Objective

Sustainable management of the coastal space and related land and marine resources.

Description

Climate change challenges in coastal areas need to be addressed through integrated and ecosystem-based approaches, taking in consideration also other pressures, such as the littorization process, i.e. the concentration of human population, activities and settlements along coastal areas. Integrated Coastal Management (ICM) is an acknowledged process to deal with current and long-term coastal challenges, including climate change. ICM promotes a strategic (long-term viewing), integrated and adaptive approach to coastal zone planning and management in order to contribute to the sustainable development of coastal areas. It aims to provide a better context to benefit from synergies and to level out inconsistencies across different policies and sectors.

Expected results

Contribute to the sustainable development of coastal areas.

Result indicators

Number of species preserved (biodiversity)

Involved actors

Local community, stakeholders and government at different levels.

Expected timeline for action

• Short term (1-4 years)
• Medium term (5-10 years)

Best practices

• Germany
• Belgium
• Šibenik-Knin County – Croatia

Criticalities

A list of potential challenges include:

• lack of funding throughout the whole duration of the ICM process, e.g. from the strategy and plan elaboration to the implementation of their provisions;
• stakeholder disengagement along the process;
• lack of a strong legal framework, although for some cases this can represent a strength allowing more flexibility in the implementation of ICM-related initiatives;
• difficulty in concretely linking and integrating ICM and Maritime Spatial Planning (MSP).

Scope of the action

• Adaptation
• Mitigation

Type of proposed actions

• Soft

Sector of action

• Aquaculture / Fishing
• Coastal management

Climate impacts

• Extreme precipitation
• Floods

Implementation scale

• Municipality
• Province
• Region / Country

Source

https://climate-adapt.eea.europa.eu/metadata/adaptation-options/adaptation-of-integrated-coastal-management-plans