Implementation Of Integrated Coastal Management Research Articles

Effectiveness of ICM system and its contribution to local capacity development: Case study in West Papua Province

Integration and coordination of various coastal and marine management efforts is the major objective of the integrated coastal management (ICM) approach. In the implementation of the Raja Ampat’s COREMAP CTI activities, PKSPL IPB University replicates ICM practices, in Yensawai Village, Raja Ampat Regency. Those include cycle guidelines, structures, and models of ICM implementation at the local government level. The ICM cycle is very important because it provides a gradual and non-negotiable “must” to be able to proceed to the next several steps. The cycle must be done correctly to contribute to continuous improvement. The goal is to have a functioning ICM system to improve local government services and contribute to sustainable development. PKSPL IPB University has successfully demonstrated its effectiveness and impact on the implementation of the ICM program. This can be seen in the increasing adoption of the concept of sustainability in local governments as well as increasing local political commitment to the rehabilitation of sustainable coastal ecosystems in West Yensawai Village, Raja Ampat Regency. The experience of PKSPL IPB University in other ICM pilot sites in implementing ICM integration was replicated in the COREMAP CTI program in West Papua Province. Contribution factors adopted by ICM in local capacity building include: (i) local government involvement; (ii) the leadership role of the coordination mechanism; (iii) key steps of the ICM Cycle process; (iv) vision-led programs; (v) local champions; (vi) visible achievements and impacts; (vii) increased value of integrated planning and management approaches, and local and political commitments.

Importance of citizen science application for integrated coastal management - Change of Gobies’ survival strategies in Tokyo Bay, Japan

The importance of general public participation to science for the Tokyo Bay restoration was confirmed through the “Edomae Goby Revival Project” implementation. The project was started as a symbolic example of a monitoring campaign with citizen science application under the second phase of the Tokyo Bay restoration began in 2013. It featured enhanced multi-stakeholder involvement. Since 2012, total-length data for more than 12 thousand gobies were collected in cooperation with the general public. This project highlighted the importance of general public participation to science for the restoration by showing change of survival strategies of the gobies in the bay. Furthermore, the potential of public science to contribute to the implementation of integrated coastal management (ICM) was also shown. This could be a clue to drawing public awareness and encouraging their ownership in reviving and supporting nature. The project has also demonstrated why we need an effective implementation of ICM.

Realizing a new resilience paradigm on the basis of land-water-biodiversity nexus in a coastal city

Coastal area is a typical, complex area interacted between terrestrial and ocean systems. Catastrophic regime shifts of coastal ecosystem may occur as a result of gradual changing forces exerted by external factors. In this study, we presented an indicator-based framework which includes the land-water-biodiversity (LWB) nexus indices of catastrophe analysis to emphasize resilience of Xiamen, a coastal city of China, associated with implementation of integrated coastal management (ICM). The results demonstrate the changes of equilibria in land, water, and biodiversity subsystems that were divided into three periods (1996–2000, 2000–2012, and 2012–2015). The implementation of several ICMs helped to preserve resilient coastal ecosystems since 1997, which indicates effective guidance of resilient coastal management on coastal land, water and biodiversity. Based on trends of indicator changes, we identified the main indicators controlling catastrophic transformation of the LWB nexus system state, which include built-up area and coastal reclaimed area in land subsystem, seawater quality in water subsystem, and all four biodiversity indices. The identified key drivers to catastrophic regime shifts can help to navigate decision making in resilient coastal ecosystem management. The Xiamen case study provides a systematic and quantitative framework for resilience assessment of integrated coastal management and sustainable development.

Exploring the Challenges of Implementing Integrated Coastal Management and Achieving Sustainability within the Cameroon Coastline

Integrated coastal management (ICM) has been accepted as a strategic management approach in achieving sustainable devel- opment in coastal areas. As such, many coastal nations, both from the developed and less developed countries have sur- mounted many challenges of the coastal milieu with a successful implementation of ICM and now enjoy a sound environment and a viable economy. However, a country like Cameroon with a coastline of about 402km still faces a lot of challenges in im- plementing ICM. According to Article 55 et seq of the Constitution, which lays down the general guidelines in matter of de- centralization in Cameroon, the State is supposed to devolve upon regional and local authorities, under conditions laid down by law, powers over matters essential to their economic, social, health, educational, cultural and sports development. In reality, devolution of power still remains a nightmare, stifling sustainable coastal development. This paper, therefore, addresses the challenges faced by the State of Cameroon in implementing ICM. The work identifies predicaments/gaps in environmental planning and also makes relevant recommendations in bridging such gaps. In order to attend a desirable degree of sustainabil- ity within Cameroon's coastline, real implementation of ICM can only be achieved if sectoral lines are effectively minimized through the enforcement of the decentralization process.

