I. The Coastal Zone
3
1 Introduction
1.1 Attraction and Problems
Global changes, global warming, greenhouse effect, sea level rise, are as many
terms that have joined the already lengthy list of such in-the-news topics as
pollution, environmental impact, ozone layer, sustainability, population
explosion. Had the word "catastrophism" not yet been tapped to designate an
orogenic theory, it could qualify" as a catchword for today's problems. There is
more : travel the central spine of Spain, let us say from Zaragoza on, then veer
towards Valencia, and one rapidly gets the feeling of being alone. Populations
have left, The phenomenon is not unique : everywhere, but more so in already
industrialized regions, man is migrating towards cities, in quest of a supposedly
higher standard of living, and especially towards shore areas, in search of space,
cleaner air, and water I.
In the United States, for instance, predictions forecast an occupance rate of the
coastal fringe that could reach 70 to 80% within the next decade or so. Are there
already 50% of populations settled in the coastal zone ? Doubts have been
expressed whether these estimates are correct and that as many people will live
within 50 miles (90 kin) from tile coastline by the year 2000 or 2010. But 54% is
believed to be realistic, while a 27% increase has occurred in a 20 years span. As
a consequence, the coastal zone is under stress, a situation compounded by keen
competition among existing and potential users 2-1°. Concern for the future of the
coastal zone has sprouted a great number of management plans, ranging from the
US Coastal Zone Management Act (CZMA) to legislation and scenarios covering
countries in South America, Australia and Asia. While individual countries have
put forth some management schemes, Europe lacks a coordinated policy. Present
shifts in population and the search for littoral space by a broad array of users,
constitute a strong motivation to work out plans for future management.
The concept of coastal zone is not defined with geographical precision ; in fact, it
even varies with geographical location, and also with the discipline to which the
specialists belong. On one thing, though, they all agree : its crucial importance
for mankind.
Taking into consideration the physical reality, and the human activities, a coastal
zone encompasses expanses on both sides of the "land-sea boundary", the inner
part of the coastal shelf, and a hinterland. Its dynamics, in a delicate equilibrium,
are easily affected by natural processes and anthropic activities. Their impact can
be felt at considerable distance in time and space ; among man-induced processes
are deforestation, river damming, pollution - both domestic and industrial - and
marine mining.
3
1 Introduction
1.1 Attraction and Problems
Global changes, global warming, greenhouse effect, sea level rise, are as many
terms that have joined the already lengthy list of such in-the-news topics as
pollution, environmental impact, ozone layer, sustainability, population
explosion. Had the word "catastrophism" not yet been tapped to designate an
orogenic theory, it could qualify" as a catchword for today's problems. There is
more : travel the central spine of Spain, let us say from Zaragoza on, then veer
towards Valencia, and one rapidly gets the feeling of being alone. Populations
have left, The phenomenon is not unique : everywhere, but more so in already
industrialized regions, man is migrating towards cities, in quest of a supposedly
higher standard of living, and especially towards shore areas, in search of space,
cleaner air, and water I.
In the United States, for instance, predictions forecast an occupance rate of the
coastal fringe that could reach 70 to 80% within the next decade or so. Are there
already 50% of populations settled in the coastal zone ? Doubts have been
expressed whether these estimates are correct and that as many people will live
within 50 miles (90 kin) from tile coastline by the year 2000 or 2010. But 54% is
believed to be realistic, while a 27% increase has occurred in a 20 years span. As
a consequence, the coastal zone is under stress, a situation compounded by keen
competition among existing and potential users 2-1°. Concern for the future of the
coastal zone has sprouted a great number of management plans, ranging from the
US Coastal Zone Management Act (CZMA) to legislation and scenarios covering
countries in South America, Australia and Asia. While individual countries have
put forth some management schemes, Europe lacks a coordinated policy. Present
shifts in population and the search for littoral space by a broad array of users,
constitute a strong motivation to work out plans for future management.
The concept of coastal zone is not defined with geographical precision ; in fact, it
even varies with geographical location, and also with the discipline to which the
specialists belong. On one thing, though, they all agree : its crucial importance
for mankind.
Taking into consideration the physical reality, and the human activities, a coastal
zone encompasses expanses on both sides of the "land-sea boundary", the inner
part of the coastal shelf, and a hinterland. Its dynamics, in a delicate equilibrium,
are easily affected by natural processes and anthropic activities. Their impact can
be felt at considerable distance in time and space ; among man-induced processes
are deforestation, river damming, pollution - both domestic and industrial - and
marine mining.