Coastal Management - Miscellaneous: 1997 Publications

Author: Kildow, J.
Title: The roots and context of the coastal zone movement.
Publication: Coastal Management 25(3):231-263, 1997.
© Taylor & Francis

Notes: Today, we find ourselves in a race against time: attempting to control growth in the coastal zone before it destroys the valued assets and services that are causing the growth to occur. Evidence tells us that we should proceed expeditiously with rational management schemes that can serve both social and environmental needs. The road to this goal began decades ago, but only recently has there been a global recognition of its urgency. To understand where we are going, it is instructive to understand where we have come from. This article briefly highlights major changes that have occurred during the past 50 years which have influenced society's attitudes concerning the coastal zone. The article first chronicles the social, scientific, and technological changes that aroused interest; brought people, understanding, and activity to the shoreline; and created problems and opportunities there. It provides the roots and context for the changing land-and seascapes of the coastal zone over the past 50 years. Next, the article describes the consequences of many of these changes on society's beliefs, philosophies, and behavior. It identifies the bases for the paradigm shift that took place during this period with regard to society's views of the coastal zone. The article then translates the results of these changes into the principles that currently guide three popular coastal zone management strategies. Integrated, adaptive, and collaborative. Finally, based on an understanding of where we have come from, the article previews some challenges that lie ahead and suggests some needs that the coastal zone management movement will have to meet in the coming years.