Mission of the CZMU

The Coastal Zone Management Unit executes its regulatory function consistent with guiding princlples described within the vision and mission statements shown below. These guiding priciples form the basis of the strategic objectives of the CZMU which drive the Unit's operational activities from year to year.

Vision

“A coast to be proud of, which is valued, appreciated and safeguarded as a place to live, work and relax; a place where development and use of resources will be sustainable, and where the natural environment is protected and enhanced to keep its essential and unique place in the Barbadian Heritage.”

Mission Statement

The Coastal Zone Management Unit’s mission is to develop and implement a National Coastal Zone Management Plan and to work to ensure that the coast retains its vital and pivotal role in the economic, social and physical development of Barbados.

Objectives

To implement the national Integrated Coastal Management Plan
To develop an island wide marine spatial plan
To provide sound science for the management of coastal risk
To develop and implement policies, strategies and standards for the development and maintenance of structures in the coastal zone management area
To develop standards, assess and improve the health of coral reef communities and other ecosystems, and to develop necessary measures to protect, rehabilitate, and enhance coastal and marine habitats
To make provision for public accesses to the beach, as well as along the shoreline
To develop standards for activities that may affect coastal resources
To identify and designate restricted areas and to develop standards for their management
To conduct economic evaluation of ecosystem services
To mitigate, where feasible, the adverse effects of climate change in the coastal zone
To improve public awareness about the coastal zone and coastal management issues
To discharge obligations under international treaties/conventions to which Barbados is signatory and to participate with the international community in issues pertaining to international oceans governance

Glossary of Terms

Perched Beach

A beach or fillet of sand retained above the otherwise normal profile level by a submerged dike.

Pollution (marine)

The introduction by man, directly or indirectly, of substances or energy into the marine environment (including estuaries) resulting in such deleterious effects as harm to living resources, hazards to human health, hindrance to maritime activities including fishing, impairment of quality for use of sea water and reduction of amenities.

The contamination of the environment or poisonous substances.

Storm Surge

A temporary rise in sea level associated with a storm's low barometric pressure and onshore winds.

Reef

An offshore consolidated rock hazard to navigation, with a least depth of about 20 metres (10 fathoms) or less. Often refers to coral fringing reefs in tropical waters.

Littoral

Of or pertaining to a shore, especially of the sea. Often used as a general term for the coastal zone influenced by wave action, or, more specifically, the shore zone between the high and low water marks.

Deflation

A lowering of the beach profile.

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Mission of the CZMU