Expo 2012

Expo 2012's logo

Panoramic view of Expo 2012 Yeosu

Expo 2012 Yeosu Korea (Korean: 2012 여수세계박람회; Hanja: 2012 麗水世界博覽會) is an International Exposition recognized by the Bureau of International Expositions (BIE) to be held in Yeosu, South Korea which opened May 12, 2012 and will run until 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 organizers anticipate 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 / 2012 麗水 世界 博覽會
• The chairman of the Organizing Committee Kang Dong-Suk
• Theme 'The Living Ocean and Coast'
• Theme Song 'Stories told by the sea (by IU)'
• 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	Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belgium, Croatia, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Kazakhstan, Lithuania, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Romania, Russia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Tajikistan, Turkey, Ukraine, Uzbekistan
The Americas	20	Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Colombia, Commonwealth of Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Grenada, Guyana, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, St. Kitts and Nevis, Suriname, Uruguay, USA
Asia	31	Australia, Bangladesh, Brunei, Cambodia, China, East Timor, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Japan, Kiribati, Laos, Malaysia, Maldives, Marshall Islands, Mongolia, Nauru, Nepal, Pakistan, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Phillipines, Samoa, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, Vietnam
Africa	25	Algeria, Angola, Burkina Faso, Central African Republic, Cote d'Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Egypt, Eritrea, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Kenya, Libya, Mali, Mauritania, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Seychelles, Sudan, Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda
Middle East	7	Israel, Jordan, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Yemen
International organizations	9	CBD, FAO, GEF (Global Environment Facility), IOC, IPCC, OECD, PEMSEA, UN, WFP

Mascot and symbol

File:Expo2012-NewMascots.jpg

Expo 2012 Yeony and Suny

• Mascot

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.

• Emblem

The emblem 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

142nd Meeting of the Bureau of International Expositions 19:00 November 26, 2007, in Palais des congrès de Paris, France
City	Nation	Round 1	Round 2
Yeosu	South Korea	68	77
Tangier	Morocco	59	63
Wrocław	Poland	13	-

To host a venue must receive over 2/3 of the votes cast by BIE member countries in the 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.
• 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 are demonstrated in their 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 environmental degradation caused by use and development of natural resources by humankind. Our economies and societies must break away from their current fossil fuel-based economies to minimize damage to both people and the environment. The sub theme argues that individuals, businesses, countries and the global community must realize that marine resources are limited and should not be subject to careless use, but that 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 becoming more competitive in marine-related industries and are developing new 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 aims to demonstrate the relationship between the oceans and humankind through culture and art and promote the new ideals of the seatizen and seavilization.
  • An mix of play and experience (edutainment) aims to trigger the imagination and curiosity of attendees towards an unknown world and to inspire children 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 are being shown 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

File:2012 여수 엑스포 디지털 갤러리.jpg

The Expo Digital Gallery

• 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 was 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 is based on the most inspirational and contemporary designs. Major facilities, including the Korean Pavilion and the Thematic Pavilion, are based on the winning designs of an international competition hosted for this very purpose. Prominent art directors have been 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 content 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 content

Korean Pavilion

The Korean Pavilion is designed to convey the theme of Expo 2012 Yeosu Korea, whilst also emphasizing Korea’s vision and role.
The exhibition hall is adorned with traditional Korean constructions and colors. The event organizers have also stated that a diverse selection of official events and "event corners", representing Korean culture, will be prepared for the international occasion.
An exhibition that has been highlighted in the lead-up to the event is one that will feature the most notable achievements in Korean shipbuilding, marine transportation, marine products, marine technology, and marine safety.

International Pavilions

It is anticipated that the International Pavilions section will occupy the exhibition space's largest physical area. This section of the Expo will provide an opportunity for participating countries to plan and hold their exhibitions. Themed quarters are displayed in the International Pavilions exhibition, consisting of the "Sea of Life", "Sea of Exchange", "Sea of Peace", and "Sea of Land".

Theme Pavilion

The core concept of the Expo is "The Living Ocean and Coast”. Human life not only embraces space, time, culture, science, technology, and occidental and oriental ideas, but also the ecosystems and humankind. In the tradition of previous expos (Zaragoza Expo’s “Water”, Lisbon Expo’s “Sea”, and “Future heritage”), the organizers of Expo 2012 Yeosu Korea have expressed an intention to innovate and progress beyond the concepts of the event's history.

Marine Life Pavilion-Aquarium

Based upon the notion that marine life is the source of all life, the exhibition seeks to present the diversity of the earth's marine resources, as well as the viability of their continuous use and development by humankind. Visitors observe the sea as a "treasure house" of biodiversity and, by highlighting our mutual relationship with the sea, the importance of preserving the marine environment is emphasized.

Expo Town

The Expo Town was originally developed as an exemplary model of an ecologically-sound coastal city, for use as a testing ground for "green" home projects. The organizers have changed this section to display ocean-themed "timeshares" and premium dwelling places for the future beyond 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

• International Exposition
• Taejŏn Expo '93

External links

• Template:En icon Official website
• Template:En icon ExpoMuseum's Expo 2012 Page