09 April 2024
Marine Environmental Protection in the South China Sea: Advancing Stronger People-to-People Cooperation on Plastic
Executive Summary
The South China Sea (SCS) holds immense importance, not only due to its geopolitical significance but also because of its rich biodiversity and vital role in supporting livelihoods and ensuring food security through fishing activities. Protecting the marine and coastal environments of the SCS is crucial, particularly in the face of escalating pollution, biodiversity loss, and climate change impacts. While regional cooperation mechanisms exist to address transboundary environmental challenges, there is a need for enhanced people-to-people collaboration among the countries bordering the SCS. Strengthening such cooperation is especially pertinent in tackling the marine plastic debris issue, as its root causes are deeply intertwined with human choices, behaviours, policies, and practices.
Executive Summary
The South China Sea (SCS) holds immense importance, not only due to its geopolitical significance but also because of its rich biodiversity and vital role in supporting livelihoods and ensuring food security through fishing activities. Protecting the marine and coastal environments of the SCS is crucial, particularly in the face of escalating pollution, biodiversity loss, and climate change impacts. While regional cooperation mechanisms exist to address transboundary environmental challenges, there is a need for enhanced people-to-people collaboration among the countries bordering the SCS. Strengthening such cooperation is especially pertinent in tackling the marine plastic debris issue, as its root causes are deeply intertwined with human choices, behaviours, policies, and practices.
