Integrated coastal management, the process

ICM addresses many factors: resource depletion, pollution, biodiversity, natural hazards, sea level rise, eroding shorelines, land use, hinterlands, landscape and resource conflicts; all in the effort to manage development and conserve natural resources at the same time. Planning is an integral part of the ICM process. The purpose of planning is to produce a framework (or plan) to guide decision makers in the immediate and future allocation of scarce resources (e.g., space, land, capital investments, fish, water) among competing interests (stakeholders).

Implementation, in turn, depends upon applying a range of appropriate policy instruments, including regulatory and economic instruments, the promotion of voluntary action by industry, and public and private investment. Implementation of necessary management requirements needs research and approval. Lack of information and poor technology are common problems at this stage.

After implementation the methods of management need to be constantly monitored and evaluated to ensure any corrections to the plan are made. This usually relies heavily on scientific research, which entails having qualified people. Focuses on enhancing the environmental expertise of decision makers, policy formulators and trainers by establishing a self-sustaining network of trained individuals in country, aiming towards a self contained environmental procedure network. Training is thus an important element to ensure long term monitoring is possible. And dissemination of information is also key in ensuring the correct management options are instigated.

Without management the very reasons for living by the coast, the habitats, resources, wildlife, location even, will no longer exist in a functional state.