C 226/38 EN 8.8.2000 Official Journal of the European Communities
Opinion of the Committee of the Regions on ‘Towards a European Integrated Coastal Zone
Management (ICZM) Strategy General Principles and Policy Options’
(2000/C 226/11)
THE COMMITTEE OF THE REGIONS,
having regard to the reflection paper on ‘Towards a European Integrated Coastal Zone Management
(ICZM) Strategy — General Principles and Policy Options’ and the accompanying document ‘Lessons
from the European Commission’s Demonstration Programme on the Integrated Coastal Zone Manage-
ment (ICZM)’ prepared by the Demonstration Programme’s team of thematic experts on ICZM;
having regard to its Bureau’s decision of 15 September 1999, under the fifth paragraph of Article 265,
instructing Commission 4 for Spatial Planning, Urban Issues, Energy and the Environment to draw up
the relevant opinion;
having regard to the opinion of the Committee of the Regions on the Communication from the
Commission on the Integrated Management of Coastal Zones (CdR 114/96) (1);
having regard to the draft Opinion (CdR 359/99 rev. 1) adopted by Commission 4 on 2 December 1999
(rapporteur: Ms McNamara (IRL, EA)),
adopted the following opinion at its 33rd plenary session of 12 and 13 April 2000 (session of 12 April).
1.Introduction — to maintain the biological diversity and productivity of
coastal ecosystems and to improve the quality of the
coastal environment.
1.1. The coastal zone is an area of land and sea territory the
size of which is determined by its management needs. It variessignificantly in terms of area, geomorphology, hydrology,1.4. ICZM is a process of co-ordination and co-operationbiodiversity, land use, administrative, cultural and socio-between all managers (at all spatial levels of authority,economic systems. The dynamics and physical diversity of theincluding the national level) and users of the coastal zonecoastal zone is compounded by the fact that it rarely adheresresources. It therefore requires a number of prerequisites forto, or coincides with existing administrative boundaries.its effective operation. These include an understanding of its
interregional nature, a recognition of its value, a programme
of relevant actions and measures, a framework in which ICZM
can occur, a comprehensive database, appropriate expertise1.2. The extensive geographical area of the coastal zoneand adequate funding.and the number of resources contained within it results in
huge pressures for development and a range of competinguses that are not often compatible. Integrated Coastal Zone
Management (ICZM) therefore seeks to manage the resources
and uses in such a way that will allow the maximum numberof competing uses while, at the same time, preventing
irreversible damage to the natural ecosystems and processes
2.Gist of the document which are responsible for the coastal zone.
1.3. ICZM is a continuous process which seeks, through2.1. The document prepared by the European Commissionmore efficient and holistic management:has two stated purposes:
— to establish and maintain the sustainable use and develop-— To compile and diffuse the principal policy lessons emerg-ment of the resources of the coastal zone so as to improveing from its Demonstration Programme on ICZM.the quality of life of human communities dependent on
these resources; and
— To stimulate debate and develop consensus on a European
ICZM strategy, designed to reverse the trend towards
unsustainability that is presently pervasive in coastal zones
across Europe. (1) OJ C 182, 24.6.1996, p. 12.
8.8.2000 EN C 226/39 Official Journal of the European Communities
2.2. The Demonstration Programme has enabled a review 4.2. Experience has demonstrated that the level of manage-
ment must be appropriate to the scale of the coastal zone of policy in coastal zone areas across Europe, and has indicated
that good management can take many forms. The document under consideration. Thus the COR emphasises that a general
framework for ICZM would involve a guiding set of principles specifies seven general principles that should apply to all future
ICZM initiatives. A European ICZM Strategy is identified as a at a trans-national level, the framing of policy at an interre-
gional level, and a greater focus on definition and implemen- method that embodies these seven principles, and at the same
time, promotes the sustainable development of the coastal tation of policy (including detailed ’plans’ or strategies) at a
regional and local level. zone. The document also discusses the various policy options
for a European ICZM Strategy including the role of the EU,
intersectoral co-ordination and a legal framework.
4.3. The COR stresses that local and regional authorities
are best placed to deal with the implementation of ICZM, as
they tend to be closest to the coastal problems and areexperienced in dealing with issues and policies that require a
multi-sectoral approach. Local and regional authorities are
3.General comments ideally placed to increase awareness of ICZM issues and their
key role in spatial planning will prove invaluable in the
development of ICZM plans.
3.1. The COR welcomes the Reflection Paper as an oppor-
tunity to contribute to the development of an European ICZMStrategy.4.4. Furthermore the COR emphasises that local and
regional authorities can cater for local needs, by providing
local solutions to what generally are area-specific problems.
