Coastal Zone Deterioration

Deforestration

Fisheries and Aquatic Habitat Degradation

Biodiversity Loss

Deterioration Water Quality

Coastal Zone Deterioration

Issue

The rapid pace of development and poor planning, siting and design of coastal projects have degraded the environmental quality, reduced the sustainability of coastal resources and caused many conflicts over their use.  Two major issues are: open access, and multiple use conflicts.

Background

Deterioration of the coastal zone on-shore and in coastal waters is evident throughout the region. There are a number of causes for this deterioration including development of shrimp farms and mangrove deforestation, increased siltation, coastal water pollution from urban and industrial outfalls, thermal plumes from power plants etc., the development of the tourism infrastructure, and tourism itself. Damage to water quality, and to fish nurseries and breeding grounds is of particular concern.

The deterioration of the environment and productivity of the coastal zone is of particular importance from the standpoint of resource sustainability. The coastal zone attracts a number of conflicting uses affecting the economy, public health, transport, power production and urban and industrial development.

Planning and continual management are vital to maintain environmental quality and to find and maintain a balance between development, sustainable use and protection of natural resources.