Conflicts of interest

Land uses in coastal areas include tourism, industry, fishing, trade and transport. There are many different groups of people who have an interest in how coastal areas are managed. These include:

Tourist beach in Phuket

• local residents
• environmental groups
• developers
• local councils
• national governments
• tourist boards
• National Park Authorities, such as the Pembrokeshire National Park Authority

Each interest groupinterest groups: Groups of people who share a common interest in an issue or problem. They often lobby the government to try to achieve their cause. Also called pressure groups. may have a different view about what should be done to protect and manage coastal areas. A difference of opinion can cause conflict between interest groups.

Reasons why groups of people might be concerned about the coast

• Erosion may be threatening beaches or coastal settlements.
• People may want to develop tourism in the area or existing tourism could be declining.
• There is a danger of flooding if sea levels rise.
• There could be a problem with sewage and/or pollution.