Managing coastal resources in the 21st century

Abstract

Coastal ecosystems are increasingly dominated by humans. Consequently, the human dimensions of sustainability science have become an integral part of emerging coastal governance and management practices. But if we are to avoid the harsh lessons of land management, coastal decision makers must recognize that humans are one of the more coastally dependent species in the biosphere. Management responses must therefore confront both the temporal urgency and the very real compromises and sacrifices that will be necessary to achieve a sustainable coastal ecosystem, one that is economically feasible, socially just, and ecologically sound.

Characterizing storm response and recovery using the beach change envelope: Fire Island, New York

“…The resulting impacts from these events require a range of human and natural resource considerations, from threats to buildings and infrastructure to changes in habitat availability (Schlacher et al, 2007;Weinstein et al, 2007;FitzGerald et al, 2008;Gutierrez et al, 2009;Moser et al, 2014;Passeri et al, 2015). Often in the days and weeks following an event there is significant pressure to restore beaches and dunes through replenishment projects, wherein the potential for natural recovery is either overlooked (Lazarus, 2014), considered spatially and temporally insufficient, and/or poorly understood and as a consequence not factored into decision-making.…”

Sustainability science: the emerging paradigm and the ecology of cities

“…The process goes beyond individual stakeholders and themes-populations, economy, water, food, energy, and climate-to identification of common threads and drivers of systemic change (NRC, 2002). Sustainability science seeks real world solutions to sustainability issues and aims to break down artificial and outdated disciplinary gaps between the natural and social sciences through the creation of new knowledge and its practical application to decision making (Clark & Dickson, 2003;Palmer et al 2005;Weinstein et al 2007).…”

“…Sustainability science, therefore, seeks real world solutions by breaking down artificial and outdated disciplinary gaps between the natural and social sciences through the creation of new knowledge and its practical application to decision making (Clark & Dickson 2003;Palmer et al 2005;Weinstein et al 2007). Above all, the sustainability transition and sustainability science are committed to bridging barriers through a transdisciplinary approach across biophysical, socioeconomic, planning, and design principles (Naveh, 2005).…”

“…A realistic understanding of human impacts on ecosystems will necessitate conceptual frameworks that explicitly include humans in the landscape. Such an approach is likely to better inform environmental problem solving Weinstein & Reed, 2005;Weinstein et al 2007). Obviously, it is the human dimensions that drive political, economic, and cultural decisions that lead to or respond to change in ecological systems.…”

Human Dimensions of Our Estuaries and Coasts

“…We receive numerous benefits but also have significant impacts on the systems providing these benefits. Quite simply, we often dominate our coasts, thus making the issue of governance even more relevant (Weinstein et al 2007). Anthropogenic impacts, thus, eventually feedback and impact our well-being (MEA 2005;Cardinale, et al 2012).…”