The Importance of Coastal Management

Jeff Zoidberg
May 19, 2004
Coastal management: Why is it important?

Coastal management is oftentimes an important benefactor in the economic growth of cities near coasts. Such an advantageous geographical location can potentially support tourism, resource extraction, industry, settlements, and wildlife habitats. Coastal management is a crucial aspect in maintaining the prosperity of the coast in that it seeks to balance each of the aforementioned benefits, as well as tackle potentially detrimental natural events. The extent of its importance in a coastal city is greatly defined by its support of tourism, preparations for sea level rise, management of pollution, maintaining safe coastal transport, and extraction of resources.

Tourism often overlaps with settlements and immigration increase in a coastal city. The scenic surroundings and tourist attractions that coasts can (if pruned correctly, that is) have the ability of drawing in tourists, and in the process of doing so also attract immigrants. Sydney and Manila, both cities growing in population, have multifarious coastal uses, among which include the tourism industry. Sydney is ranked seventh globally in its percentage of foreigners born in the city, with over 70 percent of its annual population growth consisting of immigrants. Much of the immigrant residency lie in the northeastern shores and far eastern suburban regions of the city, close to the coast of the city. Such areas are kept relatively clean and well kempt, one major reason being to support tourists and fluff up recreational land use occurring along the coast (a prime example of the ‘balance’ obtained between tourism and wildlife). The tourism industry involving the coast of a city is thus beneficial both financially (such as employment) and culturally (with foreign immigration). Responsible coastal management is necessary for tourism to be