Integrated Coastal Zone Management – Preview and Evaluation of its Application on the Coast of Cyprus

Increasing populations in coastal areas generate significant pressure on the supporting ecosystems. The need for a more integrated, long-term approach instigated certain initiatives on building the concept of integrated coastal zone management (ICZM), which is a powerful tool for the control of coastal areas. The European Union (EU) Legal Framework is emphasized as applicable, together with an evaluation of the ecological degradation of the Mediterranean coasts. The city of Limassol in Cyprus is evaluated, stating the ecological risks and the possible mitigation measures, resulting from the European Union directives and policies. Types of pollution are discussed, including urban wastewaters, aquaculture, surface runoff, industries and agriculture. The concept of ‘Urban Metabolism’ is also introduced as a tool used to quantify and assess urban sustainability of coastal cities. Suggestions, measures and good practices are given to direction the creation of model ecological cities, based on an integrated coastal zone management practice.