Protecting the Environment of the Straits

The Straits of Malacca and Singapore is also a zone of high biodiversity, rich in marine fauna and flora that is characteristic of tropical estuarine environments. The abundance of seagrass beds, mangrove swamps, coral reefs and wetlands enriches the associated coastal marine environment, which also acts as a stopover points for migratory birds on seasonal transition.  This estuarine environment serves as a unique heritage to the world.  In addition, the Straits are rich in natural resources such as capture fisheries, aquaculture, mineral and petroleum reserves, which contributed significantly to the economic development of the three littoral States.  Activities such as coastal tourism and manufacturing have a boosted the regional economy.

The coastal and marine natural resources of the Straits are of enormous value.  The international sea lanes and navigational channels not only bring benefits to the littoral States, but the impact is also enjoyed throughout the region and beyond.  The assessment of the Straits estimated the net economic value at around US$ 5.13 billion, making the Straits among the most valuable international straits in the world.  Attach to this economic value is the livelihood and future development of more than 30 million people living in the vicinity of the Straits, whose well being is directly or indirectly associated with the state and affair of the Straits.  Collectively, the benefits can that can be derived from the natural ecosystems have been valued in billions of dollars as shown in the table below.