B.3.3 Land-Use Conflicts on Coastlines Notes

Balancing Development and Conservation

1. Imagine standing on a pristine beach, the waves gently lapping at the shore.
2. Now picture a luxury resort rising behind you, its construction disturbing the delicate ecosystem.
3. This scenario captures a common dilemma: how do we balance economic development with environmental conservation?

Commercial Land Uses: Competing for Coastal Space

1. Coastal areas are highly sought after for tourism, housing, and industry.
2. However, these activities often conflict with the need to preserve natural ecosystems.

Tourism

1. Tourism is an important engine of economic growth creating jobs and increasing income among many coastal communities, especially in LICs and MIs.
2. However, the influx of tourists can lead to:
   1. Coral Damage: Activities like snorkelling and diving can harm coral reefs.
   2. Pollution: Waste from hotels and boats can degrade water quality.
   3. Habitat Disruption: Infrastructure development often destroys natural habitats.

Example

The Great Barrier Reef in Australia generates approximately A$4.6 billion annually through tourism.

Housing and Urban Development

1. Coastal areas are popular for residential development, offering scenic views and recreational opportunities.
2. However, this demand leads to:
   1. Habitat Loss: Wetlands and mangroves are often cleared for construction.
   2. Increased Pollution: Urban runoff introduces pollutants into marine ecosystems.
   3. Erosion and Flooding: Removing natural buffers like dunes increases vulnerability to storms.

Example

Spanish coastline has experienced significant pressure from housing and urban development related to growth of tourism, as well as domestic and international migrations and growth of "second house" phenomenon.

Industry

1. Industries such as shipping, fishing, and energy extraction also compete for coastal space.

Conservation Measures: Protecting Coastal Ecosystems

1. To counteract these pressures, conservation strategies like Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and activity restrictions are implemented.

Marine Protected Areas (MPAs)

Example

The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, one of the largest MPAs in the world, restricts fishing, mining, and tourism in sensitive areas.

Benefits of MPAs

1. Biodiversity Preservation: Protects habitats for endangered species.
2. Economic Sustainability: Supports long-term tourism and fisheries by maintaining healthy ecosystems.
3. Climate Resilience: Preserves natural buffers against storms and erosion.

Challenges of MPAs

1. Enforcement: Monitoring large areas is difficult and costly.
2. Economic Impact: Restrictions may limit income for local businesses.
3. Stakeholder Conflict: Balancing the interests of conservationists, businesses, and local communities can be challenging.

Activity Restrictions

1. Governments may impose specific restrictions to protect coastal areas, such as:
   1. Fishing Quotas: Limits on catch sizes to prevent overfishing.
   2. Zoning Regulations: Designating areas for conservation, recreation, and industry.
   3. Pollution Controls: Reducing runoff from agriculture and urban areas.

Case study

The Great Barrier Reef, Australia

1. The Great Barrier Reef is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most biodiverse ecosystems on Earth.
2. However, it faces significant pressures from human activities.

Pressures on the Reef

1. Tourism: Over 2 million visitors annually contribute to coral damage and pollution.
2. Shipping: Heavy maritime traffic increases the risk of oil spills and accidents.
3. Agriculture: Runoff from farms introduces pesticides and sediments into the reef.

Stakeholders and Their Roles

1. Conservationists:
   1. Advocate for sustainable tourism and stricter fishing regulations.
   2. Promote coral restoration projects and pollution reduction.
2. Local Businesses:
   1. Depend on tourism and fishing for income.
   2. Face challenges from conservation regulations that limit activities.
3. Indigenous Communities:
   1. Emphasize the cultural and spiritual significance of the reef.
   2. Advocate for traditional ecological knowledge in management plans.

Balancing Competing Interests

1. Effective coastal management requires balancing the needs of various stakeholders while prioritizing long-term sustainability.

Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM)

1. ICZM is a holistic approach that considers environmental, social, and economic factors in decision-making.
2. Key principles include:
   1. Stakeholder Involvement: Engaging local communities, businesses, and governments in planning.
   2. Adaptive Management: Continuously monitoring and adjusting strategies based on outcomes.
   3. Zoning: Designating areas for specific uses, such as conservation, tourism, and industry.

Sustainable Development Practices

1. Eco-Tourism: Promoting low-impact activities like guided snorkeling and wildlife tours.
2. Green Infrastructure: Using natural solutions like mangroves to protect against erosion.
3. Education and Awareness: Informing visitors and residents about the importance of conservation.

Reflection and Broader Implications

1. Balancing development and conservation is a complex but essential task.
2. It requires cooperation among stakeholders, innovative solutions, and a commitment to sustainability.