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Abstract The coastal zone is greater than a narrow strip of land and sea subjected to the development but is also among the most complex, vulnerable and sensitive of all natural ecosystems. Its ecosystems are the most productive in the world (Costanza et al., 1997). Although coastal zones provide a comprehensive service of high ecological, social and economic value such as: “provisioning services” such as food supply, fuelwood, energy resources; “regulating services” such as shoreline stabilization, flood prevention, storm protection, hydrological services, nutrient regulation; “cultural and amenity services” such as culture, tourism, recreation and “supporting services” such as habitat provision, nutrient cycling, primary productivity (UNEP, 2006). However, coastal zones are likely to undergo the most profound change in the near future. The likely changes have created a worldwide concern about the sustainable development of these areas (El-Sayed, 2001). Currently, the challenges and pressures to achieve a sustainable development of the coastal zone are variable, including climate change impacts, severe environmental degradation, water pollution, deteriorating social conditions and conflicts of responsibilities and interests between different users (IH-Cantabria/Environics, 2017). The different pressures on coastal zone are presented in Figure 1.1 (UNEP/MAP-Plan Bleu, 2010). |