations
- International Exposition Yeosu Korea 2012 Official Participants As of October 23, 2011, 103 countries, 8 international organizations
| Europe |
22 |
Ukraine, Turkey, Azerbaijan, Switzerland, Germany, Spain, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Romania, Netherlands, Norway, Tajikistan, Belgium, Italy, Denmark, France, Russia, Lithuania, Monaco, Croatia, Armenia, Sweden |
| The Americas |
20 |
Panama, Guyana, El Salvador, Guatemala, Dominican Republic, Peru, Honduras, Nicaragua, Paraguay, Colombia, Ecuador, USA, Suriname, Argentina, Uruguay, Antigua and Barbuda, St. Kitts and Nevis, Grenada, Commonwealth of Dominica, Mexico |
| Asia |
31 |
Japan, Thailand, Cambodia, Vanuatu, Vietnam, Nepal, China, Solomon Islands, Laos, Maldives, Mongolia, Pakistan, Marshall Islands, India, Fiji, Brunei, East Timor, Samoa, Papua New Guinea, Tuvalu, Sri Lanka, Singapore, Palau, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Nauru, Kiribati, Tonga, Malaysia, Australia, Phillipines |
| Africa |
25 |
Libya, Egypt, Seychelles, Cote d'Ivoire, Algeria, Angola, Tunisia, Ghana, Nigeria, Mauritania, Tanzania, Mali, Senegal, Burkina Faso, Gabon, Kenya, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Sudan, Central African Republic, Guinea, Gambia, Uganda, Guinea, Eritrea, Rwanda |
| Middle East |
7 |
Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Oman, UAE, Jordan, Qatar, Israel |
| International organizations |
9 |
OECD, IPCC, PEMSEA, CBD, UN, IOC, FAO, GEF (Global Environment Facility), WFP |
Mascot and symbol
Yeony and Suny, the official mascots of Expo 2012 Yeosu Korea, are personifications of plankton, a primary food source for marine life and a key absorber of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. The dark blue color of Yeony symbolizes the deep ocean water and its limitless natural resources, while the bright red color of Suny represents the living organisms of the oceans and land; the tentacles signify diverse, reciprocal connections for communication with all the visitors to this global event. Whilst each of their names is derived from “Yeosu,” where Yeo means “beautiful” and Su means “water,” the names Yeony and Suny convey the intention of promoting the host city to the rest of the world.
The logo of Expo 2012 Yeosu Korea conveys the essence of the Expo’s identity. A simplified abstraction of the organic forms of ecology, oceans and environment are represented in the logo to symbolize The Living Ocean and Coast, the Expo theme. Red stands for ecology, blue for the oceans and green for the environment. The entire frame expresses the harmony between Mother Earth, Humans, and the Sea.
Selection process
To host a venue must receive over 2/3 of the votes cast by BIE member countries inthe first round of voting. At each round of voting the venue with the least votes is out and there is an additional vote between the remaining venues.
Theme, Vision, and Goals
Theme
The Living Ocean and Coast: Diversity of Resources and Sustainable Development
Diversity of Resources and Sustainable Activities defines the guiding principle that should inform all future actions regarding our oceans. Only with sustainable use, in other words finding the balance between production and consumption, while preserving diversity of resources, species and culture, can the oceans and coasts continue to live.
Background of Theme
- The Expo theme aims to help shed light on humankind’s knowledge and advancement of technology concerning the ocean and coast and identify ways to resolve challenges facing the ocean. Since the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea went into effect in 1993, the ocean has emerged as an important element in resolving various problems humankind faces, including those related to resources, food, space and the environment. However, industrial activities have damaged the marine ecosystem and subsequently reduced fish stocks. As a result, the ocean faces severe crisis. A damaged marine ecosystem, global warming and natural disasters are not limited to a certain country or region, but are issues that have global implications. Thus, Expo 2012 Yeosu Korea themed on “The Living Ocean and Coast,” will pave the way for reaffirming global effort to resolve such issues.
