Europe's coasts need better protection

Europe's unique coastal environment is under increasing pressure from its own popularity, according to a new report, launched today by the EEA. 'The changing face of Europe's coastal areas', shows that population densities along European coast continue to grow faster than those inland. Between 1990 and 2000 artificial surfaces in coastal zones increased in almost all European countries. The fastest development occurred in Portugal (34 % increase in ten years), Ireland (27 %), Spain (18 %), followed by France, Italy and Greece. The report, highlights 'integrated coastal zone management' (ICZM) as an example of an effective approach to protecting Europe's coastline.