Abstract

Human pressure on the marine environment has never been so intense. Many human-induced physical, chemical and biological changes are adversely affecting biological diversity, and a range of activities are currently resulting in widespread degradation or even complete destruction of different marine habitats. In particular impacts due to development, and conflicts of interest over resource use, are most acute in the coastal zone. Yet it is here that productivity and biodiversity are generally greatest. Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) is increasingly recognised as essential for securing the sustainable development of resources and the effective management of coastal and marine areas under national jurisdiction. This chapter describes the typical elements of ICZM and discusses key policy considerations. However the full potential of ICZM for maintaining and enhancing marine biodiversity has yet to be realised.

Introduction

The protection and management of biological diversity is now firmly established on the international agenda. While ecologists and environmentalists have long recognised the importance of documenting, studying and maintaining biodiversity, it was only in 1992, following years of discussion, that the Convention on Biological Diversity was agreed, and even more recently ratified (UNCED, 1992a). The objectives of the Convention are to conserve biodiversity, to achieve the sustainable use of its components, and to secure the fair and equitable sharing of the genetic resources which that biodiversity represents.