Since 1996

From 1996 to 1999, the Commission run the Demonstration Programme on Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM). This programme was aimed to:

• Provide technical information about sustainable coastal zone management; and
• Stimulate a broad debate among the various actors involved in the planning, management or use of European coastal zones.

The programme was intended to lead to a consensus regarding the measures necessary in order to stimulate ICZM in Europe. In 2000, based on the experiences and outputs the Commission adopted two documents:

• A Communication from the Commission to the Council and the European Parliament on "Integrated Coastal Zone Management: A Strategy for Europe".
• A proposal for a European Parliament and Council Recommendation concerning the implementation of Integrated Coastal Zone Management in Europe.

The Communication explains how the Commission will be working to promote ICZM through the use of Community instruments and programmes. The proposed Recommendation outlines steps which the Member States should take to develop national strategies for ICZM.