To harmonize relevant domestic laws with ocean-related international conventions, the Ocean Affairs Council (OAC) kicked off the Conference on the Domestication of Ocean-related International Conventions at GIS MOTC Convention Center on November 26th, 2020. Experts in this field and representatives from ocean affairs related government agencies gathered at the conference highlighting the issues on harmonizing with “Marine Spatial Planning”, “Sustainable Use of Marine Resources”, “Marine Pollution”, and “Marine Conservation”. Experts from Singapore, Japan, and Indonesia were invited to share their expertise and exchange virtually.
 
The ocean affairs and related international conventions are so sophisticated to understand thoroughly and systematically that combined efforts from cross-government agencies and harmonizing with relevant international conventions are crucial. To OAC, it is a priority and implementation of the “Ocean Basic Act“ and “National Ocean Policy White Paper”.
 
Deputy Minister Tsai, Ching-Piao stated, the establishment of a national legal framework is fundamental to ocean governance. Given that ocean affairs feature international engagement, establishing a legal framework on the law of the sea must be abided by ocean-related international conventions and norms. It is especially vital to strengthen our international participation. With the facilitating of this conference, we will all benefit from the collective wisdom and create future perspectives and blueprints on harmonizing with ocean-related international conventions.