The management of the coastal zone of Europe

Abstract

A review of the state of coastal zone management in Europe is provided in order to establish future management priorities and research requirements for the European coast. This focuses on information management, assessment procedures and the legal framework for coastal management. Analysis of the development patterns and pressures, and the environmental threats along the coast of Europe suggests that coastal zone management should be conceived within long-term, regional frameworks. Even technical management measures, which lie at the heart of coastal zone management, have a distinct regional dimension, although at present these tend to be organised on a national scale. It is suggested that there is still considerable scope for further integration between national management programmes, particularly those relating to information management. However, total restructuring of national governments and their legal systems, to achieve more holistic coastal management systems, is deemed impracticable: the onus must lie with local bodies to continue to improve their day to day management of the coast.