Relevance of systems approaches for implementing Integrated Coastal Zone Management principles in Europe

Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) development is described here in the broader context of European coastal management initiatives. The European approach to coastal governance revolves around the principles of ICZM, as enshrined in EC Recommendation 2002/413/EC. This study investigates the extent to which the FP6 funded project SPICOSA (Science Policy Integration for Coastal Systems Assessment) was able to implement these principles. The SPICOSA project aimed to test whether it was possible to develop and implement a systems approach framework via delivery of a structured engagement process between scientists and policymakers. A survey of representatives from 14 European study sites involved in the project revealed that the approach had been effective at implementing some ICZM principles, particularly the “holistic approach”. However, not all principles were fully implemented at all sites and the most challenging to implement was that of “a long term approach”. The paper concludes with a critical consideration of the role of a systems approach framework in progressing the current state of intellectual assent towards practical implementation of ICZM principles. The findings provide evidence of contributions and limitations of systems approaches to sustainability science and good governance.

[1]  John McKenna,et al.  The potential role of Sustainability Science in coastal zone management , 2010 .

[2]  Andrew Jordan,et al.  The Governance of Sustainable Development: Taking Stock and Looking Forwards , 2008 .

[3]  Rhoda Catherine Ballinger,et al.  The management of the coastal zone of Europe , 1994 .

[4]  R. Ballinger,et al.  Integrated Coastal Management: a comparative analysis of four UK initiatives , 2009 .

[5]  Robert W. Knecht,et al.  Education and training in integrated coastal management: lessons from the international arena , 2000 .

[6]  J. Hills,et al.  Practitioner training for building capacity in ICZM , 2010 .

[7]  T. Stojanovic,et al.  Improving governance through local Coastal Partnerships in the UK , 2008 .

[8]  John McKenna,et al.  Managing by principle: A critical analysis of the European principles of Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) , 2008 .

[9]  C. S. Lalwani,et al.  Successful integrated coastal management: measuring it with research and contributing to wise practice , 2004 .

[10]  R. Ballinger,et al.  An evaluation of the implementation of the European ICZM principles , 2010 .

[11]  Jeanette Reis,et al.  Capacity development of European coastal and marine management – gaps and bridges , 2012 .

[12]  J. Støttrup,et al.  A Systems Approach Framework for Coastal Zones , 2011 .

[13]  J. Cooper.  Progress in Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) in Northern Ireland , 2011 .

[14]  Towards a 'new form of governance' in science-policy relations in the European Maritime Policy , 2010 .

[15]  J. Peterson,et al.  Spatial Decision Support for Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) in Victoria, Australia: Constraints and Opportunities , 2011 .

[16]  J. D. Vivero,et al.  Maritime Europe and EU enlargement. A geopolitical perspective , 2006 .

[17]  Jouni Paavola,et al.  Governance for Sustainability: Towards a ‘Thick’ Analysis of Environmental Decisionmaking , 2003 .

[18]  S. Olsen.  Assessing Progress Toward the Goals of Coastal Management , 2002 .

[19]  Frances Westley,et al.  Perspectives on Resilience to Disasters across Sectors and Cultures , 2011 .