Coastal Zona Management Scenario in the Coastal Indian Ocean: The need for a change in addressing coastal issues.

S. M . Haq ( Paris, France )

Coastal Zone Management Scenario in the Coastal Indian Ocean: the need for a change in addressing coastal issues. by S.M.Haq (Paris, France) The coastal Indian ocean is a vast area surrounde by countries with diverse ethnicity, culture,climate and natural resources. The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of coastal problems and issues in the coastal Indian Ocean region emanating from differing socio-economic development trends, increasing demand and uses of coastal natural resources in support of economic development and growth, dictated by poor conditions with subsistance economy such as the case of coastal states of East Africa, mixed economy comprised of natural resouce use and industrial expansion in other countries of the Central and East Indian Ocean countries, and a single resource based economy that characterize many of the coastal states of the Persian Gulf. Because of increasing socio-economic pressures and multiple use oppurtunities the coastal zone is gaining increasing recognition as an important national asset in many of these countries. In the whole region policy failures abound. Using current experience the paper highlights how alternate uses of coastal resources in support of short-term economic benefits have created a negative impact on the coastal enviroment and its valuable resources. There are questions as to how far sustain ability of the natural systems so important in the long-term interests of both the present and future generations. The paper reviews some advances in ecological and economic thought focusing on the need to intergrate ecological knowledge with traditional economic approaches to assist decision making processes. It also dicusses the need for effective coordination amongst three existing systems operating in the coastal information and data base for integrated coastal management.

[ITO - 98] [Welcome] [1998 - Internetional Year of the Oceans] [Objectives of ITO-98] [Plenary Lectures] [Technical Sessions] [Commercial/Corporate Presentation] [Exhibition/Demonstration] [Ocean IT CDROM] [Awards/Financial Assistance] [Fees / Charges] [Souvenir] [Post Symposium Event] [International Scientific Programme Committee] [Organizing Committee] [Schedule] [Scientific Programme Summary] [The Host] [Travelling / Accomodation] [Registration Forms] [Abstracts]

"to continously improve our understanding of the seas
around us and to translate this knowledge to benefit all"