Ecosystem approach to management of the Bohai Sea region: towards sustainable development of coastal urban areas

Abstract

SUMMARYCoastal urban areas (CUAs) comprise large population centres where many social and economic activities take place. Development of CUAs in the Bohai Sea region has had great impacts on the marine and coastal ecosystems, resulting in ecosystem degradation and a decline in ecosystem resources, thus undermining the basis for sustainable CUA development in the region. The current management system, with problems such as jurisdictional fragmentation and poor coordination among different sectors, has failed to coordinate CUA development with ecosystem conservation. To overcome these problems, we suggest an ecosystem approach for management of the Bohai Sea region. Some critical issues involved in applying an ecosystem approach in the region are addressed: (1) promoting cross-sectoral cooperation; (2) creating a master plan for sustainable development of the region; (3) improving marine environmental monitoring; and (4) strengthening public ocean awareness.