Regional efforts in the management of the coastal and marine environments in the ASEAN region

Abstract

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) which comprises Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand has a combined coastline of 85,504 km and a total sea area of approximately 8 multiplied by 1 million km super(2) (including EEZ). Recognizing the important contributions of the natural systems and the needs to maintain sustainable growth of the economy, ASEAN has over the past several years undertaken collective regional efforts to improve its capacity and capability in the management of the coastal and marine environments. Both national and regional programs are being undertaken through bilateral and multilateral arrangements involving research, training, education, information exchange and promotion of public awareness, all of which are directed towards a better coastal and marine environment.