Framework and practice of integrated coastal zone management in Shandong Province, China

Integrated coastal zone management (ICZM), a modern coast management approach, provides a holistic solution to all kinds of coastal problems including geographical and political boundaries. The importance of integration in coastal management has also been recognized by coastal manager in China. In this paper, we present the ICZM framework and practices in Shandong as an example of China's ICZM on provincial level. Shandong is a coastal province in eastern China, which suffers from various coastal problems with the rapid socio-economic development in the past three decades. The framework of ICZM in Shandong, especially the legislation and administrative agencies, is described. Within this framework, the practice of ICZM, either planning or implementation, has been undertaken. It is shown that the ICZM is effective and partly solves the coastal problems. Finally, some challenges and drawbacks of current coastal zone management are also discussed.

► The framework and practices of ICZM in a coastal province of China are presented. ► It is the first time that the details of ICZM on provincial level are introduced. ► The achievements and drawbacks of ICZM in Shandong are discussed. ► The experience of ICZM is helpful to other coast managers in China.