Coastal Zone / Marine
In comparison to inland regions, coastal areas are particularly vulnerable as they are often the most developed and most densely populated areas in countries. The area between land and sea represents a very sensitive ecological zone which is susceptible to damge. Sustainable management can be difficult in such areas due to highly conflicting interests and activities. Predicting and mapping the effects of natural hazards, coastal storms and sea-level rise are additional challenges for the tasks of planning, management, risk prevention and risk mitigation.
The protection of coastal and marine resources, mitigation of threats, reduction of harm, and protection and restoration of ecological function are crucial in coastal zones because of their high vulnerability and the potentially high costs associated with damage to these functions in developed coastal areas. Along with increasing property values, development, and population growth in coastal areas, damage and losses are increasing in parallel, and ways of preventing or mitigating damage and hazards or reducing vulnerability are vital.
Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) aims to coordinate protective and area specific management plans and activities on land and at sea, as well as elaborating on and developing objectives, strategic plans and policies for sustainable development. Earth observation (EO) data, GIS and ICT are indispensable support tools for this work.
Typical Clients
- ICZM agencies at national and international/supranational levels
- Environmental and natural resources management ministries
- Industrial transport and infrastructure management organisations
- Insurance and reinsurance industry
- Multilateral and bilateral donor agencies
Consulting Expertise
GAF has extensive experience in applying state-of-the-art technologies for coastal zone resources mapping, analysis and monitoring in order to provide support to management and planning activities. The company addresses the needs of decision makers by providing optimised solutions, tailored to specific requirements and local conditions.
- Coastal zone resources mapping and monitoring
- Environmental Sensitivity Index (ESI) mapping
- Coastal geomorphology and coastal morphodynamcis
- Geologic mapping and modelling
- Water resources analysis and management
- Oil spill monitoring
- Biodiversity
- Habitat and sensitivity mapping
- Demographic mapping
- Change detection and land use forecasting
- Risk analysis and disaster management
- Sustainability and environmental impact assessment
