Coastal Zone Management

Our coasts and seas are highly complex places and they play a valuable role in our lives.  The resources they contain and the goods and services they provide are highly sought after - competition for them can be fierce.  This can lead to conflict, especially when space is at a premium.  

As a result it is important that these resources are managed sustainably.  To achieve this, all sectors need to be involved in the decision-making process, including environment, economic, social and cultural interests.  This process is known as Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM), and it requires the co-operation of a wide range of organisations.  

The Devon Maritime Forum, and other coastal partnerships, aim to deliver better ICZM through improved communications and stakeholder participation.  These pages give you a background to the management of our coasts and seas, as well as access to other coastal partnerships operating in Devon.