Kustsoner

Kustsoner, or coastal zones, are regions where land and sea meet and interact. The exact boundaries differ by national or scientific context, but they typically extend from the shoreline to nearby land and sea areas influenced by coastal processes. They are characterized by dynamic physical forces such as tides, waves, currents, sediment transport, and sea-level fluctuations.

Ecologically, kustsoner host transitions between terrestrial and marine ecosystems. They include beaches, dunes, estuaries, salt marshes, mangroves, seagrass beds, coral reefs, and rocky shores. These areas support high biodiversity and provide important services such as storm protection, flood control, carbon storage, and fisheries nursery habitats.

Human use and governance: Coastal zones are often highly developed and productive, hosting ports, cities, fisheries, tourism, and industry. Management typically uses integrated coastal zone management (ICZM) or similar frameworks to balance development with conservation, employing tools such as zoning, protected areas, setback lines, and monitoring systems. Coordination among land-use planning, water management, fisheries, and disaster risk reduction authorities is common.

Threats and adaptation: Coastal zones face erosion, sea-level rise, extreme weather, pollution, habitat loss, and invasive species. Adaptation measures include nature-based solutions, restoration of dunes and wetlands, managed relocation where appropriate, and resilient infrastructure design. International guidelines emphasize protecting coastal ecosystems while supporting sustainable livelihoods.