Sustainable Coastal Policy Developments in The Netherlands. A Systematic Approach Revealed

TLDR

Coastal policy development is a dynamic, cyclic process involving successive stages of development, implementation, and evaluation, with science–coastal management interaction playing a key role. This paper illustrates the history of Dutch coastal policy over the past two decades. The study analyzes Dutch coastal policy history over the last two decades. The analysis shows that successful Dutch coastal policy development and implementation rely on a systematic frame of reference, comprising explicit strategic and operational objectives and a four‑step decision recipe—quantitative state concept, benchmarking, CZM measures procedure, and evaluation—enhancing integration of science and policy and fostering cooperation.

Abstract

Policy development is a dynamic and cyclic process characterised by successive stages of development, implementation and evaluation. Throughout this process, interaction between science and coastal management plays an important role. An illustration is given in this paper, based on an analysis of the history of coastal policy in the Netherlands over the last two decades. Evaluation in 1995 of the coastal policy of Dynamic Preservation, developed during the late 80's and implemented in 1990, led to a redefinition in 2000. Implementation in 2001, of a sustainable coastal policy in the Netherlands with both a small- and a large-scale approach, is the result. The analysis in this paper indicates that the successful development and implementation of coastal policy in the Netherlands, is related to the use of a systematic 'frame of reference'; characteristics are explicit definitions of both strategic and operational objectives applied in a 4-step decision recipe of (1) a quantitative state concept, (2) a bench marking procedure, (3) a procedure for CZM measures or intervention and (4) an evaluation procedure. Applications of this frame of reference show its high potential to better integrate coastal science and coastal policy and -management and to stimulate co-operation.