Dispatches from the South China Sea: Navigating to Common Ground

by James Borton

The impact of continuous coastal development, reclamation, destruction of corals, overfishing and increased maritime traffic places all of us on the front lines of preserving our oceans. Marine biologists, who share a common language that cuts across political, economic and social differences, recognize that the sea's remarkable coral reefs, which provide food, jobs and protection against storms and floods, have suffered unprecedented rates of destruction in recent decades.
Dispatches from the South China Sea 's blend of participatory research and field reportage paves the way for a transformation of policy and, provides a basis for the eventual resolution of some of today's major maritime conflicts.
From overfishing, illegal and unregulated fishing, coral reef destruction and reclamations, Dispatches from the South China Sea charts science-driven cooperation opportunities. James Borton purposefully and passionately argues that the South China Sea can become a body of water that unites, rather than divides.

270 pages, Paperback

Published January 15, 2022

Reviews

[Kelly Tang]

Using field notes, knowledge of ecological politics and the idea of science diplomacy, Borton seeks to explore ways in which we can build up relationships in the region and solve the environmental damage to the endangered coral reefs of the region.

I thought that the writing was quite propulsive and the subject matter was engaging. The inclusion of anecdotes and candid converstaions with the fishermen and scientists at the heart of this issue really made the issue more personal and compelling. Borton has an excellent grasp on the topic from 3 decades of journalism in the region, and it is very evident in his writing. Additionally, I find that his work always frames what are often complex political issues with no clear path forward in a more accessible and personal lens. Highly recommend to anyone even remotely interested in the geopolitics and maritime relations of the South China Sea and Southeast Asia.

[Lois Winchell]

James Borton makes a powerful statement to the World community regarding the bio-status in the South China Sea. He skillfully "navigates" the waters of diplomacy and citizenship in order to bring the two together to help solve the overwhelming environmental disaster in this international resource, the South China Sea. His artful threading of his lifelong knowledge of the area with the present danger of the Sea brings the reader to the reality of the need for action. We are brought to the Sea through the intimacy of the inhabitants and are able to feel the peril that exists and the need to become a part of a responsible solution.

[Kylie Hough]

It's a myth to think we're separate. In one way or another, what affects one, affects the whole. Hence, this is a very important read and one I recommend. The author's hope is that his book will "raise awareness for the conservation of marine biodiversity and sustainability of fisheries that can no longer be ignored." It does this and much more by providing a compelling, well-researched, clearly presented and hopeful contribution to an underanalysed field. Buy it. Read it. Let me know what you think.

[zoe]

Mang lại góc nhìn rõ ràng công bằng như cái cách khoa học xây dựng niềm tin. Hơn nữa còn là hàng loạt giải pháp cho một vấn đề tưởng chừng không có lối ra mà sẽ ngày một tăm tối. Là một người dân từ một trong những nước đang trong cuộc tranh chấp, đây quả thật là niềm hi vọng ấm áp, đầy quyết liệt.

[Jelvin Jose]

Excellent read!