88165 - Integrated Coastal Zone Management

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, the student will learn the main aspects of the coastal zone, be able to identify threats to coastal resources associated with human activities and understand planning and decision making with reference to water and coastal management. The course includes a local field visit. Main topics: Coastal beach definition and classification Coastal dynamics Coastal hazards (sea level rise, storm surge, coastal flooding, shoreline change); coastal vulnerability and resilience, multi-risk in the coastal zone Models to study the coasts: principles of ICZM, DPSIR Principles of WRM (water management and allocation: hydrological principles for conservation of water resources/definitions/procedures/approaches/ case studies, etc.) International and European Legal Framework for water and coastal zone management.

Course contents

Coastal zone and coastal beach definition and classification

Coastal dynamics

Coastal hazards

Climate change; mitigation and adaptation strategies

DPSIR model

Integrated Coastal Zone Management, principles, contents and mechanisms

Principles of IWRM; water management in coastal area; MAR techniques

Regional databases and Knowledge framework for coastal risks management

European approach; UNEP/MAP; ICZM protocol, EU recommendations

Coastal risks management

Integrated approach and best practices in littoral management and protection; Solutions and best practices

Readings/Bibliography

Richard A. Davis Jr, Duncan M. Fitzgerald (2004). Beaches and Coasts. Blackwell Publishing.

Basin Water Allocation Planning – Principles, Procedures and Approaches for basin allocation planning. Speed R. et al. (2013).

Global challenges in Integrated Coastal Zone Management (2013)

Integrated Coastal Zone Management: status, challenges and prospects. Ahlhorn F. (2018)

Teaching methods

The teaching strategy will be based on lectures explaining coastal beach definitions and classifications; coastal dynamics and main coastal hazards, such as sea level rise, storm surge, coastal flooding, and shoreline change; coastal vulnerability, resilience and risk. Then the course will provide an understanding of the planning and management of coastal zone by covering the principles and tools in ICZM and water management and allocation. Also an overview of the international and European legal framework for water and coastal zone management will be provided.

In order to settle knowledge, students will be involved in the discussion of practical case studies also related to their countries and experiences in order to share information and evaluate advantages and limitations of each coastal management strategy. Discussion in class and critical thinking will be stimulated by analyzing together best vs. worst practices in coastal and water management.

The lecture notes are interactive to support the participants, including web links and further reading options.

The course also includes 2 excursions along the coast of Emilia-Romagna region (interventions, solutions, good practices, etc.)

Assessment methods

The assessment method will be based on a panel discussion where each student will present a case study (power point presentation), focusing on the main topics of the course. The project will have to include suggestions of best practices, strategies and guideline to promote the sustainable coastal management of the study area or to promote an efficient water management of the study area. Professor and classmates will actively participate to the discussion by asking questions.

15’ oral presentation + 5’ discussion

Teaching tools

Power point slides, scientific papers

Office hours

See the website of Beatrice Maria Sole Giambastiani

See the website of Roberto Montanari