Fundamentals of Integrated Coastal Management

The coastal zone presents the interface between land and the ocean. Integrated management is required because more than 60 percent of the world's population lives in the coastal zone. This book presents a comprehensive treatment of integrated coastal management based on the sustainable development concept. It covers the a-biotic and biotic components of the ecological conditions, the economic and social organisation, and the role of decision-making systems. A few model coastal management programmes are presented. The Mediterranean Sea is used as the basic case study. Each chapter contains not only the theoretical, historical and philosophical foundations of integrated coastal management, but also some useful guidelines for management. As such, this volume is of equal value to the academic community and to managers and planners.