Management international estuarine systems: The case of the Guadiana river (Spain-Portugal)

The main instruments and opportunities presented in the case of the Guadiana river estuary, such as land-use management plan and especially the protected areas management plan, suggest a well-defined scenario and an integrated and ecosystem-based approach to its management. The main sectors considered (tourism, farming, navigation, fishing and aquaculture), their relationship with the environment, as well as the European Union framework, strengthen the proposal of an integrated management of the estuarine socio-ecological system based on existing opportunities and considering socio-environmental characteristics and initiatives and interests present in the system.