What is the Coastal Zone?
THE COASTAL zone refers to that interface between land and water. These are unique areas, as they are continually changing, due to the dynamic interaction between the oceans and the land. Coastal zones are particularly important, as the majority of the world’s populations are known to inhabit these areas.

Guyana’s Coastal Zone
In Guyana, our coastal zone accounts for approximately seven (7) per cent of the total land area. However, ninety (90) per cent of our population inhabits this area. As such, most of the economic and administrative activities are concentrated here.

The coastal zone has natural mechanisms in place to protect against flooding and erosion. Sand flats and mangroves, for example, naturally help to reduce erosion and prevent flooding of inland areas. However, it can be noted that during Guyana’s early development, much of our coastal environment was transformed. As a result, the natural defenses were re-placed by several man-made sea defenses, such as our seawalls and groynes, which serve as protection to coastal communities.

Today, being heavily populated, Guyana’s coastal zone requires an integrated framework for the management of our coastal resources and activities, as these will have social, economic and ecological effects on our population. Also, natural effects such as those due to climate change, including rising sea levels, are all matters that need to be addressed to ensure the integrity of our coastal zone. To address these matters, it was ascertained that Guyana was in need of Integrated Coastal Zone Management.

Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) in Guyana
An ICZM can be defined as “the planning and coordinating process, which deals with development and management of coastal resources that focus on the land/water interface.” ICZM is a continuous and dynamic process that aims at promoting sustainable use and development, protection of coastal and marine resources while ensuring economic development. In December 2000, an Action Plan was prepared for Guyana.

Concerns about Guyana’s Coastal Zone
A major issue of concern for Guyana’s coastal zone is the fact that it is approximately 0.5m – 1m below sea level. This is an immediate threat, especially considering rising sea level due to climate change. More inland activities, poor drainage and irrigation systems cause periodic flooding. These issues have to be addressed to prepare for the impacts of climate change, which are already being seen, and also to avoid unnecessary losses for the coastal populations and resources.

Another serious threat to our coastal zone is solid waste management, more specifically, marine litter, which poses many threats with regard to the economic, aesthetic, health and ecological value of our coastal environment.

The onus is on every individual to take positive action to ensure the protection of our coastal zones, which play an integral part in our everyday activities, ranging from our livelihood activities to our recreational activities.

You can also share your ideas and questions by sending your letters to: ‘Our Environment’, C/o EIT Division. The Environmental Protection Agency, 7 Broad and Charles Streets, Charlestown, GEORGETOWN. Or email us at eit.epaguyana@gmail.com with your questions and/or comments.