- Yeosu Expo’s theme, “The Living Ocean and Coast,” was divided into three sub-themes: Development and Preservation of the Ocean and Coast, New Resources Technology, and Creative Marine Activities. These sub-themes have been further developed into 6 thematic groups, namely, Climate & Environment, Marine Life, Marine Industry & Technology, Marine City and Marine Civilization, and Marine Arts, each of which will be demonstrated in the respective sub-theme pavilions.
Subthemes
- Development and Preservation of the Ocean and Coast
- This sub-theme aims to inspire a new level of cooperation in the international community so as to combat climate change and create a paradigm where development and preservation find a better balance.
- The last few decades have witnessed severe environmental degradation caused by reckless use and excessive development of natural resources by humankind. Our economies and societies must break away from their current fossil fuel-based economies to minimize the damages to both people and the environment. Today, individuals, businesses, countries and the global community must realize that marine resources are limited and should not be subject to careless use. They are the fundamentals for the sound development of our future society, and people and ecosystems must be considered on the same level.
- New Resources Technology
- This sub-theme illustrates the progress and future prospects of marine technology, a new growth driver for the advancement of humankind.
- Countries are competing to become more competitive in marine-related industries and develop technologies to address issues related to resources and the changing environment. The discreet use of resources, which strikes a balance between development and preservation, is only possible if based on advanced marine science and technology. Fostering marine industries will create added value and generate new jobs to transform sluggish industries into low cost, high efficiency structures.
- Creative Maritime Activities
- This sub-theme intends to demonstrate the relationship between the oceans and humankind through culture and art and promote the new ideals of the seatizen and seavilization.
- An energetic mix of play and experience (edutainment) will trigger the imagination and curiosity of attendees towards an unknown world, inspiring young boys and girls around the world to learn to love and appreciate the oceans. A wide collection of marine-related culture and arts, including poetry, novels, films, operas, musicals, plays and music will be exhibited at the Yeosu Expo.
Vision
- A Vision for Restoring Life to the Sea and Coast
- Rising sea levels, the loss of biodiversity, acidification and pollution are only a few dangers threatening our seas and coasts. Restoring sustainable life to our marine environment is the responsibility of the entire global community.
- A Vision for Green Growth
- The sea is our green engine for future growth. Its abundant resources and potential provide us important research into bio- and nanotechnology.
- A Vision for Cooperation
- The sea offers a new frontier for global cooperation in order to realize harmonious coexistence with the marine environment.
Goals
- People, oceans, and coasts in harmony
- A touch of entertainment added to the valuable lessons provided about the oceans will help visitors better understand the seas and the importance of sustainable management of our waters. A new post-industrial model citizen, the Seatizen, will act as the bridge between the seas and humankind.
- Unforgettable Experience
- An inspiring and memorable experience is promised through the unique exhibitions and stories and eye-catching attractions. Anyone and everyone may visit Expo 2012 Yeosu Korea and share in this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
- A taste of the future
- Advanced IT and marine technology come together to create multi-dimensional exhibitions, offering the experience of future marine technologies, virtual reality and the oceans of the past. Developing countries will have the chance to experience and share advanced eco-friendly marine technology, as well as being able to appreciate tomorrow’s vision of the marine industry and science.
- International Cooperation
- Promoting a new level of international cooperation and peaceful use of the seas, the Yeosu Declaration will propose a post-Kyoto vision, and the Yeosu Project will help strengthen developing countries’ capacities in dealing with the marine-related challenges.
- Post-Expo Uses
- A thorough plan will be laid out for post-expo utilization of the expo facitilies and on-going revitalization of Yeosu. Marine research facilities and organizations will continue to be welcomed into Yeosu so as to maintain it as an eco-friendly city of marine science and industry beyond the Expo.
Strategy
- Green Exposition
- In the spirit of the theme of Expo 2012 Yeosu Korea, all preparations and events will leave a limited carbon footprint, and the Energy Park will become the test-bed for renewable energy. The entire Expo site will be constructed with environmentally-friendly methods and recycled materials to produce the least amount of waste possible.