Addressing urban sprawl in Douala, Cameroon: Lessons from Xiamen integrated coastal management

This paper addresses the dynamics surrounding urban sprawl on the coastline of Douala, Cameroon. Douala is the economic capital, main seaport and the industrial nerve of Cameroon. Also, Douala harbours about 80% of the Cameroon׳s industries. Due to the centralized nature of economic activities in Douala by the State, urban development is more noticeable here than any other city in Cameroon. The fast developing nature of the city coupled with limited human/physical capital and poor management policies have resulted to intense anthropogenic pressure on coastal resources.This article examines the key actors shaping the urban planning process in Douala and expatiates on the gaps constraining sustainable urban planning in Cameroon. Moreover, Xiamen׳s socio-economic and environmental outlook before and after the implementation of integrated coastal management (ICM) is discussed. It is showcased that, the delegation of additional powers to local governments to implement new environmental laws and accepting of bilateral and multilateral assistance by the Chinese Central Government served as a crunch since the introduction of ICM. Moreover, the political will bestowed by the Xiamen municipal authorities, the participation and inculcation of relevant participants/stakeholders, the establishment of a multi-agency council and the acquisition of sea-use zoning scheme are all key points that symbols Xiamen׳s ICM accomplishment. Today, with the successful implementation of ICM, Xiamen has built dual status of a vibrant economy and comprehensive ecological environment.The conclusions of this effort portray that sprawl in Cameroon is caused by inadequate policy implementation, outdated master plan, insufficient information, disparity in resources distribution among the different regions of the State and the gaps expounded by the traditional management. Grounded in the knowledge drawn from Xiamen ICM, the paper recommends the creation of an autonomous coastal interagency in Douala to address the gaps disrupted by sectoral management, and thus, improve coastal management in Cameroon.

Towards integrated coastal governance with Chinese characteristics – A preliminary analysis of China's coastal and ocean governance with special reference to the ICM practice in Quanzhou

After the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED, Rio, 1992), theories and concepts of Integrated Coastal Management (ICM) have been further developed and thus have promoted the implementation of ICM worldwide. As a major maritime country, China attaches great importance to ocean governance and started its implementation of ICM in 1994 when China joined the GEF/UNDP/IMO Regional Programme for the Prevention and Management of Marine Pollution in the East Asian Seas for the first time. In the last two decades or so, while implementing and scaling up ICM in cooperation with the Partnerships in Environmental Management for the Seas of East Asia (PEMSEA), the authors found that the local government-based ICM with active participation of all stakeholders is a suitable integrated coastal management approach for China. This is actually an adaptive ICM with Chinese characteristics—integrated coastal governance (ICG).In this paper, the authors illustrate the characteristics of ICM implemented in China with a positive analysis of the practice of ICM in Quanzhou, Fujian Province. To break down the barriers among sectors in the implementation of ICM, the municipal government established a special leading group (ad-hoc committee) to exercise the centralized leadership of the Government for leading the implementation. Though there was not significant participation of NGOs in the implementation of ICM, the broad public participation under the leadership of the local government laid the groundwork for the success. Finally, this paper gives a discussion on possibilities for further improvement of China's ocean governance.

Evaluating the performance of Integrated Coastal Management in Quanzhou, Fujian, China

The Integrated Coastal Management (ICM) framework has been increasingly adopted in coastal cities of China. Using indicators to monitor and measure the progress and effectiveness of ICM implementation is a key step towards adaptive management of the ICM process in the long-term perspective. However, proper methods of evaluating the ICM performance are still lacking. An evaluation method based on assessment of indicators is suggested and applied to Quanzhou in this study. 32 indicators adapted to China's coastal cities are developed, and the Principal Component Analysis (PCA) method is employed as the weighting method to synthesize the evaluation results. Key ICM performance indicators are identified and specific suggestions are proposed based on the evaluation results, which would be useful for future decision-making in the ICM governance. The correlations between ICM governance, coastal environmental and socioeconomic sustainability are analyzed using the “Drive force-Pressure-Status-Impact-Response (DPSIR)” model. The evaluation indicators and methodologies could be applied to other coastal cities for promoting the progress of ICM towards the goal of sustainability.

