Introduction
The National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management (NCSCM) was established by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) in 2011, as an autonomous institution to support the protection, conservation, rehabilitation, management, and policy advice of the coast. NCSCM supports the nationwide adoption of the Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) approach by utilizing decision support systems based on cutting-edge science and knowledge and through networking with communities, government structures, and relevant reputable national and international institutes. India has a long coastline of 7,500 km, harboring diverse ecosystems and unique biodiversity. However, the coast faces myriad issues including destruction and degradation of the rich ecosystems, pollution from agriculture run-offs, domestic and petrochemical industries, and importantly, the vast coastal population exerting pressure on the natural resources for livelihoods and sustenance. Moreover, the coastal and marine waters are also potential areas for development, which is promoted by the Government to support economic growth. Realizing the necessity for an integrated approach towards coastal management and conservation, the Government of India embarked upon the Integrated Coastal Zone Management Project (ICZMP) for the holistic development of the coast within the regulatory framework of Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Notification, 2011 and the Island Protection Zone (IPZ) Notification, 2011.
