A sustainable development and the harmonization of nature protection with economical and social development are the main objectives of Coastal Zone Management (ICZM). The European Community plays an active role in promoting ICZM in Europe. The EC developed a strategy and funded demonstration projects in many European countries. The awareness of the necessity of ICZM increased in all European countries, but well defined structures and national ICZM-frameworks are still the exception. Spatial planning in Germany already covers many aspects of ICZM, but severe shortcomings are obvious: Competences are overlapping and responsibilities scattered, the legislation is sectoral and complex, at the moment, spatial planning does not take the coastal waters into account, a pronounced division between coastal waters and land still exists, there are shortcomings in co-operation, communication and public participation and the availability of data and access to information still needs improvements. Status, problems, shortcomings, and requisites of Integrated Coastal Zone Management in Germany are outlined and discussed. |
