This report should not be considered a simple tool box . The complexity of the issues, and the veriety of circumstances, precludes a standardised approach. Instead, the report provides realistic advise based on practical experience made in the field of planning of coastal aquaculture development and integrated coastal management throught the world.

The present report compiles lessons learned in the application of voluntary initiatives of relevance to the GPA, based on existing case-studies as well as questionnaires and interviews with a limited number of international experts from private sector governments.

Water quality management has been identified as a high priority issue for the Mekong River Basin because of urban growth, industrialization, deforestation, and agricultural expansion and intensification. Recognizing the importance and urgency of this issue, IETC, together with the Mekong River Commission (MRC), introduced the concept of ESTs for freshwater management to a select group of senior decision-makers from the six riparian countries (Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, Myanmar and China) with a view to ascertaining what types of ESTs would be most appropriate and how these might best be communicated and implemented. This report contains a summary, the national papers presented for discussion, and conclusions and recommendations for future actions.