At present, it is estimated that one third of the 6 billion people in the world live within 100 kilometers of the coastline. Since the coastal regions have become the center of human activities, the environment has suffered heavily. Coral reefs, especially, which are particularly vulnerable to change, are now in a critical condition.

Every year the Japanese government invests 200 billion yen into the construction of sea walls and embankments. Despite the use of such a large budget, the loss of our natural coastline continues, and all that it created is a coastline covered by concrete blocks. What needs to be done to recover the scenic beauty of our coastlines?

"Agenda for Development", "Agenda 21" and "Agenda for Peace" are the topics for concern among mankind facing the post cold war era and furthermore the 21st century. The ability of mankind to conquer the trilemma of "Development", "Environment" and "Peace" is being questioned. The accident involving Russia's nuclear powered submarine "Kursk" signals just the difficulty and importance involved in delivering "peace" and fulfilling ocean governance.