Integrated Coastal Zones Management (ICZM)

Egyptian coast line of the Mediterranean Sea and the Red Sea extends for approximately more than 3200 km, where the total length of the Mediterranean coast is about 1550 km and the length of the Red Sea coast is about 1705 kilometers.

Most coastal areas are characterized by manifestations of aesthetic ecosystems and natural habitats represented in: coastal lagoons, salt marshes, mudflats, sand dunes and beaches extending along the coast of the Mediterranean, in addition to mangrove trees and coral reefs in the Red Sea coastal zone as well as biodiversity associated with these marine and coastal habitats (Coastal migratory birds - turtles - fish).

This diversity of resources and environmental characteristics of each of the Mediterranean Sea, the Red Sea and the different environmental conditions and characteristics of each of them, and the coastal region suffering from severe and increasing pressure are from the challenges facing the integrated coastal management. The increasing Population growth rates and economic growth are considered the most important social and environmental challenges facing the integrated management of coastal zones, in addition to climate change, which has become the most important issue because of its clear impact on most of the coastal territory, especially low parts.

By issuing Law No. (4) of 1994 for the protection of environment, amended by Law No. (9) of 2009 and its executive regulations No. 1095 of 2011, the Ministry of the Environment – Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency engaged in developing a national strategy for integrated coastal management, through a comprehensive review of coastal management systems, making use of projects implemented in the field of integrated coastal management, this strategy included the analysis of the current situation and setting priorities and drawing a road map and setting criteria for measuring the implementation of the strategy.

The most important pillars of integrated coastal zone management policy are:

1. The issuance of the Environmental Law No. 4 of 1994 and its executive regulations.
2. The formation of the National Committee for the integrated coastal zones management in 1994.
3. The issuance of "structural program to prepare a national plan for the integrated management of coastal zones in Egypt" in 1996.
4. The preparation of guidelines for the environmental impact assessment procedures in 1996.
5. The preparation of guidelines for development of coastal zones in 1996.
6. Monitoring program of coastal water starting from 1998.
7. Preparation of the second National Environmental Action Plan in 2002.
8. Re-formation of the Supreme Committee for the integrated coastal zones management that was activated in 2007.
9. Amendment of Environmental Law No. 4 of 1994 by Law No. 9 of 2009 and its executive Regulations No. 1095 of 2011 to include integrated coastal zone management protocol concepts through the addition of articles pertaining to the integrated management of coastal zones.

The national strategy for integrated coastal management is based on three main axes:

• Strengthening the integrated coastal management policy.
• The sustainable planning for coastal resources uses.
• Raising and promoting awareness among stakeholders.

Within the framework of supporting the implementation of the national strategy of integrated coastal management, a cooperation protocol was prepared for the rehabilitation of northern lakes and the Nile Delta, and a number of guidelines were prepared as:

1. Guidelines for the EIA study for river ports and marinas.
2. Guidelines for the application of environmental management systems for seaports.
3. Guidelines for preventing pollution from ships.

Related Links

Guidelines for the application of environmental management system

Source of information:
Central Department of Coastal, Marine Areas and Lakes