Page 5 - IDFR - Flipping Book-Diplomatic Voice 4

FORUM “Although nations are separated viii. providing humanitarian assist- Engaging in maritime cooperation ance/disaster relief; and is not just about fulflling economic by land, they are united by their needs though. In doing so, Malaysia ix. protecting and conserving the can also contribute meaningfully dependence on the seas and the marine environment.Although towards protecting and managing there exists cooperation in the fragile marine environment and global commons. Many are bound by various degrees in these ensuring that the oceans can continue felds among nations and to provide its bountiful riches and economic, political and social ties other stakeholders of the sea passages for the beneft of mankind. including the private sector, hence share common destiny in the NGOs, the academia, the Although nations are separated research community and the by land, they are united by their sea”. public, there is certainly a lot dependence on the seas and the of room for improvement to global commons. Many are bound There are several areas which can enhance cooperation among by economic, political and social provide ‘low hanging fruits’ that be them. Existing modalities ties hence share common destiny easily harvested by nations and other for cooperation must be in the sea. This dictates that they stakeholders of the sea to engage in optimised and new, innovative should cooperate as much as they maritime cooperation. These areas ones explored to harness and can in areas pertaining to the use and are arguably not saddled too much strengthen cooperation amid management of the seas. In doing by sovereignty issues or burdened by the complex dynamics in the so, they would do well to be guided the weight of strategic interests that maritime realm. by the saying of Confucius, “He who characterise issues such as maritime wishes to secure the good of others claims. These areas include: All for one, one for all has already secured his own”. i. addressing illegal, unregulated Fostering maritime economic and unreported fshing; cooperation is crucial to the socio- economic wellbeing of littoral nations ii. boosting seaborne trade by and to global interests. This is enhancing cooperation in areas especially the case for the Southeast such as shipping and port Asian and Asian regions which host operations; some of the world’s busiest and most strategic sea lanes and contain iii. combating maritime crimes rich marine resources. There are and keeping the sea lanes safe many opportunities for economic from threats such as piracy, cooperation that can be explored in smuggling and trafcking; the regions’ seas to optimise their strategic location and optimise the iv. enhancing navigation safety; available resources therein. v. conducting joint survey of The interdependency among nations marine resources and managing in today’s globalised economy and them to ensure sustainability; inter-dependent world necessitates economic cooperation, especially vi. establishing early warning in maritime regions. In harnessing systems for disasters such maritime economic opportunities, as tsunami and typhoons; more heads are certainly better than promoting marine tourism one. In the case of the Southeast including activities such as Asian and Asian regions, which host ecotourism, cruise, boating/ many developing countries which do yachting and game fshing; not have the resources and expertise to fully explore and exploit their vii. providing capacity building maritime advantages, engaging in assistance especially to nations maritime cooperation is even more without adequate resources important. and expertise; 4 bulletin@idfr.gov.my DIPLOMATIC VOICE 5