Integrated Coastal and Estuarine Management in South and Southeast Asia

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Coastal management practices in South and Southeast Asia are as numerous as the states themselves. These states include some of the poorest and wealthiest, with long histories of colonization – with populations concentrated on the coast and highly dependent on coastal resources. Till recently, management of coastal resources, especially fish resources, was done by local institutional structures in many countries, and continues to be so in some countries as well. A few countries have adopted legal measures that protect the coast and, in many, attempts have been made toward integrated coastal zone management (ICZM) with support from various donor agencies. This chapter provides an overview of some of the major drivers of coastal and estuarine change in countries in South Asia and Southeast Asia. In general, the primary drivers are economic development activities and growing populations, while in recent times, drivers related to climate change have gained prominence in some countries. The chapter is divided into three sections, the first concerning South Asian countries, the second on countries in Southeast Asia, and the third drawing conclusions on the drivers of importance, the observed impacts on coastal ecosystems, and the responses to change in the form of legislation and practices.