Coastal zones are complex areas, not only in Belgium. They are complex because very distinct and varying environments arise there. They are also complex because the various authorities in the coastal zones are obliged to consult with each other in order to exchange information and to cooperate in managing the coastal zones in a sustainable manner.
To promote a sustainable integration of activities in the coastal zones, the European Commission adopted the recommendation 2002/413/EC concerning the integrated coastal zone management in 2002 and the Coordination Centre for Integrated Coastal Zone Management was subsequently set up. The Marine Environment Service together with the Provincial Government of West Flanders, the Flemish Agency for Nature and Forest, the Maritime and Coastal Services Department (Flemish Region) and the Flemish Marine Institute are marine partners in this project.
Together with the Secretariat of the Coordination centre, the partners cooperate in the implementation of this recommendation, promote the integration of planning and policy in the coastal area and contribute towards the creation of a social base. To this end, the Secretariat of the Coordination centre provides a platform for consultation, even to the citizen.