The sustainable use of tropical coastal resources - a key conservation issue

Three papers on the management of coastal resources are summarized. The ecological and economic importance of coastal zones is explained. Pressures on coastal zones from land-use changes, sewage discharges, urban expansion, tourism, over-fishing and siltation are listed with emphasis on damage to coral reefs. The conflicting uses and interests in coastal systems are described. The real causes of ecosystem disruption were social: their solution by Integrated Coastal Zone Management, and obstacles to its implementation, are briefly discussed.