1 Introduction

2 Current Status and Trends

 2.1 Water resource

 2.2 Water resource allocation

 2.3 Land resource usd and environmental impacts

 2.4 Mineral resources

 2.5 Biodiversity conservation

3 Challenges

 3.1 Major problems

 3.2 Major challenges

4 Successful Case Studies

 4.1 Demand side management of water resource

 4.2 Arid desert strategies

 4.3 Three-dimensional development model of agriculture, forestry and fishery

 4.4 Comprehensive recycling techniques for mineral resources

 4.5 Quantitative conservation strategy of biological resources

5 Policy Recommendations

 5.1 Regional policies

 5.2 Technology sharing initiatives

 5.3 Cross-border cooperation

 5.4 Technology and information sharing platforms

 5.5 Capacity-building strategies

6 Project Proposals

 6.1 Monitoring land degradation and desertification

 6.2 Increased development of small and medium-sized municipal wastewater treatment plants

 6.3 Sustainable tourism development and biodiversity conservation

 6.4 Recycling programs at small and medium-sized mines and further development of reclamation technology

 6.5 Local capacity-building of natural resources

References

This series of books are the output of the research project called “Sustainable Development in Asia (SDA)”, which was initiated by the Association of Academies of Sciences in Asia (AASA). They are comprised of one synthesis report, which entitled “Towards a Sustainable Asia: Green Transition and Innovation”, and four thematic reports on natural resources, energy, the environment and climate change, and culture from particular perspectives of agriculture.

They aim to: 1) investigate common sustainability issues faced by all Asian countries, including population increase, poverty alleviation, pollution control, ecological restoration, as well as regional problems, such as water shortage in West and Central Asia, energy security in Northeast Asia, development model & transformation in East Asia; 2) analyze and summarize of best practices towards sustainable development in Asia; 3) bring forward suggestions and policy options for promoting green transition, system innovation and sustainable development of Asia.

With best practice guidelines for a sustainable Asia, this series of reports, for the first time systematically address the common challenges and regional problems in regard to Asia’s natural resources use, pollution reduction and climate protection, sustainable energy development, and innovations for environment-friendly and culture-compatible agriculture. They will provide handy and useful information to researchers, government policy makers and the general public who have concerns about Asia’s sustainable development.

AASA is a scientific and technological organization in Asia, established in 2000, comprising of 26 member academies all over Asia. Its vision is to provide a forum for the discussion of all issues relevant to science and technology development and its application on national level within Asia.

This book is completed based on the final report of the sub-project entitled as "Sustainable Use of Natural Resources in Asia" under the whole project of AASA. This sub-project aims to bring together a wide range of experts and scholars involved in development and management of natural resources in Asia, within the context of sustainable use of natural resources and effective improvement of resources use. We consider that there is a good opportunity of cooperation on the sustainable use and management of natural resources in Asia. Strengthening the cooperation is a demand for resources safety and environmental sustainability that guarantees Asian environmental health and promotes socio-economic development in all countries of Asia.