Marine protected areas in SE Asia were assessed and reviewed to analyze the increasing threats such as coastal development, collecting of endangered species, ornamental trading, over-exploitation, pollution, and tourism that lead to the depletion of the biodiversity resources of the marine protected areas in the region.
The once pristine and rich marine environment of the South China Sea is degrading at an alarming rate due to the rapid socioeconomic development of the region. Despite this, and due mainly to complicated sovereignty and maritime disputes, coastal States have not been able to develop effective regional cooperation to safeguard the shared marine environment. Marine Protected Areas Network in the South China Sea discusses legal and political measures to support the development of a network of marine protected areas in the South China Sea. Such a network, if properly developed, would not only help to protect the marine environment and resources of the region but also contribute to decreasing the tension among its coastal States. These measures are suggested in accordance with international law, based on the specific geopolitical context of the South China Sea region and take into consideration experiences in developing regional networks of marine protected areas from other marine regions.
Marine Protected Areas: Science, Policy and Management addresses a full spectrum of issues relating to Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) not currently available in any other single volume. Chapters are contributed by a wide range of working specialists who examine conceptions and definitions of MPAs, progress on the implementation of worldwide MPAs, policy and legal variations across MPAs, the general importance of coastal communities in implementation, and the future of MPAs. The book constructively elucidates conflicts, issues, approaches and solutions in a way that creates a balanced consideration of the nature of effective policy and management. Those in theory, designation, implementation or management of MPAs, from individuals, marine sector organizations, and university and research center libraries will find it an important work.
Southeast Asia possesses the mots biologically diverse coral reefs on the planet; and they are severely threatened by human activities. This is a detailed evalution of the threats from over-fishing, pollution, development and more, and makes several recommendations for improved management.