5 - unesdoc - Unesco

2.1 Introduction
The major goal of ICOM is to contribute to sustainable development and utilization
of coastal and ocean areas and their biological resources. ICOM is
a dynamic, multidisciplinary, iterative and participatory process to promote
sustainable management of coastal and ocean areas balancing environmental,
economic, social, cultural and recreational objectives over the long-term.
ICOM employs a comprehensive method of planning and managing human
activities within a defined coastal or ocean area, taking into account the relevant
ecological, social, cultural and economic dimensions and the interactions
between them. Ideally, an ICOM programme should operate within a closely
integrated and coherent management framework within a defined geographical
limit (Chua, 1993).
This chapter provides an introduction to ICOM and discusses the use of
various frameworks and indicators in analysing the effectiveness of ICOM
programmes.
Table 2-1 Examples of ICOM goals and functions
Goals Functions
2.2 Functions of ICOM
Area planning • Plan for present and future uses of ocean and coastal areas
• Provide a long-term vision
The functions of ICOM are wide-ranging, and include the promotion of environmentally
compatible economic development, the protection of coastal and
marine habitats and biodiversity, as well as area-based planning (Table 2-1).
ICOM also addresses specific issues such as beach stabilization, conservation of
coastal and marine habitats and biodiversity, protection of the coastal and marine
environment from land-based pollution, unsustainable fisheries and tourism,
as well as impacts from climate change and sea level rise. Often, an ICOM
intervention is initiated in response to a specific issue. This lays the foundation
for the development of a more complex ICOM programme in the future.
2.3 Principles and international guidelines on ICOM
ICOM is based on several principles, with sustainable development being the
overarching principle.
Promotion of economic development • Promote appropriate uses of ocean and coastal areas (e.g., marine aquaculture, ecotourism)
Stewardship of resources • Protect the ecological base of ocean and coastal areas
• Preserve biological diversity
• Ensure sustainability of uses
Conflict resolution • Harmonize and balance existing/potential uses
• Address conflicts among ocean and coastal uses
Protection of public safety • Protect public safety in ocean and coastal areas typically prone to significant natural, as well as human-
induced, hazards
Proprietorship of public submerged lands
and waters
2.Use of indicators
in Integrated Coastal and Ocean Management
• As governments are often outright owners of specific ocean and coastal areas, manage government-held areas
and resources wisely and with good economic returns to the public
6 IOC Manuals and Guides 46