The East Asian economy could sufferseriously if seas are not protected, according to the United NationsEnvironment Programme (UNEP).
In its new report, theUNEP said East Asia’s economically viable coastal habitats andecosystems are under threat from pollution, alien invasive species andother factors.
Nearly three quarters of the population of the region depends directlyor indirectly on coastal areas, and 80 percent of its gross domesticproduct (GDP) is linked to coastal natural resources, stated AchimSteiner, UNEP Executive Director.
As a result, the degradation of the ecosystem and the costalenvironment would directly impact the region’s poverty levels unlessurgent action is taken, he added.
UNEP’s Marine Environment of the East Asia Seas States report said thatalmost 40 percent of coral reefs and half of all mangroves have alreadybeen lost while those natural resources annually generate about 112.5billion USD and 5.1 billion USD respectively.
The East Asia Seas , with some of the world’s highest concentrations ofshipping and fishing vessel activity, account for 50 percent of globalfisheries production and 80 percent of global aquaculture production,the report said.
The UN noted that the East Asian Seas account for 30 percent of theworld’s seas under national jurisdiction and called on the governmentsof the region, including Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines,Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam to fulfil their vital role inmaintaining effective stewardship of the marine environment./.
In its new report, theUNEP said East Asia’s economically viable coastal habitats andecosystems are under threat from pollution, alien invasive species andother factors.
Nearly three quarters of the population of the region depends directlyor indirectly on coastal areas, and 80 percent of its gross domesticproduct (GDP) is linked to coastal natural resources, stated AchimSteiner, UNEP Executive Director.
As a result, the degradation of the ecosystem and the costalenvironment would directly impact the region’s poverty levels unlessurgent action is taken, he added.
UNEP’s Marine Environment of the East Asia Seas States report said thatalmost 40 percent of coral reefs and half of all mangroves have alreadybeen lost while those natural resources annually generate about 112.5billion USD and 5.1 billion USD respectively.
The East Asia Seas , with some of the world’s highest concentrations ofshipping and fishing vessel activity, account for 50 percent of globalfisheries production and 80 percent of global aquaculture production,the report said.
The UN noted that the East Asian Seas account for 30 percent of theworld’s seas under national jurisdiction and called on the governmentsof the region, including Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines,Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam to fulfil their vital role inmaintaining effective stewardship of the marine environment./.
