Coastal Zone and Island Communities

Islands share common concerns: small population base, isolation, transportation problem, seasonal employment, out migration, the need to preserve island culture, tourism issues, island identity in relation to the main land and poverty. The island poverty can be attributed to various factors, including external intervention and displacement, asset loss/low compensation, high unemployment, reduced sea harvest and mixed benefits of tourism.

Coastal zone communities are those living in the coastal zone of 5 km landward while the resources available include 200 nautical miles seaward. It is basically a land-based definition, people-centric, resource-dependent definition of the coastal zone. The traditional coastal communities comprise two major groups: the ecology-based communities who derive income from the ecology of the region and produce primary products which are ecology-based, and the predominant fishing communities. These two groups are acutely aware of their ecological and economic constraints and often have a sense of helplessness in the face of the external forces buffering their community. Coastal communities are closely associated with the maritime environment and also the urban sprawl phenomenon.

Among major economic activities at coastal zone are fishery, aquaculture, agriculture and tourism. Coastal fishing is the central economic activity that generates income to the coastal and island communities. A large segment of the communities engage in fishing as well as in fish-based industries. Another economic activity that is growing importance is aquaculture, with varying scale of operation. It is also practiced on small scale basis using cage culture in producing prawn, fish and cockle.

Agriculture has long been a source of income to the coastal zone and island communities. Food crops such as vegetable and fruits, and industrial crops such as tobacco are commonly grown.

The tourism industry, which has bloomed significantly over the past decade, has changed the landscape of islands and the coastal zone around the world. The attractions are the dazzling islands and beaches, beautiful corals, wildlife and others. Tourists as well as researchers from all over the world will be fascinated with picturesque islands. Emerald-coloured translucent waters, sheltered by secluded coves and bays under a sunny blue sky, are calm with gentle surf washing shores a powdery white and golden sands sloping gradually into the sea. This phenomenon creates an ideal environment to swim or snorkel to view the stunning proliferation of coral diversity. Luxury resort hotels as well as affordable chalets sprout all over the islands and coastal areas.

Other economic activities found in coastal areas are boat building, food production and cottage industries. The boat building art has been passed from one generation to another. The communities are also involved in producing dried product. Lastly, the coastal zone is also noted for its cottage industries which make use of ecology based products for producing various handicraft goods and souvenirs.