Lessons learned in coastal habitat and land-based pollution management in the South China Sea

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)/Global Environment Facility (GEF) project entitled “Reversing Environmental Degradation Trends in the South China Sea and Gulf of Thailand” developed and operated a regional network of 23 coastal habitat demonstration sites and land-based pollution pilot activities from 2002 to 2008. This network generated examples of best practice in coastal habitat and land-based pollution management that were documented, shared regionally, and used to inform the development of National Action Plans and the Strategic Action Programme for the South China Sea. Examples of these best practices include: strengthened cross-sectoral coordination and management; involvement of stakeholders in development of fisheries refugia; involvement of the private sector in coastal management; building capacity of local government and communities for law enforcement; changes in awareness and habits by local communities and industry participation in land-based pollution prevention; integration of traditional knowledge and practices into management planning; adoption of supplementary and alternative livelihoods as tools for improved habitat and resource management; promotion of sustainable tourism in coastal areas; rehabilitation of habitats and sustainable aquaculture practices; and bilateral cooperation for transboundary water resource management. Each of these best practices are reviewed and discussed from the perspectives of lessons learned and opportunities for their replication and scaling-up. The role of the network of demonstration sites in integrating local governments and communities within national and regional frameworks and in generating bilateral co-operation for natural resource and environmental management in the South China Sea marine basin is highlighted as a key innovation in transboundary water resource management that has potential for future application both in Southeast Asia and elsewhere.