Vu Hai Dang is a researcher at the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam. His interests include international law, ocean law and policy in Southeast Asia and the South China Sea.
Coastal nations around the world are turning to marine protected areas in an attempt to safeguard their oceans, promote biodiversity and increase sustainability. In addition to aiding conservation efforts, these ‘blue parks’ can reach across international boundaries to help prevent conflict and promote cooperation.
Marine protected areas offer a potential solution to many of the threats facing the region’s oceans, including illegal fishing and habitat destruction. They are also a non-threatening way for countries that have competing claims in the South China Sea to come together and work for mutual benefit.