Final answer:
Coastal areas are governed by special regulations to manage development and mitigate risks due to their vulnerability to natural hazards and the importance of preserving ecological systems. Land-use regulation, adaptation strategies, and Ecosystem-Based Management are some of the approaches used to ensure sustainable development and environmental protection along coastlines.
Step-by-step explanation:
Special Regulations for Coastal Development
Coastal areas require special regulations for development due to their vulnerability to natural hazards and their ecological importance. The orientation of coastlines or their lack of exposure to open water does provide natural protection from waves, but human activities often necessitate further regulatory measures.
Land-use regulation plays a crucial role in guiding future development, with municipalities typically adhering to a planning process culminating in a master plan. This plan integrates various ordinances controlling zoning, subdivision developments, street plans, and regulation of public facilities to ensure sustainable development respects natural resources and manages risk associated with coastal areas.
Given the rise in sea levels, cities with low elevations near oceans may need to adopt adaptation strategies, such as creating or conserving wetlands, which act as natural barriers against storm surges and flooding. Not only do these strategies protect the coastline, but they also preserve the delicate balance of local ecosystems which are integral to industries like fisheries and tourism. In some cases, like Australia's Great Barrier Reef and parts of the North Sea, comprehensive spatial planning and Ecosystem-Based Management (EBM) approaches have been implemented. These strategies aim to minimize cumulative human impacts on marine ecosystems, balancing sustainable use with conservation.
Regulations concerning development along coastal areas also encompass restrictions on lot frontage, minimum lot area, yards, parking, number of buildings, and dwelling units. And in places of historical or cultural significance, zoning regulations can enforce the preservation of certain features.
Additionally, policy evaluation, such as WG.12B, assesses the geographic and economic impacts of these policies, reflecting the intricate balance between development and natural resource scarcity. These regulations are essential not only for environmental protection but also for mitigating economic risks to sectors like local fisheries, tourism, and other parts of the economy negatively affected by inappropriate development practices.