Framework Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) is a decision-making framework developed to address region-specific environmental implications for coastal zones by considering interactions between natural, social, and economic systems in coastal areas. ICZM is focused on sustainable coastal development and is relevant for areas of overlapping jurisdictions that require high level of integration across sectors, stakeholders, and government to implement change. Coastal zones are often characterized by diverse ecosystems that provide resources to local human populations. Coastal margins represent 8% of the world's surface area while providing 25% of global resources. Approximately 70% of the world's population lives within a day's walk of the coast, and two-thirds of the world's cities are coastal. Coastal populations rely on resources like fish and minerals for subsistence, recreation, and economic development. These resources are considered common property and as such may be subject to over harvesting. For example, 90% of the world's fish harvest comes from within national
exclusive economic zones, often within sight of the shore.
Framework limitations ICZM framework may not be applicable in all situations. For example, the
Sumatra earthquake and the Indian Ocean tsunami had significant impacts on the coastal environment itself and has altered perceptions of coastal hazard mitigation. and targets
public participation and
stakeholder involvement in order to reduce decision-making conflicts. A balance between environmental protection and economic/social development is considered key to the framework . •
Situation assessment: Issues are identified and prioritized with input from government, local and regional non-governmental entities, and local residents •
Plan: A plan specific to the area is developed to address identified issues •
Institutionalization of plan: Plan is accepted by involved agencies either in the form of legally binding measures or as non-statutory guidance or policy •
Implementation: The plan is implemented through law enforcement, education, development, or other mechanisms •
Evaluation: ICZM is an ongoing process targeted to improving sustainability and as such has no ‘end state'. Once implemented, the framework should be evaluated regularly to assess relative effectiveness. ___________________________________________
Dimensions of coastal zone management Defining coastal zones Defining the coastal zone is of particular importance to the idea of ICZM. Ketchum (1972) defined the area as: The coastal zone refers to the band of dry land and the adjacent ocean space—including both the water column and the submerged land—where terrestrial processes and land uses directly influence oceanic processes and activities, and vice versa.
Focus on Sustainability The concept behind ICZM is
sustainability which entails a continuous decision-making process and readjustment of the equilibrium between development and environmental protection.
Finding integration and synergies Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) relies on five principal forms of integration: •
Integration among sectors: A wide range of sectors operate within the coastal environment, with human activities primarily centered on economic pursuits such as tourism, fisheries, and port operations. Sectoral integration within Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) relies on identifying shared goals and understanding of each sector's role within the coastal area. • '
Integration between land and water elements of the coastal zone:
The coastal zone is shaped by dynamic and interdependent processes, with changes to one system generating cascading effects across others. Spatial integration within Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) is based on recognition of this interdependence.' • '
Integration among levels of government:''''' Institutional integration within Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) is based on cooperation across different levels of governance in order to enhance efficiency, reduce overlap, and minimize confusion in planning and policymaking. •
Integration between nations: Temporal integration within Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) is needed to align across supranational levels to implement change on a global basis. •
Integration among disciplines: Implementation of Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) relies on knowledge and perspectives from scientific, cultural, traditional, political, and local representative groups. ___________________________________________
Constraints The term integration in a coastal management context has many horizontal and vertical aspects, and reflects complexity of the task and proves implementation challenge.
Top-down and bottom-up approach Major constraints of ICZM are institutional, rather than technological. The top-down approach in administrative decision-making is insufficient as a tool promoting ICZM through the idea of sustainability. Community-based, or “bottom-up,” approaches in coastal management allow for the identification of issues that are specific to local areas rather than being forced to fit existing strategies or policies. Public consultation and participation incorporate local perspectives into broader policy frameworks and may assist effective implementation.
Human factors The coastal environment has historical and cultural connections with human activity. Its wealth of resources have provided for millennia. With regard to ICZM, legally binding management becomes difficult when coastal areas are perceived as common areas available to all. Enforcing restrictions or changes to activities within the coastal zone can be challenging, as these resources are often critical to local livelihoods. The perception of the coast as common property can complicate top-down management approaches. Moreover, the concept of common property is inherently complex, and differing perceptions of ownership and use can contribute to resource depletion. ==Adoption ==