Economics of Coastal Zone Management in the Pacific

Abstract

Pacific nations are experiencing a range of pressures on their coastal resources, from within the country and from international forces, which are leading to environmental degradation and loss of ecological and economic values, as well as increased vulnerability to climate change. A number of interconnected socio-demographic, cultural, economic and institutional factors are key drivers of change, and are contributing to these pressures. In particular, Pacific countries are experiencing a transition from subsistence lifestyle and economies based on communal, traditional forms of barter exchanges, to economies increasingly based on financial and cash based transactions. This transition is influenced by the increased need for cash for paying for goods and services beyond those used for subsistence, including education and health, increasing urbanization, and trade. Migration from rural areas with their easier access to resources used in non-cash based economic exchanges, to urban areas based on cash transactions is also assisting this transition from subsistence to largely market-based economies.