The CSI Project's goal is to assist Member States towards integrated coastal planning and management by advancing knowledge, promoting the application of research results and related capacity building. A holistic approach CSI is part of the Organization's response to calls for cross-sectoral, integrated approaches to environmental problems. CSI will address issues in several of these domains.
Coastal management is now a key task facing maritime nations.
In addition, there are many social, economic and cultural factors to be considered in arriving at solutions. Four pilot projects are being developed at sub-regional level, with the overall objective of designing scientific guidelines and methods for the integrated planning and management of coastal regions and small islands towards sustainable development. Sustainable small-island development through integrated management of freshwater resources involving local communities. Sustainable coastal zone development through integrated planning and management focused on mitigating the impacts of coastline instability. Integrated management of biological diversity for sustainable coastal development.