East China Sea
East China Sea

Author:

Publisher:

Published: 2005

Total Pages: 108

ISBN-13:

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This report presents the results of the GIWA assessment of the East China Sea region, which is one of the largest marginal seas in the world. This region receives tremendous inflow of freshwater and terrestrial sediments, predominantly from China's mainland. The region is characterized by a large population and rapid economic development. The natural landscape in the region's drainage basins has been greatly modified by the development and expansion of agriculture, the construction of dams as well as urbanization. Aquaculture and coastal area reclamation alter natural wetlands and destroy spawning and nursery grounds in the East China Sea. Overexploitation of fish, eutrophication and habitat modification are of particular concern in the region. T he past and present status and future prospects are discussed, and the transboundary issues are traced back to their root causes. Policy options have been recommended that aim to address these driving issues in order to significantly improve environmental quality and secure the region's future prosperity.--Publisher's description.

An Assessment of Assessments
An Assessment of Assessments

Author:

Publisher: UNEP/Earthprint

Published: 2009

Total Pages: 436

ISBN-13: 9789280729764

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Despite the central role oceans play in the economic, environmental and social affairs of the planet's 6.7 billion inhabitants, significant gaps exist in our understanding and management of the complex processes at work from the global climate system, to the water cycle and circulation of nutrients, to changes affecting marine habitats. In addition, the vastness of the world's oceans have for far too long been perceived as impervious and indestructible to human impact. To deal with this situation, improved monitoring and observation practices, regular assessments to provide a deeper understanding of the status and trends of environmental changes, and the know-how and ability to prevent, mitigate and adapt to these changes are urgently required. The UN General Assembly in 2005 -- recommended that a regular process for the global reporting and assessment of the state of the marine environment, including its socio-economic aspects (Regular Process), be initiated. The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO (IOC-UNESCO) were asked to serve as the lead agencies in the start-up phase that came to be known as the "Assessment of Assessments" (AoA). Under the AoA, an Expert Group have developed options and a framework for such a Regular Process, which can serve as the mechanism to keep the world's oceans and seas under continuing review.