How to Solve the Gap between Science and Policy in the Coastal Management of Mediterranean Countries

Abstract

The gap between Science and Policy is one of the main problems affecting the implementation of a sound coastal zone management in Mediterranean countries. Really, littoral and marine ecosystems supply a lot of environmental services, that are actually exposed to many natural and anthropic risks, influencing the ecological status of coastal areas. So, in the Mediterranean basin, it has been introduced on 2002 a participatory process named Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) to address scientific and political efforts towards a right marine policy. To highlight the lacking connection between the scientific approach to coastal management and the current inertia of policy actors, it has been presented a typical case study tested in a marine protected area located on the western seaside of the Calabria region (Southern Italy). The innovative framework proposed by this paper highlights the fundamental role of widespread public knowledge to bridge the gaps, still existing, between Science and Policy. By this way, it is suggested a new conceptual pattern able to connect the two cornerstones of ICZM program through mutual interactions mediated by knowledge processes. So, it is hoped for an adaptive co-management of coastal zones based on a close collaboration between scientists, policy makers, stakeholders and public opinion into a socio-ecological “governance” of coastal regions. Finally, it is necessary to involve all private and public subjects to develop a continuous dialogue for an effective ICZM implementation in Mediterranean countries.