Integrated Coastal Zone Management

Worldwide, levels of stress on coastal zones are rising as a result of economic development, climate change, population growth and a number of societal trends. This makes the management and development of coastal zones increasingly complex.

At Deltares we see Integrated Coastal Zone Management and Development as a dynamic, multidisciplinary and iterative process to promote sustainable management of coastal zones. It should cover the full cycle of information collection, planning, decision making, management and monitoring of implementation. The Deltares integrated approach as applied to numerous coastal zones worldwide, refers to the integration of objectives and also to the integration of the many advanced tools and methods needed to meet these objectives. It means integration of all relevant policy areas, sectors, and levels of administration. It also means integration of the terrestrial and marine components of the coastal zone, in both time and space.

We believe that Integrated Coastal Zone Management and Development practices should be socially and environmentally bearable and not exceeding the carrying capacity of the environment. Moreover, the socio-economic relationships should be taken into account in the decision-making processes with an aim for equitable solutions and finding a viable balance between economic development and the environment.

We create and apply specific knowledge and innovative technologies that support the integrity of coastal zones while safeguarding the sustainability of both human and natural systems and all the sources and benefits they provide us now and in the future.

Advice

Our activities comprise:

• Coastal system monitoring, modelling and analysis
• Coastal vulnerability assessments
• Environmental assessments
• Coastal zone development planning
• Capacity building
  

We use the following methods & tools to support the above mentioned activities:

• Framework of Analysis (process planning and project design)
• Policy analysis
• Stakeholders analysis and participatory plan development
• Software systems and R&D programmes