China's Belt and Road Initiative: Conservation opportunities for threatened marine species and habitats. (February 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Turschwell, Mischa P.; Brown, Christopher J.; Pearson, Ryan M.; Connolly, Rod M.
• Is Part Of: Marine policy. Volume 112(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-02
• Subjects: Biodiversity -- Global -- Infrastructure -- Port -- Spatial -- Threats; Marine resources -- Economic aspects -- Periodicals; Fisheries -- Periodicals; Ressources marines -- Aspect économique -- Périodiques; Pêches -- Périodiques; Fisheries; Marine resources -- Economic aspects; Periodicals; 333.916405
• DOI: 10.1016/j.marpol.2019.103791
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0308-597X

Abstract

Abstract: China's Belt and Road Initiative is the world's largest infrastructure development project aimed at linking Europe and East Africa with Asia. Port infrastructure development associated with the maritime component of China's Belt and Road Initiative (mBRI) could have trans -boundary environmental impacts. These impacts are likely to affect key coastal marine habitats (coral reefs, mangroves, seagrasses and saltmarshes) and threatened marine species. We used spatial analyses to quantify the potential impacts of ports and subsequent increased shipping traffic associated with the mBRI for key habitats and species. Significant areas of individual countries coastal marine habitats could be affected by port development. Over 400 threatened marine species, including mammals, could be affected by port infrastructure, while over 200 threatened species are at risk from an increase in shipping traffic and noise pollution. A project of this magnitude provides an opportunity for a central governing body to develop and implement an overarching environmental framework and policy that mitigates risks to biodiversity. Highlights: The Belt and Road Initiative is the world's largest infrastructure development project. Key coastal marine habitats and threatened marine species are likely to be impacted. We assess the potential impacts of port expansion and increased shipping. International coordination is needed to mitigate risks to biodiversity.