Overcoming the challenges of integrated coastal management in Xiamen: Capacity, sustainable financing and political will

Abstract

Capacity, financing and political will are three indispensable driving forces of sustainable development programmes. Xiamen initiated an Integrated Coastal Management (ICM) programme in 1993 and has built a successful ICM model known as the ‘Xiamen Model’ which has served as the operational modality for application in other coastal areas in China. In this paper, the authors illustrate Xiamen's experiences in overcoming the challenges of building capacity, developing sustainable financing mechanism and political will. With regard to capacity building, investments in on-the-job training and management skills development, as well as developing the capacity for monitoring and law enforcement are essentials. In the case of sustainable financing, optimal use of an appropriate financing mechanism in terms of government financial allocation, fees for sea area usage and marine ecological damage compensation and socially raised capital is critical. Further, by strengthening governance through the enactment of appropriate laws and policies, increased stakeholders participation and public consultation, can change the incentives of political interests and hence increase political will and commitment to implement Xiamen's integrated coastal management programme. Possibilities for further improvement of the ‘Xiamen model’ are also discussed.