ICZMs and Managing the Mediterranean

ICZMs and Managing the Mediterranean

1. Integrated Coastal Zone Management

   • Sustainably managing whole coastal area; not just narrow strip where sea meets land
   • Idea introduced by EU 1996
   • Aim: protect coastal areas from over-development and environmental damage
     • Identifies in which coastal areas is being put under pressure
     • Recommends what should be done to reduce pressures on area
     • Puts recommendations in place + checks they're working

2. Mediterranean Coast

   • Over 20 countries from 3 continents (Europe, Asia, Africa)
     • Over 300 million; no. doubles during summer moths= influx of tourists
   • 45,000 km long
     • Along coast: 600 cities
     • 1,000 + ports, marinas
     • 100s of industrial areas
   • Popular holiday destination
     • Attractive climate= hot, dry summers + mild winters
     • Relatively cheap package deals, hotels + restaurants
     • Long coast + warm sea temp

3. Pressures on the Mediterranean

   • Sea pollution from industrial waste + untreated sewage pumped into sea
   • Air pollution- industry + transport
   • Increased urbanisation as popu. increases
   • Threat of desertification as more underground water used
   • Water shortages= increase in demand + climate change
   • Over-fishing= European Environment Agency- 65% of fish stocks in region outside safe biological limits

4. Managing the Mediterranean

   • The Blue Plan
     • "Sustainable future for Mediterranean"
       • Plan's Aim: clean up Mediterranean by 2020
     • Recommednations
       • Make 10% of all coastal areas protected environments (e.g. nature reserves)
       • Reduce building development along coast + introduce protected 'green areas' inbetween
       • Develop inland tourism -> relieve pressure on coast
       • Treat all waste water before pumped into sea
       • Encourage use of water conservation methods
       • Encourage energy saving measures + development of renewable energy
       • Introduce stricter rules on pollution