The goal of the proposal is to support the implementation of the LOICZ II Science Plan in the South Asian region by the newly established Regional Node of LOICZ. The overall thrust of the activities is to assess current policies using the LOICZ framework, support integrated, interdisciplinary studies, assess the policy and management implications and communicate them to planners and decision-makers using a regional network and regional and national workshops. Supplementary funds to integrate on-going research, regional gap-filling studies and capacity building are integral components of the project.