If marine biodiversity is to be conserved effectively and used sustainably, it is necessary to adopt a cross-sectoral approach which embraces the need for wide-ranging, comprehensive, transboundary responses to threats; which treats the entire hydrological cycle as an integrated unit; and which governs actions on land as well as in the sea. This approach will be the departure point from which a more detailed strategy is pursued.
All human activities which have the potential for significant adverse impact on the conservation of fish stocks and marine biodiversity should be subject to environmental impact assessments and any adverse impacts must be minimised and eliminated.
Indonesian tidal swamps have been cultivated successfully by communities using traditional techniques. Rice is the major crop, often in combination with coconuts and fruit trees, which help reduce soil acidity. Corn, cassava and vegetables are also grown. Swamp farmers also raise livestock (poultry) and maintain fisheries in the canals and ditches of the coconut gardens.