ICZM as a framework for climate change adaptation action – Experience from Cork Harbour, Ireland

Using the example of ICZM implementation in Cork Harbour – an intensive multi-use setting – the potential to inform and advance the implementation of climate adaptation is examined. National level policy for climate adaptation is reviewed with a local ICZM initiative with a focus on process, principles and people. Lessons learned and critical contributions are identified that can inform endeavours in similar coastal environments, and ensure that ICZM is optimised to support the implementation of climate adaptation and resilience enhancement. Evidence suggests that despite being implemented through different institutional and policy frameworks, the local partnership-based ICZM model can provide enabling mechanisms, facilitate capacity building and harness knowledge exchange and learning to support the local scale implementation of national climate policy.