EDCs encompass a broad range of chemicals that can interfere with the normal functioning of metabolic, growth and reproductive hormones in humans and animals. Because EDC pollutants are resistant to natural degradation processes, they persist and accumulate in the environment in increasing levels through the food chain. Ongoing research has revealed that several animal species in the East Asian coastal hydrosphere, and particularly marine mammals at the top of the food chain, are suffering adverse health effects from exposure to EDCs.

East Asian coastal ecosystems are at risk of EDC pollution from a wide variety of land-based sources, including domestic and industrial wastes and pesticides in agricultural runoff. Rapid industrial development and increased reliance of agriculture on chemicals in the region have created a greater level of risk to the coastal ecosystems.

Leading experts on EDC pollution will present the most recent research on the subject. Seminar speakers will include representatives and researchers from the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA); University of California, Berkeley (USA); National Institute for Environmental Studies (NIES, Japan); University of Messina (Italy); and Ocean Research Institute (ORI) of the University of Tokyo (Japan).

Representatives from China, Indonesia, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Viet Nam will present the status of coastal pollution in their countries - a monitoring effort that is part of the UNU Coastal Hydrosphere project. Following the symposium, these representatives will attend a three-day training workshop.

The symposium, which will be conducted in English, is open to the public; admission is free, although advance registration is required. Media representatives are cordially invited to attend. A copy of the programme is attached [Word document].

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