- Ubiquitous Exposition
- The construction and operation of the Expo facilities and exhibitions will be based on Korea’s cutting-edge information technology. Visitors will have the chance to indulge in novel experiences, involving virtual and augmented reality. The Expo Digital Gallery, among others, will be representative of the ubiquitous Expo.
- Design Exposition
- Every facility of the Yeosu Expo will be based on the most inspirational and contemporary designs. Major facilities, including the Korean Pavilion and the Thematic Pavilion, will be based on the winning designs of an international competition hosted for this very purpose. Prominent art directors will be invited to supervise the various cultural and arts events and advise on the creation of world class exhibitions.
- Cultural Exposition
- Cultural events will be major attractions at the Yeosu Expo. A flavor of culture and art will be found in official events, exhibition contents and seminars. Symbolic cultural products will be designed to promote the expo, and world famous cultural and arts performances will be an integral part of Yeosu’s regional promotion.
Primary contents
Korean Pavilion
The Korean Pavilion will be designed to convey the message of the theme of Expo 2012 Yeosu Korea and emphasize Korea’s vision and role.
The exhibition hall will be adorned with traditional Korean constructions and colors, and as the host country, there will be a diverse selection of official events and event corners specially prepared for the international occasion.
The features of the Korean seas and the most notable achievements in shipbuilding, marine transportation, marine products, marine technology and marine safety will compose the exhibition.
International Pavilions
The International Pavilions, occupying the largest area of all the exhibition facilities, is the exhibition site for participating countries to plan and hold their exhibitions. There will be Four themed blocs including: Sea of Life, Sea of Exchange, Sea of Peace, and Sea of Land
Theme Pavilion
The core concept of The Living Ocean and Coast is “life”. Life embraces not only space, time, culture, science technology, and occidental and oriental ideas but also the ecosystems and humankind. In connection with previous expos (Zaragoza Expo’s “Water”, Lisbon Expo’s “Sea” and “Future heritage”), Expo 2012 Yeosu Korea strives to leap beyond the boundaries of past concepts.
Marine Life Pavilion/Aquarium
Based on the theme that marine life is the source of all life, the exhibition will show the diversity of marine resources and viability of their continuous use and development. Visitors will be able to appreciate the sea as a treasure house of biodiversity and, by highlighting our mutual relationship with the sea, understand the importance of preserving the marine environment.
Expo Town
It will be developed as a main model of environmentally friendly coast city and used as a test bed of Green Home projects. It will be changed to ocean themed timeshares and premium dwelling places after the Expo.
Yeosu Declaration
Yeosu Declaration is to demand the international response to the situation such as pollution and overfishing, that preservation for the ocean and sustainable development is threatened. It will emphasize the importance of international cooperation and feasible actions for solving problems in ocean. Yeosu Declaration will be chosen during the Expo and supported by the international society which seeks sustainable development.
Yeosu Project
Yeosu Project is a program with a spirit of the Yeosu Declaration that helps and supports developing countries with difficulties in ocean and coast. Korea will implement the Yeosu Project by deciding businesses negotiating with international organizations and affiliated countries.
Events
- Kang Dong-suk, Chairman of the Organizing Committee for Expo 2012 Yeosu Korea visited the participating nation (October 6, 2010)
- Large-scale field lodging facility village established near Yeosu (October 6, 2010)
- 61 countries confirmed their participation (August 3, 2010)
- The seminar "New Sea and Green Economy" held by the Organizing Committee for Expo 2012 Yeosu Korea (July 22, 2010)
- The celebration for D-2 years held in Shanghai (May 17, 2010)
See also
Reference
- ^ 'Yeosu Expo's Logo Song (English)
- ^ a b "??¸? ¾ø?½". http://www.investkorea.org/InvestKoreaWar/work/journal/content/content_main.jsp?code=4540101.
- ^ "Tangier World Exposition 2012 bid". http://www.skyscrapercity.com/archive/index.php/t-351518.html.
External links
Official website
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| Retrospectively recognised expositions |
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| BIE recognised |
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| BIE recognition withdrawn |
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| BIE recognised horticultural exhibitions |
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