Applicability of the Multi-level Governance Framework and Optimization Paths in Marine Environmental Governance in North-East Asia

Abstract

The marine areas of Northeast Asia face severe environmental pollution and ecological degradation, while existing regional governance mechanisms remain fragmented and poorly coordinated, limiting the region’s ability to effectively address transboundary environmental challenges. A multi-level governance (MLG) framework, involving actors and institutions from local to global levels, offers a promising approach to managing such complex issues. In Northeast Asia, current cooperative mechanisms have made modest progress in information-sharing and joint monitoring, yet they remain largely consultative in nature and lack legally binding targets, robust enforcement mechanisms, and long-term institutional coherence. Diverging national priorities, overlapping mandates, and institutional fragility further constrain effective regional coordination. To improve governance outcomes, a strengthened MLG approach is necessary, incorporating binding regional conventions, enhanced coordination among governance levels, broader engagement of non-state actors, and lessons learned from other successful regional governance models. By advancing institutional integration and stakeholder participation, these strategies aim to foster a more effective and sustainable framework for marine environmental governance in Northeast Asia, while simultaneously promoting regional trust and cooperative resilience.