An estimated 50 to 70% of the estimated 5.3 billion people alive today live in coastal zones.
(Edgren, 1993)
Today, the world’s population in coastal areas is equal to the entire global population in the 1950s.
(Beukenkamp, Gunther et al., 1993)
In 30 years more people will live in the world’s coastal zones than are alive today.
(NOAA, 1994a)
Up to 75% of the world population could be living within 60 km of the shoreline by 2020.
(Edgren, 1993)
Coastlines are the world’s most important and intensely used of all areas settled by humans. It is this simple fact that directs special attention to the planning and management of coastlines. Coastal resources have been, and
will continue to be, placed under multiple, intense and often competing pressures. The use of techniques which attempt to assist in managing the resulting conflicts in a sustainable way will therefore become increasingly important in both developed and developing countries. Translating sustainable development principles into tangible actions aimed at improving the long-term management of coastal areas is the main purpose of this book. We do this by providing practical guidance through the dual use of theoretical analysis and numerous examples of best practice from around the world. We draw on our personal experience and the contributions of practising coastal planners, managers and academics from
three continents.