Maximising the value of South Africa’s coast

The recreational and aesthetic values of coastal areas have a significant economic impact, and because they are enhanced by coastal protection, the latter should receive top priority in striving to achieve development goals

South Africa's coastal resources are increasingly under threat from a variety of pressures, including recreational and consumptive use. Conservation planning studies have identified the need to increase the coverage of Marine Protected Areas and other conservation measures, and new laws are enhancing the opportunity for coastal protection. However, conservation is often perceived as being at the expense of development goals, and is resisted. Recent research shows that coastal protection is actually essential for development.