Lessons learned from south Africa's coastal policy experience

This is the third in a series of articles exploring South Africa's new approach to coastal management. Based on a critical analysis of South Africa's coastal policy experience, it presents a generic set of lessons for coastal management. These lessons are grouped into four themes consistent with the main objectives of the policy formulation process: (i) promote meaningful public: participation; (ii) improve knowledge and understanding by promoting scientific integrity; (iii) advance integrated coastal management; and (iv) build a practical foundation. These lessons are presented as strategic imperatives to inform and where appropriate guide future coastal management efforts. Whilst these lessons are directly relevant to future coastal management efforts in South Africa, they are likely to be of more general interest and relevance to those seeking to promote sustainable coastal development. The South African experience reveals, however, that this pursuit is a 'field of struggle' that must be forged across persistent power imbalances, fractured social relationships and strong vested interests.