Options for coastal information systems

In 2011, the European Commission launched a review of the EU ICZM Recommendation, with a view to a follow-up proposal. An impact assessment was conducted to explore needs and options for future EU action on ICZM and to assess potential social, economic and environmental consequences that new initiatives proposed by the European Commission may have. This important activities implied a wide variety of initiatives, including the study “Options for coastal information systems”. One of the main challenges in the implementation of ICZM is the integration of different sources of knowledge and different types of information in order to better understand coastal processes and dynamics and to develop scenarios for better evaluate, and manage properly, the possible impacts deriving from different coastal uses. Within this framework, gathering and proper structuring of relevant data, transparent and ready available information to decision makers and stakeholders, adequate communication to citizens, information sharing, effective and concrete use of data and information in policy and decision making are all key elements to support and implement integrated planning and management of coastal zones, including adaptation to climate change. The diffusion, further development (including innovation) and actual use of information tools (coastal information systems - CISs) can therefore concretely improve the implementation of ICZM in Europe; indeed this is one of the strategic objective of EU ICZM related policies. This study aimed to contribute to this overall goal, in particular by the identification of the key structuring requirements and related policy options for coastal information systems that may significantly improve the support to ICZM implementation through scientifically-based data, functions, tools and mechanisms. To respond to this goal, the study was organised in three main technical activities. The first one dealt with the overview and in-depth analysis of CIS illustrative cases to depict main characteristics of existing operative systems, related strengths, weaknesses and gaps in supporting ICZM, also considering climate change related aspects. The second activity represents the core of the study; based on the Task 1 results, and other significant input, this activity aimed to identify policy requirements and related policy options to improve CIS support to the diffusion and implementation of ICZM processes at various scales. The same activity assessed policy options in terms of expected (direct and indirect) benefits and costs or negative effects. Task 1 and Task 2 activities implied stakeholder involvement and participation (Task 3) in relation to various steps of the study. This task in particular included the organisation of a stakeholder workshop that was held in Marseille on the 6th of May 2011.