II. Coastal Management and Coastal Defense
Chapter IV : Social and Cultural Implications
of Adaptive Measures
1
Introduction
35
The social and cultural implications of adaptive response measures may affect
hundreds of million people living in coastal zones with average width of 50
kilometres TM. In addition to the general population move towards the coasts, in
some coastal areas, inhabitants are highly concentrated in a narrow coastal belt
(e.g. Java, India and China).
The lifestyles of many people are tied directly to the coast and its predominant
local characteristics. The coast also features strongly in the mythology of many
cultures. Numerous places of particular cultural significance are situated on the
coast and many people in developed and developing nations view the sea, coasts,
reefs and beaches as central to their lives.
Social and cultural implications of adaptive options are likely to vary
considerably from country to country and from site to site. Options that are
socially and culturally beneficial in some situations may be less desirable in
others. Affected commtmities must be consulted and participate in the decisions
to adopt particular options. This is probably one of the best means available to
identify the social and cultural implications for particular cases.
2
Retreat
Retreat, as an option, may imply a partial, incremental process or a sudden large
scale event. In some circumstances, there may be a need to relocate inhabitants,
or even entire communities, which could have major financial and social
implications in developing countries. The loss of the traditional environment that
normally sustains economies and cultures and provides for recreational needs,
could severely disrupt family life and create social instability, with a resulting
adverse impact on the entire community, especially on the young and the elderly.
In addition, places of great cultural significance, for example, burial grounds,
historic places, of religious centers, could also be lost if retreat occurs.
Chapter IV : Social and Cultural Implications
of Adaptive Measures
1
Introduction
35
The social and cultural implications of adaptive response measures may affect
hundreds of million people living in coastal zones with average width of 50
kilometres TM. In addition to the general population move towards the coasts, in
some coastal areas, inhabitants are highly concentrated in a narrow coastal belt
(e.g. Java, India and China).
The lifestyles of many people are tied directly to the coast and its predominant
local characteristics. The coast also features strongly in the mythology of many
cultures. Numerous places of particular cultural significance are situated on the
coast and many people in developed and developing nations view the sea, coasts,
reefs and beaches as central to their lives.
Social and cultural implications of adaptive options are likely to vary
considerably from country to country and from site to site. Options that are
socially and culturally beneficial in some situations may be less desirable in
others. Affected commtmities must be consulted and participate in the decisions
to adopt particular options. This is probably one of the best means available to
identify the social and cultural implications for particular cases.
2
Retreat
Retreat, as an option, may imply a partial, incremental process or a sudden large
scale event. In some circumstances, there may be a need to relocate inhabitants,
or even entire communities, which could have major financial and social
implications in developing countries. The loss of the traditional environment that
normally sustains economies and cultures and provides for recreational needs,
could severely disrupt family life and create social instability, with a resulting
adverse impact on the entire community, especially on the young and the elderly.
In addition, places of great cultural significance, for example, burial grounds,
historic places, of religious centers, could also be lost if retreat occurs.