New Book Proposes Marine Protected Areas as Path to Peace in South China Sea

James Borton's latest publication, 'Harvesting the Waves: How Blue Parks Shape Policy, Politics and Peacebuilding in the South China Sea,' presents a detailed case for using marine protected areas (MPAs) as instruments for both ecological conservation and diplomatic engagement in one of the world's most contested maritime regions. The book, released on May 15, 2025, builds on the author's extensive research to propose that networked MPAs, termed 'blue parks,' could foster necessary collaboration among the coastal states whose competing claims have long fueled regional instability. This approach is framed as critically urgent given the severe environmental pressures on the South China Sea, which supports nearly 10% of the global fish catch and the livelihoods of approximately six million people.

The work aligns its proposals with international conservation targets, specifically the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework's goal to conserve 30% of marine and coastal areas by 2030. Borton draws instructive parallels with successful MPA networks in other regions, such as those coordinated by the MedPAN network in the Mediterranean, to demonstrate how science-based cooperation can effectively mitigate transboundary environmental challenges like overfishing and habitat destruction. These examples serve as practical models for what could be achieved in the South China Sea through a dedicated regional framework.

Moving beyond theoretical analysis, the book offers concrete policy recommendations, chief among them the establishment of a regional conservation forum for the South China Sea. Inspired by the collaborative structure of MedPAN, this proposed platform is designed to encourage technical and scientific collaboration among claimant nations, promoting a shared stewardship of marine biodiversity irrespective of unresolved sovereignty disputes. The text reflects on insights from a July 2024 webinar where experts discussed the peacebuilding potential of MPAs, citing existing examples like the Red Sea Peace Park between Israel and Jordan as evidence that environmental cooperation can help ease geopolitical tensions.

Ultimately, 'Harvesting the Waves' serves as a comprehensive call to action for policymakers, scientists, and conservationists to prioritize ocean conservation within the broader context of the UN Decade of Ocean Science. By advocating for the transformative potential of blue parks, Borton's work makes a significant contribution to the intersecting dialogues on sustainable marine management and international diplomacy, arguing that protecting the region's ecological health is inextricably linked to building a more stable and cooperative political future for all stakeholders involved.