The South China Sea, a region of immense ecological and geopolitical significance, is the focus of James Borton's new book, 'Harvesting the Waves: How Blue Parks Shape Policy, Politics and Peacebuilding in the South China Sea.' Released on May 15, 2025, the book delves into the potential of marine protected areas (MPAs), or 'blue parks,' to not only conserve marine biodiversity but also act as platforms for peacebuilding among contested coastal states.
Borton's work is particularly relevant in the context of the Decade of the Ocean, emphasizing the urgent need to address threats such as overfishing, destructive harvesting practices, and the impacts of government subsidies. The South China Sea, responsible for nearly 10% of the global fish catch and supporting six million livelihoods, stands at a crossroads between ecological preservation and political tension.
Drawing parallels with successful MPA networks like those in the Mediterranean, Borton proposes a regional conservation forum for the South China Sea. This initiative aligns with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework's goal to conserve 30% of marine and coastal areas by 2030. The book also references the Red Sea Peace Park initiative as a model for how MPAs can facilitate diplomacy and cooperation between nations with competing claims.
'Harvesting the Waves' is a call to action for international collaboration, offering science-based solutions to safeguard one of the world's most vital marine ecosystems while navigating the complex waters of regional politics.
