Towards a sustainable coast: an integrated coastal zone management framework for Shanghai, People's Republic of China

Abstract

This paper proposes an integrated coastal zone management (ICZM) framework in the context of the current pressures and management problems of the coastal zone in Shanghai, People's Republic of China. The main issues in the coastal zone caused by human activities are addressed and the drawbacks of the present coastal zone management are identified. The proposed ICZM framework is developed in view of the existing situation in this coastal zone which lies at the mouth of the Yangze estuary. Besides providing a general framework, the paper lays particular emphasis on discussing the implementation of cross-sectoral management, strategic environmental assessment, systematic scientific research and public involvement in this ICZM system. The innovation of management approaches at the local level will hopefully be conducive to the achievement of sustainable development in the coastal zone of the most developed area in China whose wetland areas are also of international importance.