(VOVworld) – Sustainable maritime development in East Asia after 2015 is one of the topics for discussions at the 5th East Asian Seas Congress in Vietnam. However, it will not be easy to achieve this target.
East Asian seas’ resources feed more than 2 billion people. Half of the goods transported to Europe go through East Asian seas. As resources are becoming scarce many countries are seeking marine resources to ensure food and energy security. However, overexploitation has harmed marine ecosystems and polluted the marine environment, threatening marine resources in East Asian seas. Mary Seet Cheng, President of the East Asian Seas Partnership Council, said that marine resource challenges affect the sustainable growth of East Asian countries. Therefore, preventing pollution and protecting marine resources, ecosystems, and environment will require an effort by all countries.
East Asian countries have deployed the Sustainable Development Strategy for the Seas of East Asia to improve the management of seas, coastal areas, and islands, rezone sea spaces, and increase the effectiveness of resource exploitation and use.
To achieve sustainable maritime development toward a green economy and blue oceans researchers said countries should coordinate to minimize the effects of climate change and natural disasters and increase capacities through knowledge and technology transfer. It is also important to raise the awareness of young people in East Asian countries to prepare human resources for sustainable growth. Researchers suggested establishing links between countries’ localities to meet global targets while ensuring local development.
Sustainable maritime development in East Asia after 2015 will benefit coastal countries and contribute to the global effort to implement UN sustainable development goals until 2030 to protect the environment and resources for current and future generations.