The Coastal Zone
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Large percentage of the
world’s population lives
near the coast
Relatively high poverty
incidence
Definition of the ‘Coastal
Zone’:
- Hydro-geo-morphology,
- Coastal/tidal/estuarine/flu
vial processes,
- Disaster management,
- Administrative….
Geo-morphology of the
coastal belt: GTP, MDP,
CCP
Coastal region
constantly changes
Primarily due to waves
and currents
- Erosion
- Deposition
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WFM 6305: Coastal Zone Management
Dr. M.S. Khan
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Contrast in land use
Similarity in erosionaccretion processes
Accreting shoreline
Laboni Point
Kalatoli Point
Eroding shoreline
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WFM 6305: Coastal Zone Management
Dr. M.S. Khan
Same Features, Different Disciplinary Definitions!
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Shoreline
Sea Level
- Average position of
shoreline
 Coastal zone
- Nearshore zone
- Breaker zone
- Surf zone
- Swash zone
(backwash)
- Offshore zone
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WFM 6305: Coastal Zone Management
Dr. M.S. Khan
Main Premises of Coastal Zone Management
 Natural resources are finite and their use must be allocated prudently.
 Functional integrity of the resource systems must be protected.
 Resource management involves change of human perception and
behavior.
 Resolution of multiple-use conflicts needs a holistic approach through
policy, management and technical innovations.
 Planning and management processes are dynamic and should
respond to ecological and socio-economic conditions, and evolve with
time.
 Management is most effective at the local level.
Physical Nature of Coastal Areas
 Coastal areas are distinctive resource systems that require special
management and planning approaches.
 Water is the major integrative force in coastal resource systems.
 Management must be integrated across the land-water boundary,
due to the interactions that take place across the land-water interface.
 Conservation of land forms fronting on the water’s edge is important
for sustainability.
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WFM 6305: Coastal Zone Management
Dr. M.S. Khan
Coastal Crisis
 Threats to coasts and coastal communities are growing due to
increase in development, recreation and waste disposal activities.
 These activities often conflict with long-term natural processes.
 Other threats include sea level rise (due to global warming) and
reduction in sediment supply (due to upstream interventions).
 Expanded population in the coastal areas is vulnerable to natural
hazards (e.g. cyclone, storm surge).
 Expanded population also worsens the conflicts between people and
nature as the competing uses of the resources increase.
Human Interventions
 Sediment starvation: upstream dams and flood control projects
reduce sediment supply to the coast > eroding beaches.
 Pollution: improper waste disposal.
 Sediment trapping: groins obstruct the littoral drift > increase
downdrift erosion.
 Coastal degradation: destruction of wildlife habitat; damage to coastal
flora and fauna.
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WFM 6305: Coastal Zone Management
Dr. M.S. Khan
Issues in Coastal Zone of Bangladesh
Important Developments:
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Coastal Zone Policy
Coastal Development Strategy
Priority investment program
Community capacity to enhance livelihoods
Enabling institutional environment
Integrated knowledge base
Major Livelihood Groups:
 Small farmer, artisan fisher, rural wage laborer and urban wage
laborer are the four major livelihood groups that together form about
73% of coastal population while small farmers alone form
approximately 50%.
Water Related Issues:
 Water and ecosystem management zones and community
participation
 Supply of domestic water and mitigation of arsenic contamination
 Equitable allocation of multi-purpose shelters
 Rationalization of flood control polders
 Augmentation of inflow to the Ganges distributary by basin wide
management
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WFM 6305: Coastal Zone Management
Dr. M.S. Khan