Outcomes of the SCS project and their applicability to multilateral cooperative initiatives for the management of coastal seas and marine basins

This paper summarizes the benefits of experience gained through the execution of the South China Sea project that offer useful insights into the successful development and implementation of similar multilateral interventions for environmental protection and remediation in other coastal and regional sea waters. These benefits fall into several categories: political commitment, management framework, cooperative arrangements; transparency; and scientific veracity. Experience gained in each of these categories during the South China Sea project is outlined to provide an exemplar for the successful formulation and implementation of similar interventions in other regional marine areas.

► The benefits of experience in implementing the South China Sea Project are outlined.
► Experiences are reviewed of the management structure and consultation processes.
► Experiences useful to projects of political and organizational aspects are presented.
► The importance of scientific independence and veracity is demonstrated.
► Importance of open communication, transparency, and capacity building are illustrated.