10
R.H. Charlier and Chr. P. De Meyer
3 Management
Any human activity, albeit residential, industrial or commercial will more or less
directly impact on the coastal zone (onshore, nearshore and offshore), and on the
coastal shelf in general. The exploitation of this region must be carefully planned,
its consequences duly examined, and its environmental and social impacts
assessed. Management of such region requires an in-depth study of the best
resources to exploit, decision-making as to choice, and constant vigilance and
monitoring, within environmental imposed constraints 9.
3.1 Adaptation, Planning and Land-Use
Planning for coastal zone management must consider proposed utilization,
whether single or multiple. Conflicts inevitably ensue as urbanization,
commercial and industrial development, tourism and traditional and, even
artisanal, occupations vie for space. A general occupation scheme is required
rather than a step by step policy or one of individual freedom. It must consider
the exploitation at tile chosen site of the proposed activities, which requires a
study of human factors, adaptation to the local geographical conditions, and
efforts to satisfy the space requests, while paying attention to aesthetics,
conservation and environmental protection of both the coastal zone and
hinterland. From the economics viewpoint, planning will include a search for
financing sources and an assessment of the comparative benefit-cost ratios,
It is self-evident, yet important, that the nature and the stability of a coast will
determine to a high degree the action to be taken and the scenario to be followed.
The coastal zone ought also to be managed with a view for its touristic and
recreational potential, its transport, communication and even waste dumping
possibilities, though the latter are severely legislated, restricted and foreseeably
may be completely prohibited. The proportion of beaches in use for recreation is
steadily expanding as a result of improved public transportation, the "shortening"
of distances by air travel, and the attractiveness of far-away places - all
corollaries of social change following the two world wars. Yet, one may deplore
the anarchy which marked the post- World War II touristic occupation of the
coastal zone 1°.
R.H. Charlier and Chr. P. De Meyer
3 Management
Any human activity, albeit residential, industrial or commercial will more or less
directly impact on the coastal zone (onshore, nearshore and offshore), and on the
coastal shelf in general. The exploitation of this region must be carefully planned,
its consequences duly examined, and its environmental and social impacts
assessed. Management of such region requires an in-depth study of the best
resources to exploit, decision-making as to choice, and constant vigilance and
monitoring, within environmental imposed constraints 9.
3.1 Adaptation, Planning and Land-Use
Planning for coastal zone management must consider proposed utilization,
whether single or multiple. Conflicts inevitably ensue as urbanization,
commercial and industrial development, tourism and traditional and, even
artisanal, occupations vie for space. A general occupation scheme is required
rather than a step by step policy or one of individual freedom. It must consider
the exploitation at tile chosen site of the proposed activities, which requires a
study of human factors, adaptation to the local geographical conditions, and
efforts to satisfy the space requests, while paying attention to aesthetics,
conservation and environmental protection of both the coastal zone and
hinterland. From the economics viewpoint, planning will include a search for
financing sources and an assessment of the comparative benefit-cost ratios,
It is self-evident, yet important, that the nature and the stability of a coast will
determine to a high degree the action to be taken and the scenario to be followed.
The coastal zone ought also to be managed with a view for its touristic and
recreational potential, its transport, communication and even waste dumping
possibilities, though the latter are severely legislated, restricted and foreseeably
may be completely prohibited. The proportion of beaches in use for recreation is
steadily expanding as a result of improved public transportation, the "shortening"
of distances by air travel, and the attractiveness of far-away places - all
corollaries of social change following the two world wars. Yet, one may deplore
the anarchy which marked the post- World War II touristic occupation of the
coastal zone 1°.