Coastal Zone Management

This chapter analyses key challenges in the management of coastal zones of mainland Portugal, namely coastal areas and coastal waters. It examines a variety of pressures, natural and man-made, including coastal erosion, extensive development of secondary housing, as well as pressures brought by growing tourism, fisheries, industrial development and maritime traffic. Steps have been taken to reduce these pressures, including the development of an integrated coastal zone management plan, reform of the institutional framework, and the introduction of a mix of regulatory, economic and investment measures. These measures are analysed in light of their effectiveness and efficiency, and their integration with other policies, including tourism and climate change.