The varied nature of the coastal zone ensures that blanket3.2. The Demonstration Programme has highlighted thepolicies will be ineffective. Local and regional authorities arefact that, whilst coastal zone problems are common acrossin the best position to provide local ICZM polices.Europe, solutions are generally specific to particular areas. The
COR therefore emphasises that local and regional authorities
are a vital component in ICZM. Local and regional authorities
are best equipped to deal with implementation of ICZM
4.5. The COR advocates the creation of European co- policies.
operation networks between coastal local and regional auth-
orities. A network similar to the Sustainable Cities Network,
which would allow discussion of common problems anddissemination of potential solutions, should be considered. 3.3. The COR advocates the mainstreaming of the lessons
learnt from the Demonstration Programme. The COR believes
that the ongoing development of a European ICZM Strategy isessential in order to promote good management in the coastal
zone, particularly given its interregional nature. The COR
stresses the importance of a European ICZM Strategy involvinga coherent set of principles, measures, initiatives and a
programme of support to guide local and regional authorities5.The value of an European Union dimensionin the implementation of ICZM practices.
5.1. The Committee of the Regions underlines the value of
a European Union dimension in the process of ICZM, as it willallow certain advantages in the establishment of coherent
ICZM policies in the Member States and their regions. How-4.The importance of a local and regional dimensionever, there are a number of issues that will have to be addressed
if a European ICZM Strategy is to be a success.
4.1. The COR believes that the next stage in the develop-
ment of a European ICZM Strategy is the establishment of aframework in which the effective operation of ICZM can take 5.2. The COR believes that the role of the EU will be to
provide guidance at a macro level. There is no one approach place. As the Demonstration Projects have shown there are a
number of different frameworks that are suitable and appli- to Integrated Coastal Zone Management and therefore the
level of management must reflect the extent of the coastal cable to specific areas. Each framework must be tailored to the
requirements of the coastal zone in question, and therefore an zone under consideration. At a European level, broad policies
are required with actual coastal zone management plans only effective strategy in one Member State or an individual region
may not be appropriate to another. necessary at a regional and local level.
C 226/40 EN 8.8.2000 Official Journal of the European Communities
5.3. The COR suggests that the EU needs to take a — continuing and supporting research and education into
ICZM including for example, the ongoing development of proactive role in facilitating the development of Coastal Zone
Management procedures across Europe including the possible demonstration methodologies and frameworks;
formulation of broad policy principles. Action at EU level is
required to support regional and local administrations in the
— providing technical assistance and expert knowledge and implementation of ICZM. To this end the COR advises that
facilitating interregional frameworks, trans-national co- the establishment of a programme of support similar in nature
operation, and exchange of experience; to Interreg IIC should be considered in order to facilitate the
development of co-operation regions and networks, in zones
such as the North Sea areas, Baltic Sea area, Atlantic Arc area— increasing awareness of both the benefits of, and need for,and Mediterranean area.Integrated Coastal Zone Management.
5.4. The COR believes that the EU has an important role in
developing and maintaining cross-border co-operation among
Member States and with third countries in relation to ICZM. 6.A need for commitment to Integrated Coastal Zone
Proper management of the coastal zone requires trans-national Management
agreements and co-operation networks. The COR believes that
the EU is in the best position to facilitate such agreements.
6.1. The COR stresses that there needs to be an increase in
the general awareness of the importance of the coastal zone,
and in particular its proper management. For this to take place5.5. The COR stresses that a comprehensive review of allthe COR believes that there needs to be a commitment onEU policies that affect the coastal zone is necessary includingbehalf of all current managers to the process of Integratedany initiatives that have an EU dimension. These includeCoastal Zone Management, at international, national, regionalspatial planning policy as outlined by the ESDP, socio-and local levels. Active and continuous participation iseconomic policies such as the CAP, the Fisheries Policy andrequired, as opposed to a supporting role. The necessity ofsupport programmes for coastal tourist resorts, environmentalICZM needs to be recognised and resources have to bepolices such as pollution and nature conservation programmescommitted. The COR believes that local and regional auth-and all Structural Funding that affects development in theorities must engender this commitment and take a share of thecoastal zone. The COR submits that all policies should beresponsibility for it.assessed or audited to ensure that they do not have a negative
impact on the coastal zone. Furthermore the COR advocates
the appropriate mainstreaming of ICZM principles and stra-
6.2. The COR understands that ICZM is a complicated tegies into all EU policies after the Demonstration Programme
procedure which necessitates the involvement of all managers has been completed.
and users, including national governments, state bodies,
regional and local authorities, NGOs, relevant commercial
sectors and the public. However, the prerequisite for the
proper management of the coastal zone is a commitment from 5.6. To provide a coherence for future ICZM policies at
all managers and users to the process of Integrated Coastal an EU level the COR suggests the establishment of an
Zone Management. To this end the COR advocates the creation interdisciplinary team, representing the policy interests of the
of enabling mechanisms within local and regional authorities relevant Directorate Generals and led by the most appropriate
and national administrations in order to establish synergy and DG (e.g. DG Environment). Its responsibilities would involve
allow the involvement of all relevant sectors and individuals. the on-going development of an EU ICZM Strategy and the
further integration and mainstreaming of ICZM principles into
other appropriate policy fields.
