Evaluation of Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) in ...

Evaluation of Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) in Europe – Final Report
employed as best as possible under consideration of social, ecological
and economic goals.
In Denmark, according to the available auxiliary data, an assessment
of the scope of existing management regulations pertaining to the
coast was initiated and documented. The importance of careful
planning and administration is recognised as well as the promotion of
better common understanding between regional and local authorities.
In the UK, the most prominent issue which has not yet been satisfactorily
addressed in a strategic approach revolves around the promotion
of long-term planning for ICZM. So far, most if not all ICZM
initiatives have been short-term projects rather than being an integral
part of an established decision-making and delivery process. Improvement
is also intended to deliver a more holistic management on
the ground and to enhance appreciation of coastal issues through a
greater consultation with stakeholders at all levels.
In Belgium there appears a resistance to identifying a strategy
specifically under a label of ICZM but instead a preference to utilise
existing strategic development mechanisms with a greater degree of
integration of sectors and stakeholders coupled with a greater
consultative process.
Sweden is strongly focused on environment and to some extent
social aspects, whereas economic aspects are not well covered and
improvable.
Sweden strongly
focussed on
environmental
issues
Participatory Methods
In most countries bordering the North Sea, participation in the ICZM
national strategy process was mentioned but not well-documented or
elaborated in the respective reports. This information gap was
covered by the auxiliary data and interviews. For instance, Germany
has stimulated a wide public debate via several open conferences
and workshops with selected groups, in which governmental, NGOs
and private sector representatives were invited. A broad range of
institutions, federal and State ministries, administration, research
institutions and NGOs were represented. Furthermore, experts were
invited to the conference to provide international input. All minutes of
meetings of the various groups were displayed in the internet and the
National Strategy was presented to the public in a conference held in
April 2006. On the regional North Sea level, participation has
surfaced prominently in the Wadden Sea Forum and the Euregio "The
Wadden". This is also well reflected in the questionnaire results, in
which Germany has gained mostly positive replies, compared to the
UK or Belgium, where the replies have been more diverse. However,
the general trend implies that most of the North Sea states have
undertaken some efforts in stakeholder participation.
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