Regional public policy for Integrated Coastal Zone Management in Central America

The littoral of the Central American region is shared by seven countries where ecosystems, cultures and activities converge. Usually, impacts on natural heritage and human well-being are not dealt in a common way by the respective administrations. An analysis was carried out to understand the evolution of Integrated Coastal Zone Management in the region. Initiatives implemented in and between the countries on the subject were taken into account, as well as policies and strategies approved within the Central American Integration System. To conclude, a brief analysis is made of the public policies of each nation. The results obtained indicate that these countries are closely linked; however, they currently lack any common supranational public policy for better coastal governance. An integrated approach for its management could help promote and harmonize regional and state responses related to the sustainability of the coastal-marine space. •Central America does not have a supranational policy for Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM).•ICZM is not currently on the political agenda of the Central American Integration System (SICA).•SICA does not have an inter-institutional or interdisciplinary commission that deals with the issues of coastal-marine space with an integrated approach.•Countries of CA present disparity in the implementation of their public policies of ICZM.