Integrated coastal management and sustainable tourism: A case study of the reef-based SCUBA dive industry from Thailand

Coastal ecosystems are amongst the most productive ecosystems in the world. Reef-based tourism, one of the multiple uses in coastal zones, has become more important in terms of magnitude and contribution to national economies as well as to the wellbeing of local communities. However, in the absence of proper controls and enforcement, unplanned tourism growth can cause environmental degradation and social and cultural conflicts which undermine the long-term sustainability of the tourism industry. The concepts of integrated coastal management (ICM) and sustainable tourism development (STD) have been proposed as the way forward in dealing with such constraints and pressure. Nevertheless, given the scale of tourism in the world's coastal zone, one of the greatest challenges faced by coastal managers is giving tourism development a proper place within ICM. This study provides insight into key issues confronting the management of reef-based dive tourism and proposes a way forward for sustainable dive tourism based on the frameworks of ICM and STD. Koh Tao in Thailand, which is well-known as the busiest diving center in Southeast Asia, was selected as a case study. Data collection was undertaken using a mixed social research method of surveys and interviews. The results show that the dominance of dive tourism over other land-based and marine-based sectors, a lack of government support, and a complexity of social factors have made the implementation of ICM and STD in Koh Tao nearly impossible. In response, the study suggests a new paradigm for the management of reef-based SCUBA dive tourism integrating the management and governance frameworks of ICM and STD with the voluntary management strategy and community-oriented approach. The study concludes that the internationally accepted management frameworks are not always transferable. Each locale must select or adapt appropriate strategies for its own needs considering the biophysical, socio-cultural and managerial settings.

Evaluating Integrated Coastal Management planning policy in Japan: Why the Guideline 2000 has not been implemented

In Japan, the Guideline for Integrated Coastal Management Plans (Guideline) was issued in 2000 to promote planning and implementation of Integrated Coastal Management (ICM). However, to date, no local governments have developed ICM plans in line with the Guideline. This paper clarifies the reasons for the poor implementation using a theoretical approach, the Policy Implementation Framework developed by Mazmanian and Sabatier. Also, an international comparison was conducted of acts and policies related to ICM in the United States, Republic of Korea, European Union, and Partnerships for Environmental Management for the Seas of East Asia (PEMSEA). Lack of a scheme that would provide national subsidies to local governments after approval of their ICM plans by the national government, the unviable districting of coastal areas in which they exceed the single administrative boundary of a local government, existence of similar initiatives for Seacoast Conservation Plans which are somewhat overlapping with ICM plans, and the diminished position of the coordinating national agency are identified as major factors hindering implementation of the Guideline. The findings of this paper should serve as a reference to the national government of Japan in avoiding similar deficiencies with the Guideline when developing detailed framework/institutional arrangements to promote ICM planning and implementation in the future, and could also be of assistance to countries developing national policies/strategies on ICM.

Dual adaptive cycles in implementing integrated coastal management

Despite the place-based nature of integrated coastal management (ICM) implementation and the importance of considering country-specific knowledge, a number of uniformities in ICM implementation have been distinguished. In this paper, the theoretical validation of a place-based ICM implementation model developed for South Africa's sector-based governance system is undertaken using predefined theoretically based evaluation criteria derived from such uniformities. Using an incremental, adaptive research process, the original place-based model is evaluated and then refined to enhance its theoretical validity. During the refinement of the implementation model, two interdependent yet distinctive cycles, the resource cycle and the actor cycle, emerged. The dual cycles in ICM implementation represent the process of inclusive ecosystem-based resource management (the resource cycle) capacitated by a supporting network of actors (the actor cycle). The new model incorporates insights from the recent literature on adaptive management in the fields of integrated water management and social–ecological systems into ICM theory and practice. Further, the learning-by-doing process that characterises ICM implementation is expanded by connecting place-based design and theoretically based learning.

