SESSION II: IMPROVED COASTAL ZONE PLANNING AND MANAGEMENT Integrated coastal zone planning in Asian tsunami-affected countries

Integrated coastal management and planning are processes through which rational decisions are made concerning the conservation and sustainable use of coastal and ocean resources and space. The principles of Integrated Coastal Management (ICM) are well-known and widely accepted throughout the world, employing a suite of tools including marine protected areas (MPAs), land-use control, marine zoning and permit systems, conflict resolution, planning and fisheries management. In the aftermath of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami and its ensuing rehabilitation effort, the principles and objectives of ICM have been brought into stark relief. The clamor for quick action resulted, in many instances, in duplication and overlap of resources and effort. Poorly focused and uncoordinated initiatives meant that rehabilitation and reconstruction in affected areas were not always economically or environmentally sound. While principles of “build back better ” were advocated in the reconstruction process, this was not always possible due to the pressing need to rebuild and rehabilitate hundreds of kilometres of devastated coastline, and re-establish livelihoods for displaced people. Very little forward thinking was adopted with regard to contingency risk planning and land