7.The need to define the coastal zone5.7. The COR underlines the supporting role of the EU in
relation to ICZM, which is envisaged in a number of ways,
including inter alia:7.1. The COR advocates the physical definition of the
coastal zone at a local level where necessary in order toestablish its management needs. This will involve the collection— facilitating the implementation of ICZM by the establish-and collation of all available data on the coastal zone, itsment of a programme of support in order to facilitate thephysical extent, its administration and its users. The COR seesdevelopment of co-operation regions and networks;a number of advantages in physically defining the coastal zone
as it will enable the following:
— assisting in the provision of resources particularly in
support of regional and local administrations in solving — the identification of existing management problems and
shortcomings; coastal problems;
8.8.2000 EN C 226/41 Official Journal of the European Communities
— the identification of existing coastal zone managers and play an important role in future coastal zone management
procedures. The COR believes that their awareness of the existing administrative systems responsible for the coastal
zone; benefits of, and need for, coastal zone management must be
increased and they must also be educated in the implemen-
tation of ICZM practices.
— the creation of greater co-operation between existing
coastal managers and existing administrations;
— the creation of a framework for ICZM including new9.Conclusionsmanagement structures, which are specific to particular
coastal areas;
The Committee of the Regions
7.2. Whilst the COR recognises that the boundaries of the
coastal zone are determined by natural processes and systems,
9.1. welcomes the Reflection Paper and believes that the there must be a cut-off point in defining these boundaries. The
ongoing development of ICZM principles is essential for the COR therefore suggests that a balance should be struck
creation of an EU ICZM Strategy in order to protect the coastal between the natural processes and existing management
zone, to promote its sustainable development and to develop systems when defining the coastal zone. For example in the
systems to foster interregional co-operation; preparation of a draft policy for ICZM in Ireland it was
ascertained that there were nine coastal cells around the
country formed by natural coastal processes. These were
subsequently divided into 13 coastal cells as a result of a study 9.2. stresses the importance of the role of local and
of the existing administrative boundaries and the relative ease regional authorities in the implementation of ICZM, given
to produce strategic plans for 13 rather than nine cells. The their experience in dealing with multi-sectoral problems and
COR advocates that the definition of the coastal zone should the fact that coastal zone problems and solutions are generally
occur at a local/regional level as local and regional authorities area-specific. The varied nature of the coastal zone ensures
are likely to have the best knowledge of the appropriate that local and regional authorities are in the best position to
boundaries. provide local solutions to local problems. The creation of
co-operation networks between coastal local and regional
authorities is advocated to allow discussion of commonproblems and dissemination of potential solutions; the various
interest groups or user groups and the local population should
also be involved.8.The need for resources
9.3. underlines the value of a European Union dimension8.1. The COR reiterates that ICZM requires resources inin the development of a European ICZM Strategy and suggestsorder for proper implementation to occur. Resources arethat the EU should have a guiding and supporting role at aparticularly necessary for the development and support ofmacro level. This role will allow the facilitation of cooperationICZM delivery mechanisms, data collection and collation, andregions and networks between Member States and with thirdeducation.countries. The EU is in the best position to enable cross-border
cooperation in relation to the establishment of a ICZM
Strategy, given the opportunities that the new Interreg IIIB willprovide. 8.2. The COR notes that data collection and collation will
be a crucial component in establishing an ICZM framework.
Acquiring information and collating it into a format which is
relevant and accessible can be an expensive procedure in terms 9.4. stresses that a comprehensive review of all EU policies
of both monetary and time costs. Much of the information is that affect the coastal zone is necessary, including other
already available but is either not accessible or not known. initiatives with an EU dimension. This includes the ESDP, the
The COR therefore suggests that costs can be reduced by CAP, the Fisheries Policy and support programmes for coastal
ascertaining the information available and, after deciding tourist resorts, environmental policies such as pollution and
what is missing, collecting the necessary data. Research nature conservation programmes and all Structural Funding
and information needs must be defined through a genuine that affects development in the coastal zone.
partnership between research organisations and coastal man-
agers.
9.5. advocates the establishment of an interdisciplinary
team representing the policy interests of the relevant Director-ate Generals. Its responsibilities would involve the on-going 8.3. The COR considers that resources will also be essential
for education and raising awareness of Integrated Coastal Zone development of an EU ICZM Strategy and the further inte-
gration and mainstreaming of ICZM principles into other Management, particularly amongst existing current coastal
zone managers. It is likely that the existing managers will appropriate policy fields.
C 226/42 EN 8.8.2000 Official Journal of the European Communities
9.6. emphasises the need for commitment from all man- when defining the coastal zone. The definition of the coastal
zone should occur at a local/regional level as local and regional agers and users to the process of ICZM. Enabling mechanisms
within local and regional authorities and national adminis- authorities are likely to have the best knowledge of the
appropriate boundaries, managers, administrations and exist- trations have to be created in order to establish synergy and
allow the involvement of all relevant sectors and individuals. ing problems;
9.8. reiterates the necessity for proper resources in order to 9.7. advocates the physical definition of the coastal zone at
a local level where necessary in order to establish its manage- enable ICZM to occur, in particular for the development and
support of ICZM delivery mechanisms, data collection and ment needs and suggests that a balance should be struck
between natural processes and existing management systems collation, and education.
Brussels, 12 April 2000.
The President
of the Committee of the Regions
Jos CHABERT