Coastal Zone Risk Management

Definition

A coordinated strategy to cope with risks in the context of environmental, sociocultural, and sustainable multiple uses of the coastal zone.

Discussion

Risk management in the coastal zone requires an understanding of the evolving trends, particularly the desire for Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM). A thorough understanding of the biophysical and ecoclimatic systems, using scientific principles and methods of investigation, is required. Socioeconomic concerns and maritime traditions must be incorporated into any management initiative. Management strategies must be practical, reflecting and respecting socioeconomic systems, demographic differences, existing political and regulatory systems, and biophysical conditions. They must also simultaneously respect the principles of conservation, stewardship, and sustainable development, and must acknowledge the human contribution to management.

In theory, ICZM requires:

• Comprehensiveness– all components of all systems must...