Coastal zone management–between politics and law: new guidelines for differentiated management of the shore zone in Norway

Abstract

Norway has more than 100,000 km of coastline and associated shore zone. The shore zone is an attractive area for development and infrastructure on the one hand, and recreation and protection of biological diversity on the other. The Norwegian Planning and Building Act contains a general ban on any building in the area between the ordinary high water mark and up to 100 m inland from the shoreline. Exemptions can be granted, however, by the competent municipality through land planning and individual decisions. The importance attached to leaving the shore zone untouched varies from region to region. There are large geographical differences in terms of biodiversity, cultural heritage, landscape, development, development pressure, migration and depopulation, and commercial activity, as well as public access to the coastal areas and the ocean. Since 2011, the entire Norwegian shore zone became subject to guidelines that regulate a geographical differentiation of management and a more severe protection of central areas. This article analyses key aspects of the Norwegian shore zone regulation.

From strategic marine planning to project licences – Striking a balance between predictability and adaptability in the management of aquaculture and offshore wind farms

“…The use of dispensations from the plans and related provisions can undermine the holistic approach. 189 Thus, the vertical management hierarchy is strict, linking strategic planning with downstream project licences, promoting a holistic approach and predictability. The system is modelled on the Petroleum Act, 190 but, as opposed to the extraction of petroleum, wind energy turbines have greater flexibility with respect to location.…”