James Borton's 'Harvesting the Waves' Highlights the Role of Blue Parks in South China Sea Conservation and Peacebuilding

James Borton's latest publication, 'Harvesting the Waves: How Blue Parks Shape Policy, Politics and Peacebuilding in the South China Sea,' released on May 15, 2025, delves into the critical role of marine protected areas (MPAs) in addressing both environmental and geopolitical challenges in one of the world's most contested maritime regions. The book builds on Borton's previous research, offering fresh perspectives on how networked MPAs, or 'blue parks,' can foster cooperation among South China Sea coastal states while safeguarding marine biodiversity.

The South China Sea, responsible for nearly 10% of the global fish catch and supporting six million livelihoods, faces severe threats from overfishing, destructive practices, and geopolitical tensions. Borton's work underscores the urgency of protecting this vital marine ecosystem, proposing science-based solutions inspired by successful MPA networks like those in the Mediterranean. His analysis of the Mediterranean Action Plan provides a model for how legal frameworks and regional cooperation can enhance marine conservation efforts.

During a July 2024 webinar titled 'Blue Parks Offer a Promising Model for Peacebuilding in Transboundary Water Issues,' Borton and other experts discussed the potential of MPAs to ease tensions in disputed waters. Examples such as the Red Sea Peace Park between Israel and Jordan illustrate how conservation initiatives can also serve as platforms for diplomacy and peacebuilding.

Borton's recommendations align with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, which aims to conserve 30% of marine and coastal areas by 2030. He advocates for the creation of a regional conservation forum in the South China Sea, similar to the MedPAN network in the Mediterranean, to promote collaborative stewardship of marine resources. This initiative could pave the way for a shared commitment to preserving the region's ecological and economic significance amidst ongoing political disputes.

For more information on marine conservation efforts and the role of science diplomacy, visit https://www.globalbiodiversityframework.org.