On the Need for an Integrated Large-Scale Methodology of Coastal Management: A Methodological Proposal

Abstract

Sustainable management of coastal areas involves dealing with problems such as coastal erosion, rapid growth in the rate of urbanization, tourism, environmental degradation associated with industrial and urban activities. Besides consideration is provided for the effects of climate change, whose scenarios also have significant consequences on coastal systems that are already extremely vulnerable and prone to many human pressures. Over the years, several international and national studies have been conducted to deepen the coastal processes. To date—despite considerable efforts—there are still problems. Two relevant priorities emerge: managing coastal risks and ensuring sustainable coastal management. In response to the above-mentioned challenges, it is worthwhile to elaborate an integrated methodology that, basing on the collection, analysis and evaluation of data, may provide an effective guideline for the successful implementation of each action, while providing timely and targeted information for the adoption of governance strategies concerning the prevention and management of marine-coastal risks. In the present study, considering what emerged in the major research projects on the coastal field during the last decades, a methodological proposal is outlined to pursue the principles of the integrated coastal zona management (ICZM) and join the managing coastal risks with sustainable uses focusing on the implementation scale.