A. An integrated approach to coastal zone and hinterland, including old/new land - sea.
Many functions have to be considered carefully, while using many different disciplines.
B. Possible realization of new land, where nature allows us to do so, using as much as possible the principle of building with nature. The essence of this principle is: flexible integration of land in sea and of water in the new land, making use of materials and forces present in nature, taking into account existing and potential nature values.
This approach is of vital importance in many coastal and deltaic regions of the world. The final development should be such that in conjunction the over-all economy is strengthened en the environment is improved.
Many specific functions in the coastal zone are of great importance:
01. Safety from:
flooding (including effects from sea level rise);
drought;
coastal erosion;
salt water intrusion;
land subsidence;
cyclones, storm surges, tsunamis, earth quakes, landslides, active volcanoes; human activities;
Coupled with these safety aspects are the construction and maintenance of:
- dunes (consisting of sand and vegetation) & beaches;
- solid seawall elements, like groynes perpendicular to the coast and breakwaters (above sea level and/or submerged) parallel to the coast, harbour moles, consisting of blocks of basalt, various types of boulders, concrete elements, gravel, etc.;
- canals, sluices, locks, river regulation;
- drainage and irrigation systems in general.
02. Environment in general
this includes the environmental compartments: air, water, land.
