The Governing Council of UNEP on its 15th Session (Decision 15/1 Strengthening the Role and Effectiveness of the United Nations Environment Programme, part VI.3) approved preparation of new action plans for seas not yet covered by the regional seas programme (North-West Pacific, Black Sea) as one of the activities listed within the Supplementary Programme of Environmental Fund Activities for the Biennium 1990-1991. The countries that make up the region are: the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Japan, the People's Republic of China, the Republic of Korea, and the Russian Federation.