MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL-ISSUES OF SOUTHEAST-ASIA - STATE AND DEVELOPMENT

The seas of Southeast Asia play an important role in the economy of th e surrounding countries. The region's constantly expanding coastal pop ulation and development has made great demands on marine resources, wi th growing evidence seen in the further degradation of the marine envi ronment and continued exploitation of living as well as non-living res ources. Integrated coastal area management has never been considered i n the past while environmental protection measures and policies have l argely been at local or national levels. Implementation of regional st udy programmes less than 10 years ago and ratification of internationa l as well as regional agreements aimed at protecting the marine enviro nment in recent times indicate a more enlightened approach to the prob lem.