Linking Partners in Joint Coastal Management Research: Strategies toward Sustainability

Abstract

The aim of the workshop ``Baltic Coastal Ecosystems{''} was to identify the structure and functioning of south-eastern Baltic ecosystems and to introduce coastal management as a managerial tool. Interdisciplinary approaches in research and management were focused upon. Particular goals were to document scientific knowledge as well as knowledge gaps, to elaborate conflicts in southern Baltic sustainable coastal development, to link stakeholders and to suggest measures towards an Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM). The paper will attempt to deal with these issues; in doing so, it introduces the notion of sustainability and connects it to the strategy of coastal management. A case example from Sweden illustrates the theoretical insights. Lessons learned will be discussed for the German coast. The paper closes by discussing pertinent consequences and recommendations, specifically concerning the interface between science, management and policy.