The Evolution of Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) in India: An Overall Review

Resumo

Coastal water systems are increasingly threatened by anthropogenic pressures, making natural recovery processes difficult and accelerating environmental degradation. Consequently, the urgent and strategic management of coastal and marine resources has become imperative to promote sustainability. Since the mid-19th century, various global and regional efforts have aimed to improve coastal conditions, among which Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) has emerged as a comprehensive and holistic framework. While a considerable body of literature exists on ICZM, a systematic review that synthesizes its historical evolution, conceptual foundation, policy frameworks, implementation models, and challenges remains lacking. This paper addresses this gap by providing an integrated, interdisciplinary overview of ICZM - tracing its development, highlighting significant governance approaches, assessing environmental, institutional, socio-economic, political, and scientific challenges, and identifying future directions. Special emphasis is placed on the Indian context, offering insights into national strategies, institutional mechanisms, and the application of remote sensing and spatial tools in coastal management. The paper also examines the contribution of ICZM toward achieving key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), reinforcing its role as a critical pathway to sustainable coastal governance.