Coastal zones: integrated management ICZM, implementation of a strategy

PURPOSE : Recommendation on Integrated Coastal Zone Management. COMMUNITY MEASURE : Recommendation 413/2002/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council concerning the implementation of Integrated Coastal Zone Management in Europe. CONTENT : This is a non-binding Recommendation on Member States to take a strategic approach to the management of their coastal zones, based on: -protection of the coastal environment based on an ecosystem approach preserving its integrity and functioning and sustainable management of the natural resources of the coastal zone; -recognition of the threat posed by climate change and of the dangers entailed by the rise in sea level and in the increasing frequency and violence of storms; -appropriate protection measures, including protection of coastal settlements and their cultural heritage; -sustainable economic opportunities and employment options; -a functioning social and cultural system in local communities -adequate accessible land for the public, both for recreational purposes and aesthetic reasons; -promotion of cohesion of remote communities -improved co-ordination in managing the sea-land interaction. Coastal zone management should be based on the principles given in the Recommendation which include: -a long-term perspective which will take into account the precautionary principle and the needs of present and future generations; -adaptive management during a gradual process; -local specificity and the great diversity of European coastal zones; -working with natural processes and respecting the carrying capacity of ecosystems; -involving all the parties concerned (economic and social partners, representative organisations of residents, NGOs and the business sector); -support and involvement of administrative bodies at national, regional and local level. Member States should conduct a national stocktaking to analyse which major factors influence the management of their coastal zones. Based on the results of the stocktaking, each Member State concerned, in partnership with the regional authorities and the inter-regional organisations should develop a national strategy to implement the principles for integrated management of the coastal zone. Member States report to the Commission 45 months after the adoption of this Recommendation. The Commission will review the Recommendation within 55 months after adoption.