Gaps between legal – institutional frameworks and implementations in Mediterranean coastline management: existing practices and impediments to implementation at the local level

Abstract

This article refers to the analysis of "gaps" between institutional frameworks and implementation of actions for the integrated management of the Mediterranean coastal zones and focuses on the local level, dealing particularly with case studies in Mediterranean municipalities. The research was done as part of the Mare Nostrum Project. The primary objective of the project - funded by the European Neighbourhood and Partnership Instrument of Cross Border Cooperation in the Mediterranean Programme - is to contribute in the improvement of policy implementation procedures referred to ICZM along the Mediterranean coast, at local, national and cross border level, and in the integration of coastal zone policies to the wider socio-economic and spatial policies. This objective is carried out by identifying and analyzing existing legal and institutional tools for spatial planning and ICZM in the case studies. Coastal planning and management tools - both for inland and maritime zones - are treated as instruments that are embedded in the broader legal, institutional, administrative and economic framework. The project aims to gradually lead to the development of common legal-administrative tools in the Mediterranean that will facilitate the realistic implementation of ICZM within and across national borders.