"What is being integrated?" is the central question answered in this section. The short answer is: all use and the planning of use of the coastal zone; this refers to that of the individual, to that of local governments and NGO's and to that of national and even international governments.

Types of integration

Usually, a distinction is made between several types management  integration: 

• Intergovernmental integration: e.g., local, provincial and national government levels. This is also called "vertical integration". This integration has the objective to harmonize policy development by national and the final implementation by the local governments.
• Intersectoral integration: e.g., the Ministry of Public Works, the Ministry of spatial planning and the Ministry of Tourism. This is also called "horizontal integration". A specific type is called integration in space, as the land and sea side of the coastal zone are traditionally governed by different sectors (e.g. tourism vs. fishery), but activities at either side influences the other.
• Integration of governmental and non-governmental organizations: e.g., local government, local nature organizations and small industries. 
• Integration of science and management: Clearly, social, nature and engineering sciences have the task to inform coastal and ocean managers. However, their communication is often not optimal.
• International integration: It may occur that problem areas are cut in two by international borders. As the effects of use of natural resources don't know these boundaries, international co-ordination is a prerequisite. Though, the problem might have a regional character, it are the national governments who play a leading role in such cases.