Integrated management and conservation of Dutch coastal areas: Premises, practice and solutions

Both the basic principles and some practical examples of the integrated environmental management of coastal areas in The Netherlands (land as well as water systems) are explored. It is shown that the developments in ideas about nature conservation and nature management during the last few decades may be recognized in the recent decisions of the Dutch government with respect to the coastal dune areas and to the marine environment. The present practical management of the coastal dunes is given, together with the present policy in the Netherlands for the preservation and development of the dune areas. In this policy, the multipurpose use of Dutch dunes within the main aim of nature conservation is a starting point for current and future management and preservation. For the shallow Wadden Sea in the north of The Netherlands, the policy is for the integral preservation of natural values by a (revised) physical planning key decision (PKD) of the Dutch government. A specific case of nature protection in relation to (mussel and cockle) fishery in the Wadden Sea and water pollution is considered.