Coastal and marine area management
Aix-Marseille University
Reference Teacher: Anne Cadoret, senior lecturer in social geography (TELEMMe, CNRS, AMU)
Teacher(s): Anne Cadoret, Senior Lecturer, TELEMMe, CNRS – Aix-Marseille University
François Sabatier, Senior Lecturer in Geography, CEREGE, CNRS, Aix-Marseille University
Victor David, Researcher, IRD, IMBE, Aix-Marseille Université
Jean-Eudes Beuret, Professor of Economics, CNRS ESO, Institut Agro Rennes-Angers
Stakeholders in the socio-economic world of coastal management, such as :
Ante Ivcevic, Programme Officer, UNEP Mediterranean Action Plan – PAP/RAC
Jeanne Chaumont, Project Officer, Mediterranean Small Islands Initiative (PIM)
Anne-Lise Muller, France Nature Environnement, Marseille.
The course provides a comprehensive overview of coastal and marine governance frameworks, with particular attention to Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM). Students analyse how coastal policies are developed and implemented through planning instruments, institutional arrangements, and participatory processes. The course examines how different actors interact within coastal governance systems and how environmental policies attempt to integrate land-sea interactions. Several case studies from France and the Mediterranean illustrate how coastal management policies are implemented in practice. The course also includes examples from other regions, allowing students to compare governance frameworks and adaptation strategies. Special attention is given to climate change impacts on coastal systems, including sea-level rise and coastal risks, and to the policy instruments used to address these challenges.
This course examines governance frameworks and public policies related to coastal and marine area management, with a particular focus on Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) and Maritime Spatial Planning (MSP). It explores how coastal and marine policies are implemented across different governance levels and sectors, and how they attempt to reconcile environmental protection, economic activities, and social interests. The course also addresses the diversity of stakeholders involved in coastal governance, including public authorities, international organisations, NGOs, and local actors. A key objective is to critically analyse whether ICZM principles are effectively implemented and how integrated coastal policies can be territorialized in practice.
The course is structured around several thematic blocks addressing coastal governance, maritime spatial planning, and integrated coastal management. Students first explore the historical development of coastal policies and the emergence of integrated management approaches. They are introduced to the principles of Maritime Spatial Planning (MSP) through an interactive collective workshop. Subsequent sessions focus on the implementation of Integrated Coastal Zone Management, the diversity of stakeholders involved in coastal governance, and the role of participation in environmental decision-making. The course also examines climate change impacts on coastal territories, including sea-level rise and coastal risks, and explores adaptation strategies through both policy instruments and case studies.
Students will acquire knowledge of the main concepts, institutional frameworks, and policy instruments related to coastal and marine area management, including Integrated Coastal Zone Management and Maritime Spatial Planning.
Students will develop the ability to analyse coastal governance challenges using geographical and policy analysis frameworks through case studies discussed during the course.
Students will develop critical thinking skills enabling them to assess the effectiveness and limitations of coastal management policies and governance mechanisms.
Students will develop their ability to present and discuss coastal governance issues through oral presentations, group discussions, and project-based work.
Students will strengthen their capacity to analyse policy documents, critically interpret scientific and institutional materials, and develop autonomous learning skills through the examination of case studies and academic literature.
Bachelor’s degree in Geography, Environmental Studies, Marine Sciences, or related disciplines. Solid academic level throughout the geography bachelor’s degree program. The application presents a coherent and motivated study and/or professional project, in line with the content and objectives of the selective program applied for and demonstrating that the applicant has a good understanding of the program.
Teaching combines lectures, discussions of case studies, and project-based learning activities. Students analyse coastal governance frameworks using policy documents, scientific literature, and examples presented by practitioners.
The course includes an interactive workshop based on the Maritime Spatial Planning workshop, which introduces students to the principles and challenges of maritime spatial planning through collective intelligence methods. Guest speakers from international organisations, NGOs, and public administrations present practical experiences of coastal governance and management.
Assessment includes a written exam, a project-based group assignment analysing a real coastal management case, an oral presentation.
The course aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of coastal and marine governance systems and the principles of integrated coastal management. By the end of the course, students will be able to analyse coastal public policies, understand the roles of different actors involved in coastal governance, and critically evaluate the implementation of integrated coastal management approaches.
The expected learning outcomes can contribute to the achievements of the following goals: Goal 14: Life below water, Goal 13: Climate Action, and Goal 4: Quality Education
– Applicants holding a Bachelor’s degree in Geography are eligible to apply for the Master’s programme. Candidates with a Bachelor’s degree in related fields such as marine sciences, earth sciences, spatial planning, political science, law, or engineering may also apply.
– Applications are submitted through the national application platform MonMaster and are assessed based on the applicant’s academic record.
https://www.monmaster.gouv.fr/master/universite-d-aix-marseille/geographie-amenagement-environnement-et-developpement-10
– Applicants holding a degree from another discipline or seeking specific admission procedures may consult additional information at: https://allsh.univ-amu.fr/fr/formation/scolarite
– International students applying from outside France must follow the :
https://www.campusfrance.org/fr/candidature-enseignement-superieur-france
– For continuing education applicants, enrolment is managed by the Continuing Education Office (UFR ALLSH). https://allsh.univ-amu.fr/fr/formation/formation-continue
The course is structured around thematic blocks combining lectures, practitioner interventions, and project-based learning activities on coastal governance and integrated coastal management. (Adjustments are possible and adaptations necessary depending on the constraints of the practitioners)
- Historical development of coastal and marine public policies management (3 hours)
- Introduction to Maritime Spatial Planning – Maritime Spatial Planning workshop (3 hours)
- Principles and governance of Integrated Coastal Zone Management (3 hours)
- Territorializing ICZM (3 hours)
- Coastal governance actors in practice (practitioner presentations on coastal management projects) (4 hours)
- Mediterranean coastal governance and projects – Ante Ivcevic, UNEP MAP / PAP-RAC (6 hours)
- Coastal risk prevention plan– François Sabatier (6 hours)
- Integrated coastal management and climate adaptation in Pacific – Victor David (3 hours)
- Written assessment (1 hour)
- Project-based learning: ICZM analysis of a coastal management project (4 hours)
Scientific articles and policy reports related to coastal governance, Integrated Coastal Zone Management, and Maritime Spatial Planning are provided during the course.