Adaptive Integrated Coastal Zone Planning: History, Challenges, Advances, and Perspectives

Coastal zones are dynamic, rich environments, now densely populated, and increasingly challenged by human and climate-change pressures. Effective long-term integrated coastal zone planning is needed to ensure sustainable environmental protection and economic development. In this study, we reviewed the history of coastal zone planning since its birth in the 1950s based on the literature retrieved from the Web of Science (Core Collection) from 2000–2023, then summarized the tools and spatial allocation methods commonly used in the planning process, and finally proposed potential solutions to the challenges faced. The results show that after decades of development, coastal zone planning has changed from a decentralized activity to a targeted and integrated one, with an increasing emphasis on the ecosystem approach and the use of multiple planning tools. Spatial analysis techniques and environmental modelling software have become increasingly popular. Linear programming and overlay analysis are common approaches when performing spatial optimization, but land-sea interactions and planning in the marine parts still lack in-depth analysis and practical experience. We are also aware that the challenges posed by the integration of administrative hierarchies, scoping and conservation objectives, stakeholder participation, consideration of social dimensions, and climate change are pervasive throughout the planning process. There is an urgent need to develop more flexible and accurate spatial modelling tools, as well as more efficient participatory methods, and to focus on the holistic nature of the land-sea system to create more resilient and sustainable coastal zones.