Integrated Coastal Zone Management

ICZM calls for organizing and development of institutional capacities and a stakeholder network. It is a management challenge (how to make it work?). It calls for establishing the right decision-making platforms and for example working groups and a stakeholder network with good relationships. All these elements are explained further on this wiki-portal. 

Content

ICZM in Central Java		How to apply ICZM in Central Java		Experience from ICZM Pilots		Workshop Library

Definition of ICZM

Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) is a complex term. ICZM, as an integrated approach of the coastal zone, needs to be related to its broader context. This features context and means looking at developments in political & administrative, economic, societal, technological, environmental and legal fields. It requires knowledge of the physical systems (for example upstream-downstream relations) and availability of data.

Benefits of ICZM

ICZM programmes can:

1) minimize costly delays in project implementation;

2) minimize damage to the marine environment and its resources;

3) minimize losses to the various users (from resource depletion, access limitations, etc.); and

4) make the most efficient use of infrastructure, information, and technology available to marine development sectors.

As examples, ICZM can benefit a country or region through any or all of the following:

1. Facilitating sustainable economic growth based on natural resources
2. Conserving natural habitats and species
3. Controlling pollution and the alteration of shorelands and beachfronts
4. Controlling watershed activities that adversely effect coastal zones
5. Controlling excavation, mining and other alteration of coral reefs, water basins, and sea floors
6. Rehabilitating degraded resources
7. Providing a mechanism and tools for rational resource allocation

All these require coordinated actions for their accomplishment, a need that ICZM can fulfill.