Capacity development in integrated coastal zone management: Some lessons learned from Malaysia

This article examines the key problem of developing capacities for integrated approaches to coastal zone management, specifically in the context of newly industrialized and developing countries. Through a review of key literature in the field it is argued that the question of capacity development has mainly been addressed from a technical perspective, whereas the aspects of developing institutional and administrative capacities seem to be underrepresented. In addition, the literature is scarce when it comes to considerations as to how to translate the rhetoric on integrated coastal zone management into practice on the ground. Through the lessons learned from an integrated coastal zone management project in Malyasia, some practical approaches to develop capacities for acquiring and performing integrated approaches to the management of the coastal zone are discussed. In addition, lessons learned in terms of project design, project duration are presented, as well as the effect of the contextual political, economical, and legal conditions.