ABSTRACT
This chapter considers the development of a fast-developing field of environmental planning activity related to marine and coastal areas. It starts by outlining the vial part that marine and coastal areas play in sustaining life on Earth and the complex web of ecosystem services they provide. It then presents an overview of the current state of these important ecosystems and the drivers of change that are leading to major threats to their health. Subsequently, key international treaties related to marine and coastal areas and the associated environmental commitments that guide policy development in most parts of the world are highlighted. The chapter then explores the suite of related policy responses that have emerged including Integrated Coastal Management (ICM), Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and most recently the new systems of Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) that are being established all over the world. The chapter concludes by setting out some thoughts on the way ahead for environmental planning and sustainability action more generally, drawing inspiration derived from the ocean.
