The book has a global perspective and will play a significant part in assisting the sustainable development of all coastal nations around the world. Moreover, the coast plays an important part in the lives of many people living in the Asia-Pacific Region, with over two-thirds of its 3.2 billion people living within the coastal zone. As a result, I believe the book has particular value to this region. The links between global and local activities related to coastal management and planning are important, and are well illustrated in the book. I am pleased the roles of the various UNEP programmes in facilitating these linkages are well recognized. The book will be a valuable resource in assisting the Coastal Zone Management theme of UNEP?s Network for Environmental Training at the Tertiary Level in the Asia-Pacific.