Coastal management: Global change …. global observation?

Abstract

The theme of the present discussion is to consider coastal observation needs in the broader context of a sustainable, integrated management response to coastal change. Thus underlining the notion that observations are an element of a more comprehensive process. We will therefore first explore the process of ICZM, and find that deficits in international co-ordination and concertation are large. An overview of salient coastal zone issues emphasises the spatial, spectral and temporal diversity of observational needs, which is concluded to be an important reason for the relative underdevelopment of coastal zone observation systems. A "global" coastal observation effort should give due consideration to these aspects, and aim to help resolve this in concertation with national and international institutions carrying responsibility for a sustainable development of the coastal zone. The interpretation of the meaning of global appears to be twofold, global in the sense of a generic, universal need (although many coastal problems are local), and global in the sense of institutionalisation and co-ordination on a global level. IntroductionWhere water meets the land, global change is perhaps most conspicuous to mankind. The dynamics of the land water interface are intense, not only due to natural causes, but also due to human exploitation of coastal resources. The central question that this paper intends to answer is whether a sustainable response aimed at combating negative global coastal change will benefit from a "global" coastal observation effort. Undoubtedly, the answer to this question is positive, but this is not as trivial as it appears. A focus on the true needs develops from viewing the nature of the process which is central in developing ICZM (Integrated Coastal Zone Management), and from there on the role of observations in this process. By reiterating the main problems that we face in coastal regions we are able to derive those observational needs that should be central in the context of a global effort. When receiving the invitation to present this paper, the request was to focus on the needs of developing countries, but we would argue that there exist only gradual differences between the needs of developed and developing countries.