Introduction of the Project

Coastal area is where the land, ocean and atmosphere interact most actively. It is also closely tied with human economic activities and is therefore the liveliest zone for sustainable economic development. However, with the ever-expanding social and economic demands, the conflict between coastal protection and utilization escalates. Over-exploitation and chaotic utilization of coastal areas become pervasive and have resulted in series of ecological problems including declining of offshore fisheries, loss or change of wetland habitats, sharp decline in biodiversity, degradation of offshore water quality, etc. Some coastal areas are even at risk of ecological collapse. Hence we are in urgent need of advanced technologies to monitor, evaluate, predict and restore the ecological environment in coastal areas for their sustainable development.

Based on improved understanding of coupled human-ocean ecosystems and enhanced capacity in coastal ecosystem research, this report, targeting countries along the Maritime Silk Road (MSR), has established a coastal development sustainability index system and an assessment model to evaluate the state of sustainable coastal development and identify advantages and social, economic, and environmental challenges in these countries. The results of this project will help to expand areas of cooperation and communication between China and these countries, as well as to inform decision making and management in updating their domestic sustainable development policies. The assessments are also expected to contribute to blue partnerships and the building of a maritime community with shared future.