Coasts Notes

Page 1

Specification key questions: an overview of topics

Why are coastal areas a valuable economic and environmental resource?

How have physical processes created the coastal landforms that exist today?

Why are decisions made to manage coastal areas?

How can the management of coastal areas be increasingly sustainable?

Why are coastal areas a valuable economic and environmental resource?

Key ideas:

Coastal areas are multi-use areas which provide opportunities for a number of human activities

There are frequently conflicting demands on coastal areas and this creates need for management strategies

Specification content:

Use an example(s) to describe and explain the reasons for growth of human and economic activities in coastal areas

Coastal areas have become growth poles, and the development of industry, trade and tourism has encouraged people both to visit, and move to, coastal areas. This leads to growth in social activities because people are visiting because there is more to see and do, such as theme parks, and growth in economic activities because these visitors and migrators are spending money. Business development creates job opportunities which leads to growth in both society and the economy because people have more disposable income and can pay taxes. An example of where this has happened is Dubai. Here, millions of pounds worth development has taken place. For example, developed port facilities create jobs as well as improve the country's relations through imports and exports. Also in Dubai, there has been growth in human and economic activities thanks to improved transport facilities. The development of airports allows better access into the country and attracts more people to visit. This means jobs can be provided and tourists spend money which boosts the economy.

Use an example to illustrate the range of human activities found in a coastal area and the reasons for their development

The UAE Government has spent millions of pounds improving local infrastructure as well as developing a new international airport in order to provide economic and job opportunities for businesses and individuals. The centerpiece of the coastal development in Dubai is the Palm Island project. The first palm to be completed, the Palm Jumeriah, has an international hotel, a shopping mall with 200 shops and a yachting marina. This shows the range of human activities and shows that Dubai is a multi-use area because it has multiple functions. Another example of a human activity found in Dubai is the theme park chain: Dubailand, which contains 24 theme parks and shopping malls. This is an example of human activity because it provides an attraction for tourists and locals alike.

Use examples to explore the issues arising out of the conflict between economic development and the need for conservation in coastal areas

Use examples to explore the measures used to conserve coastal environments

New Page