Regulating Coastal Zones: International Perspectives on Land Management Instruments

Regulating Coastal Zones is a book that examines the legal and regulatory challenges of managing land in coastal zones across different political and socio-economic contexts. It includes fifteen case studies from advanced-economy countries, representing three groups of legal contexts, and aims to inform professionals, graduate students, policy makers, and NGOs of the legal and socio-political challenges and better practices in coastal land management.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 444 pages
Publication date: 27 November 2020
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The regulation of coastal zones is a crucial endeavor that seeks to bridge the knowledge gap regarding the complex legal and regulatory challenges associated with managing land in coastal areas across diverse political and socio-economic contexts. In recent years, coastal zone management has garnered increasing attention from environmentalists, land use planners, and decision-makers across a wide range of fields. The proliferation of development pressures along coasts, including high-end tourism projects, luxury housing, ports, energy generation, military outposts, heavy industry, and large-scale enterprises, poses significant threats to landscape preservation and the preservation of local history and culture.

To address these challenges, leading experts have compiled fifteen case studies from advanced-economy countries, carefully selected to represent three distinct legal contexts: signatories to the 2008 Mediterranean ICZM Protocol, parties to the 2002 EU Recommendation on Integrated Coastal Zone Management, and the USA and Australia. This groundbreaking book is the first to provide a comprehensive and systematic cross-national comparative perspective on the legal and regulatory aspects of coastal land management. By presenting both successful and less-effective strategies, it aims to inform professionals, graduate students, policy makers, and non-governmental organizations about the legal and socio-political challenges as well as the best practices that can be adopted to overcome them.

The regulation of coastal zones is a multifaceted endeavor that requires a comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach. It involves a delicate balance between the interests of various stakeholders, including governments, developers, local communities, and environmental organizations. Effective coastal zone management requires the development of comprehensive policies, regulations, and management plans that prioritize the preservation of natural resources, the protection of biodiversity, and the sustainable development of coastal areas.

One of the key challenges in coastal zone management is the need to strike a balance between economic development and environmental protection. While coastal zones can provide significant economic benefits, such as job creation and tourism revenue, they can also be vulnerable to environmental degradation, such as pollution, habitat loss, and coastal erosion. Therefore, it is essential to develop policies that promote sustainable development practices, such as renewable energy generation, waste management, and coastal infrastructure planning.

Another challenge is the complex legal and regulatory framework that governs coastal zones. Different countries have adopted different approaches to coastal zone management, and there is often a lack of coordination and cooperation between different levels of government and stakeholders. This can lead to conflicts and delays in the implementation of effective management plans. Therefore, it is important to establish clear legal frameworks and mechanisms for coordination and collaboration to ensure that coastal zones are managed in a sustainable and equitable manner.

In addition to legal and regulatory challenges, coastal zone management also requires a deep understanding of the social and cultural aspects of coastal communities. Coastal areas are often home to diverse populations with unique cultural practices, traditions, and values. Therefore, it is essential to engage with local communities and stakeholders in the planning and implementation of coastal zone management programs to ensure that their voices are heard and their interests are protected.

Furthermore, coastal zone management requires a global perspective. Climate change and other environmental factors are causing significant changes in coastal ecosystems, and it is important to develop strategies that are adaptable and resilient to these changes. This requires international cooperation and collaboration to share knowledge and resources and to address the global challenges of coastal zone management.

In conclusion, the regulation of coastal zones is a critical endeavor that requires a comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach. By bridging the knowledge gap regarding the legal and regulatory challenges of managing land in coastal areas, this book aims to inform professionals, graduate students, policy makers, and non-governmental organizations about the best practices and strategies for sustainable coastal zone management. By promoting sustainable development practices, engaging with local communities, establishing clear legal frameworks, and adopting a global perspective, we can ensure that coastal zones are managed in a manner that protects the environment, promotes economic growth, and preserves the cultural heritage of coastal communities.

Weight: 1198g
Dimension: 187 x 242 x 34 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781138361560