Coastal zone development planning

Coastal zone development planning is a major task in the Integrated Coastal Zone Management and Development process, consisting of a Diagnosis phase (problem recognition) and a Planning and Analysis phase. Deltares has worldwide experience with plan development in small and large projects.

In the Diagnosis phase a ‘coastal profile’ is prepared to provide an overview of the current situation and the prevailing issues. The participatory process used for its preparation contributes extensively to bringing on board stakeholders and creating public awareness. An information management system is helpful if not indispensable in this stage.

Essential components of the Planning and Analysis phase are the generation of a wide spectrum of potential measures and the selection of a most promising policy alternative(s), using methods such as policy analysis and multi-criteria analysis. This involves also description of institutional and legal arrangements such as set back lines, marine spatial planning, and assignment of responsibilities and capacity building needs.

Deltares has developed a range of models, information management systems and decision support systems to describe the present situation (base line condition), and future conditions with and without remedial action, and to support coastal zone development planning.