Integrated coastal zone management in Kenya: initial experiences and progress

Abstract

Land and ocean interactions make coastlines unique zones with equally unique resources and environment that attract an ever increasing human population. This scenario has caused depletion of some coastal resources and environmental degradation. However, the paradox is that despite the decline in coastal resources and the quality of the environment, those residing in these zones do not abandon their settlements and migrate elsewhere, but import resources to sustain their survival and enjoy the coastal environment at expensive costs. The combined commercial and aesthetic values of the resources and the coastal environment are the foundations of various economic mainstay activities.