WHAT IS ICM?

Integrated Coastal Management or ICM is a term used to describe the management of a coastal zone area. In describing the definition, we can break down the phrase’s meaning into its individual wording interpretation:

Integrated – refers to applying a holistic and sustainable approach in reducing multi-use conflicts in the coastal use. This is achieved through coordination of issues or activities taking place, beginning from the planning stage. Integrated approach can facilitates potential future conflicts and on the same time, finding optimal solution that maximize the benefit and minimize the risks to all the stakeholders involved. Integrated means stakeholders involved comprised all agencies from the government, privates, NGOs, CBOs, academe and also general public. In the execution, integrated also involves involvement from the local community and up to the policy makers level.

Coastal – Boundary where land meet the sea. The interaction and interdependent between these two entity shall be recognized in understanding the cause-and-effect consequences relating to any activities in the area. This dynamic area shall be given a special attention as various conflicts arises due to its limited resources.

Management – Process of exercising control or influence over a defined boundary. In coastal zone, management usually deals with controlling or regulating human activities and behavior that will have a direct or indirect impact to the coastal area. Boundary can be physical, geographic or political. Other boundary used is the watershed boundary as watershed is defined as an area that drains into a specific river system, which eventually drains into the sea.


ICM, in short, is defined as “a natural resource and environmental management system which employs an integrative, holistic approach and an interactive planning process in addressing the complex management issues in the coastal area”.