ECON OMIC IMPORTAN CE OF COASTAL AREAS
The coast is a uniquely productive and fragile par t of the environment-the place where land meets with sea, where a
multiplicity of human activities occur and where integrated decision- making is essential.The N ational Environmental Policy of 1997 serves
as an umbrella providing guidance on managing the broader environment including the coastal and marine areas. It also provides
the framework for making changes that are needed to bring environmental considerations into mainstream of decision making in
the country. The N ational Vision 2025 also recognizes the need for quality environment and life. This N ational Integrated Coastal
Environment Management Strategy provides a framework under the environmental policy that links government sectors at many levels,
and creates partnerships among them and resource users in order to move towards sustainable coastal development.
W hile sectoral policies to varying extents address specific coastal resources and activities, strategies need to be developed to address
the complex multi-sectoral issues found in coastal areas.
As part of the Strategy, there is a need for enhanced implementation mechanisms to tackle the complex challenges of coastal and marine
management. Coordination and feedback mechanisms are needed among agencies, decision-makers and implementing authorities at all
levels. Enhanced management structures and capacity of relevant agencies, particularly at district and village levels and improved
enforcement of existing laws are essential for effective governance of coastal resources.
The result of the existing management practices often lead to resource use conflicts, environmental degradation, and stalled
development initiatives. The persistent coastal problems are clear indicators of inadequacies in implementation of the existing policies.
The urgency to strengthen the management system is great as we endeavour to harness and manage coastal resources in an equitable
and sustainable manner that contributes to national and local development. In the absence of improved management practices,
economic development will eventually lead to reduced water quality and supply, reefs stripped clean of fish, vast areas of mangroves lost