Overview of the Land-based Sources and Activities affecting the Marine Environment in the East Asian Seas: UNEP Regional Seas Reports and Studies No. 173

East Asian seas are bordered by some of the most populous nations in the world and have been undergoing rapid industrialization and social and economic developments. The heavy reliance on marine resources by these countries demand continued vigilance on ensuring the environmental sustainability for the littoral states and for the welfare of the future generation. The Action plan for the protection and sustainable development of the coastal and marine areas of the East Asian Seas region covers coastal and marine areas of Australia, Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, The Philippines, Viet Nam, Singapore, The republic of Korea and Thailand.