Asian seas sailing to improved guidance

By Wang Zhuoqiong (China Daily)
Updated: 2009-06-08 08:33

Protection of the oceans has taken another step forward with the launch of a strategy for its sustainable development.

"The program is paving the way for cooperation in coastal and oceanic management," said Yu Huming, a researcher for China Institute for Marine Affairs of the State Oceanic Administration.

He was speaking after Friday's launch of the third phase of the Sustainable Development Strategy for the Seas of East Asia, which aims to improve management of coasts and oceans with advanced international practices and technologies.

"The land and water interact," said Yu. "Their management requires the involvement of various departments, which is still a challenge."

The seas of East Asia consist of the Yellow, East China, South China, Sulu-Sulawesi and Indonesian Seas and the Gulf of Thailand.

The area sustains 30 percent of the world's coral reefs and mangroves.

The researcher said a comprehensive management system is urgent.

While water quality in some areas has improved, the overall level of pollution is still high.

He also pointed out that coastal reclamation has yet to be curtailed, and traditional uses by indigenous communities need to be considered.

Professor Raphael Lotilla, with Partnership in Environmental Management in the Seas of East Asia, said practical experience in East Asia over the last 14 years has led to the development of a framework for sustainable coastal development, covering a system of governance and several specific management systems critical to achieving the overall goals of sustainable development.