The Economics of Coastal Management A Manual of Benefit Assessment Techniques

This is an outstanding and pioneering volume. The coastal zones of the world contain vitally important economic and environmental resources, and yet they are threatened by erosion, flooding and environmental damage from unwise protection schemes. These coastal zones resources need protection and enhancement, where necessary and with appropriate policies and schemes, so that our uses of the coast are protected and environmental values can continue to be enjoyed by a population which increasingly values a quality environment. This Manual is pioneering in developing a completely new range of techniques to value the importance of the coast, and hence can help make decisions as to which areas should be protected and which should be left in their existing state. The research is unique in pursuing the twin schemes of economic and environmental evaluation of coastal resources in a form that is of practical value to decision–makers. The results show that our coasts contain resources of very high value indeed, and many of these values have been improperly understood in the past. Throughout the volume the reader is given step–by–step guidance as to the evaluation techniques that are recommended, and many ‘health warnings’ as to how to avoid errors and misinterpretations. The Manual will serve as a sound scientific basis for detailed investigations as well as a quick and easy–to–use reference source of methods and data for busy professionals. Contents

1. Introduction and summary
2. Theoretical perspectives
3. Coastal erosion: evaluating potential losses and benefits
4. Coastal recreation: the impacts of coast protection and sea defence projects
5. The benefits of flood alleviation: sea defence at the coast
6. The potential environmental gains and losses from coast protection and sea defence works
7. Integrated computer–based analysis
8. Case studies

References Appendices Index All the authors’ research has been at the Middlesex University Flood Hazard Research Centre. This Centre was founded in 1970 and has accumulated a wealth of experience in the fields of economic, social and environmental analysis. Their research has gained an outstanding international reputation for the Centre and for the University in areas of policy appraisal, economic analysis, social survey methods and environmental assessment.