Tourism infrastructure and the coastal zone : management change

Abstract

Beach erosion will undoubtedly pose a significant future threat to both recreation and tourism and consequently, the tourist economy of many localities and regions. Despite uncertainty regarding climate change and validity of current predictions, there is general consensus amongst coastal scientists that there will be an increased incidence of storm surges and a general rise in sea level. Consequently, coastal managers will increasingly have to use techniques such as beach nourishment that work with the natural processes, rather than implement traditional hard engineering responses. In essence there is a need to think with long term and lateral vision. Current coastal management practices tend to concentrate on immediate socio-economic and environmental issues, often giving little regard to longer term strategic concerns. Therefore, it is critical that stakeholders and policy-makers implement measures, using institutional, legal, financial and technological frameworks, to promote ICZM practices. Consequently, there needs to be continuous monitoring of natural and anthropogenic impacts, including collection of primary physical data, to ensure informed decisions can be made.