Beyond dikes and dunes. Research on management-related conditions to enhance the feasibility of the development of a more resilient coastal zone.

Abstract

Now that humans have inhabited coastal areas in great numbers, coastal change has become a threat to us. Therefore, we try to control or manage our coasts, sometimes successfully, but not always. However, if we want to keep society behind the dunes and dikes safe, management is needed (Nicholls et al, 2007; McGranahan, Balk & Anderson, 2007). Coastal management is an issue of international scope and importance. Therefore coastal management is stimulated by international governments and organizations such as the United Nations and the European Union (EU). The EU has developed several policies and recommendations on coastal management and Integrated Coastal Zone Management in particular (Min VWS, VROM, LNV & EZ, 2005). With more uncertain factors than before, scientist and policy makers are realisingthat preparing for the unknown is necessary. Part of this means developing an approach that can deal with changes and in which adaptation plays a major role. In a case where what lies ahead is uncertain it is importantto be able to switch easily between strategies. This has resulted in a paradigm shift from protecting to adapting (Walker et al., 2004). Alot of research has been done already on how to manage coastal areas in the best way. There have also been many case studies in the field as to what happens in practice. However, there is still a lack of research on combining theory and practice to form policy (Nicholson - Cole & O’Riordan, 2009; Pickaver et al., 2004). This research aims to provide insights on conditions which could enhance the feasibility of the development of a more resilient coastal zone. This leads to the following research question: Which management - related conditions make resilient coastal zones feasible?