Physical Environmental Change and Coastal Zone Management: Estimation of Economic Consequences

Abstract

Awareness and understanding of the nature and scale of physical change in the coastal zone are prerequisites for effective environmental policy-making and management. Only upon such under-standing can the economic implications of change be properly assessed and agencies advised on appropriate actions. A great many changes that now affect the coastal zone give cause for our serious concern. To attract the attention of governmental policy makers, and through them international funding agencies, there is a need for clear statements that spell out the risks, their time-scales and their economic consequences, requiring an effective working partnership between the coastal scientist and the economist. The success of any responsive action depends on the correct analysis of the causes of change, the realistic assessment of its economic implications and the choice of appropriate remedial measures.