A Direction and Policy for Coastal Zone Management in Japan

Abstruct

In Japan, people have constructed many local communities and cities on the plains near the ocean, and have possessed a deep relationship, either directly or indirectly, with the sea.

Presently, a variety of human activities such as those related to the fishery industry, maritime transportation, the manufacturing industry, recreation and leisure, the construction of cites and so on are diffused throughout the coastal zones of Japan.

Because much effort is being made involving surveys and research on problems of science and technology related to marine development, utilization, and conservation, various activities in the country’s coastal zones will become more active in the future. Therefore, the promotion of comprehensive use will become necessary.

As a matter of fact, designs for the utilization of various abundant resources (including area space) in coastal zones as the nucleus of promoting regional development are being formulated within local public bodies, (refer to next table)

However, on the other hand, there exist situations where the environment of parts of the coastal area has deteriorated or competition between existing utilization fields and new utilization fields have arisen.

Considering these facts, the formulation of a coastal zone utilization plan can be considered as effective means to promote the comprehensive use of coastal zones. Therefore, in our efforts directed at determining an appropriate plan, we have identified the concepts of a standard guidance principle, which will be used as a reference when actually formulating the plan. Especially, a broad range of data regarding coastal zone utilization have been collected and organized, and ideas concerning the functions, basic policies, and items to be considered when preparing the plan regarding the notion of coastal zone utilization and the coastal zone utilization plan have been arranged.

However, it must be mentioned that the items stated here are not the official views of the National Land Agency.