Implementing integrated coastal management in a sector-based governance system

Over the last four decades the development of frameworks for integrated coastal management (ICM) and models for ICM implementation have received much attention from researchers and practitioners alike. This has resulted in a proliferation of implementation models, many of which embody results-based approaches, with the primary focus being on identifying coastal issues and then addressing these by implementing specific projects or programmes. Despite explicitly recognising the importance of cooperative governance early on, ICM implementation still faces the challenge that governance systems remain largely sector-based. In this paper we explore the implementation of ICM within a sector-based governance system in South Africa. First, we draw on international best practice and situated knowledge to develop a prototype ICM implementation model designed to accommodate sector-based programmes within an overarching ecosystem-based approach. Next, we assess the usability of the prototype and the compatibility with a sector-based governance system using empirical information derived from South Africa's National Programme of Action to protect the marine environment from land-based activities. We conclude that integrated management of the coast is possible in a sector-based governance system and propose the ICM implementation model developed in this paper as a potentially suitable model for countries with similar coastal management milieus to South Africa.

How supportive are existing national legal regimes for multi-use marine spatial planning?—The South African case

Over the past six years international interest in multi-use marine spatial planning (MSP), as a practical process to launch integrated coastal management (ICM), exploded. This paper explores the extent to which existing national legal frameworks can support this process, focusing on the coastal marine environment. First the characteristics of an appropriate legal regime for multi-use MSP are explored by interrogating secondary data sourced from literature reviews and case studies. Key paradigms are distilled as a means of dissecting this complex process into a suite of characteristic determinants that disclose the underpinning environmental management approaches or principles. These criteria are then used to assess the compatibility of national legal regimes for multi-use MSP—in this instance the South African legal framework. Although multi-use MSP has not been explicitly adopted as a process within South Africa's broader ICM implementation, existing legislation does reveal support. The department responsible for the environment is viewed as the most appropriate agency to house the statutory mechanism for multi-use MSP at national and provincial levels, but delegating local multi-use MSP processes to local government agencies. The political will to deploy and dedicate duties and resources to effective implementation of multi-use MSP, however, remains critical. Finally, the approach adopted here is proposed as a means to assess the compatibility of other national legal regimes for multi-use MSP, although the suite of characteristic determinants may need to be reviewed from time to time, as new learning emerges from practice. ► The support of national legal regimes for multi-use marine spatial planning is explored. ► Key paradigms characterising multi-use marine spatial planning are distilled. ► Derived criteria are used to evaluate the South African case. ► The evaluation method is proposed as a logical approach for future application.

Criteria for Evaluating the Design of Implementation Models for Integrated Coastal Management

Despite the emphasis placed on the contextual nature of integrated coastal management (ICM) implementation in the literature, many uniformities are encountered in ICM implementation worldwide. In this article the tangled threads of ICM practice are unravelled and a theoretically founded set of criteria for evaluating the design of ICM implementation models is provided. First, paradigms in integrated environmental management (IEM) implementation, the broader domain within which ICM practice is nested, are characterized in terms of their key concepts. Next, the paradigms are used as a mechanism to distill uniformities in ICM practice as reported in review articles. Finally a set of fourteen building blocks against which the scientific credibility of contextual, country-specific ICM implementation models can be validated, is generated by translating the theory-based characterization into evaluation criteria readily accessible to practitioners.

Evaluation Indicators for Integrated Coastal Management (ICM) in China: Lessons Learned from Xiamen

Integrated Coastal Management (ICM) initiatives spread all over the world to cope with declining conditions and intensifying user conflicts to achieve sustainable development of coastal resources and environment. A set of indicators with regard to sustainable development and governance aspects were developed in Xiamen to monitor the State of Coasts (SOC) under ICM implementation. In developing the evaluation indicators for Xiamen, a number of lessons were learned related to data compilation, indicator development, public participation and scaling up. The experience of Xiamen was believed to contribute to develop evaluation indicators for ICM in China.

