Integrated Coastal Zone Management in Israel

Abstract

The approach to coastal zone management in Israel has largely come about through the land use planning system. In 1970 the National Planning and Building Board issued a directive for the preparation of a national masterplan for all its sea and lake coasts. It was not a legal requirement as was stipulated for some of the other national masterplans. Nor was it necessary for promoting development, as were the national masterplans for infrastructure, such as for roads. The Board recognized that the coast is a natural resource in need of protection, not less important than nature reserves and national parks. Marine pollution was not an issue on the public agenda and whilst the coastal area was the focus of economic activity, it was not yet under severe development pressures. The early recognition of the special value of the coastline was of crucial significance in establishing statutory constraints for coastal protection before severe development pressures turned the coastal strip into the most attractive real estate. Mistakes have been made over the years, but without a doubt the coastal area would have been very different if the coastal masterplan had not been in place.