The implementation of Chapter 17 of Agenda 21 in Malaysia challenges and opportunities

This paper examines the progress made in Malaysia in implementing Chapter 17 in Agenda 21 since 1992. The progress is measured against the programme areas identified in Chapter 17 and the challenges which are faced by those involved in marine environment management in the country. In summary these challenges are reduction, prevention and elimination of marine pollution, improving the management of Malaysia’s coastal areas, conservation of marine and coastal biological diversity and sustainable management of marine resources. As it stands there is no overall programme to implement Chapter 17 in Malaysia, and present activities consist of largely individual initiatives at agency or departmental level. The lack of integration and an overarching policy on marine matters in general, are found to be the main obstacles to marine environment protection. However, efforts are being made to at least identify and define key concepts such as integrated coastal zone management.