Community perspectives on integrated coastal management: Voices from the Annapolis Basin area, Nova Scotia, Canada

This paper seeks to address the missing dimension of the place of Maritime communities in Canadian Integrated Coastal Management (ICM). This work is part of a larger network of projects on ICM through the participatory Coastal Community University Research Alliance. The implementation of ICM with full community involvement is a challenge, for example: communities are not unified or homogenous units, power varies among stakeholders, and silo constructs and turf wars discourage involvement of the wider public. In 2007, a survey of nine community-based organizations and associations and a First Nation community, located within the Annapolis Basin and surrounding areas of the Nova Scotia side of the Bay of Fundy was conducted. The purpose of the survey was to better understand how the concept of ICM is conceptualized and acted upon by local communities and to draw upon this to enrich ICM theory. Approximately 30 projects representing community-based ICM initiatives over the last 10 years were identified, including: capacity building, habitat and stock enhancement/ management programs and responses to new policies or legislative interventions. Several enabling and constraining factors for community involvement in ICM were identified. One key finding is a major difference between community and government approaches. Government ICM initiatives have captured some aspects of the environmental and economic management issues, but have generally failed to consider cultural and social components. They have also failed to take into account the interconnections within and between human and ecological systems. Community members report that government is more interested in forming partnerships with the corporate sector than with the people who rely on local resources. From the community perspective, dealing with the resulting power imbalances must involve revisiting the “core values” that underpin regulation and resource exploitation. This study demonstrates that communities are usually the “first responders"” for many ecological problems, and there is a willingness to take responsibility for the management of resources. ICM is already embedded in on-going community projects, networks and forums. These initiatives promote the principles identified in Canada's Oceans Act and Oceans Strategy, but the relevant government agencies have provided little support to them. ICM has the potential to bring together many issues that can be addressed by the multi-stakeholder process, but this needs to be facilitated by on-going government collaborations, contributions and recognition.

Integrated Coastal Management in Philippine Local Governance: Evolution and Benefits

In 1991 the Philippine government shifted many coastal management responsibilities to local governments and fostered increased local participation in the management of coastal resources. In their delivery of integrated coastal management (ICM) as a basic service, many local governments have achieved increasing public awareness of coastal resource management (CRM) issues. Continuing challenges are financial sustainability, inadequate capacities, weak law enforcement, and lack of integrated and collaborative efforts. To address these challenges, a CRM certification system was developed to improve strategies and promote incentives for local governments to support ICM. This system is being applied by an increasing number of local governments to guide the development and implementation of ICM in their jurisdiction. The CRM benchmarks required for a local government to achieve the first level of certification are: budget allocated, CRM related organizations formed and active, CRM plan developed and adopted, shoreline management initiated and two or more best practices implemented. Implementation is providing tangible benefits to communities through enhanced fisheries production associated with MPAs, revenues from user fees and enhanced community pride through learning exchanges and involvement in decisions, among others.

A proposal for the application of integrated coastal management for institutional arrangements in Xiamen

Integrated Coastal Management (ICM) is a feasible approach to address coastal issues, including resource use conflicts, ecological environments and management issues. An institutional arrangement is a precondition for the fulfillment of management functions. Therefore, a scientific institutional arrangement must be established as soon as possible for more effective implementation of ICM. In this paper, theories on ICM institutional arrangements were analyzed. In addition, characteristics and lessons learned domestically and internationally from the ICM institutional arrangements were summarized. Finally, based on the issues encountered in the first Xiamen ICM implementation, as well as on the major existing problems faced in Xiamen's coast, establishing a new ICM institutional arrangement for Xiamen was proposed.

Building up a training base for integrated coastal management through partnerships in Xiamen

The Integrated Coastal Management (ICM) project in Xiamen, which started in the mid-1990s, is considered a successful example of ICM implementation. Now on its second cycle, the project has achieved significant results and received positive feedback from various international organizations. ICM, in general, has proven to be a workable environmental management scheme, and it has been replicated elsewhere in China and in other countries. However, it should be noted that ICM programs need to employ strategies aimed at strengthening human resources and institutional capacities. This paper discusses the establishment of the International Training Center for Coastal Sustainable Development and its role in disseminating the experiences and expertise of the Xiamen ICM site, the advancement of public education on ICM with the implementation of the Community-Based Conservation Management Cooperative Program of the Canadian International Development Agency; and the expansion of professional education in ICM through a Joint Masters Program in Environmental Management with the University of San Francisco. These three programs have been highly successful in developing ICM capacities at different levels (i.e. awareness of policymakers, public awareness and professional education), and they contribute to the formulation, design and implementation of successful ICM initiatives. As such, the formulation and implementation of partnerships in education programs are deemed crucial for Xiamen's success and in its role as one of the training bases for ICM in East Asia.