National Integrated Coastal Zone Management Frameworks Need to Adapt

Many coastal areas in the world are experiencing coastal erosion and flooding, which is likely to escalate due to sea-level rise and an increase in the frequency and intensity of storms, however, some countries still lack a dedicated policy to guide the application of adaptation solutions specific to the coastal zone. This remains the case in Ireland, a country with more than 7,000 km of shoreline, much of which is threatened by climate change. There was observed a gap in studies that critically analyse the integration of coastal and climate legal frameworks and proposed adaptation solutions to support decision-making in the face of climate hazards in coastal areas. This study analysed Ireland’s coastal-climate adaptation governance system by examining 26 documents at national level (laws, policies and plans) related to coastal management (7); planning and development (6); and climate change (13). The investigation revealed that whilst the State has an extensive legislative framework, there is no dedicated policy or legal approach to guide the implementation of coastal-climate adaptation solutions. Generic guidance on the implementation of certain types of adaptation solutions and differences in the adopted terminology were observed. The lack of integration between the analysed frameworks hampers the effective implementation of climate adaptation solutions in the Irish coastal zone. Integrated Coastal Zone Management policy at the national level is recommended in order to provide clarity on how to implement ecosystem-based and technical solutions; appropriate funding support; and coordination mechanisms to ensure consistency in the governance system necessary to the implementation of coastal climate adaptation solutions. This would provide a solid policy basis for Local Authorities to implement adaptation solutions which strengthen coastal resilience, enable public participation, learning and democratic vision building in the process, and ultimately deliver more effective planning and management for sustainable social-ecological systems.