Conceptual Framework and Planning Guidelines for Integrated Coastal Area and River Basin Management

摘要

Almost two-thirds of the world's population lives in coastal areas, and by 2030 this is projected to increase to 75 percent. The enormous pressures that human activities exert on coastlines have already caused widespread environmental damage, including overfishing, destruction of coral reefs and mangrove swamps, and eutrophication of coastal waters. Coastal environmental are also affected by pollution and erosion in river drainage basins, which carry much of the pollution form land areas to coastal waters. The Integrated Coastal Area and River Basin Management (ICARM) system can be used to assess, reduce and avoid environmental impacts to coastal areas, and to contribute to sustainable development. ICARM is based on assessments of population growth and distribution, urbanization and consumption patterns, waste generation and resource consumption. Using this approach, priority is given to capacity building, land use planning, resource mangaemetn, legislation and enforcement, and protection and conservation of coastlines and river banks.