An Adaptive Land-use Simulation Model for Integrated Coastal Zone Planning

The coastal zone has huge economic, social, environmental, cultural and recreational importance for Europe, and about 20% of the European population lives in the coastal zone. Recently, the coastal zone has got enhanced focus through the European Union recommendation on integrated coastal zone management. The dynamic processes of the coastal zone - both man-made and natural - are interdependent and complex. Plans for the coastal zone should take these processes into account and consider the possible consequences for other interests and the impact on adjacent regions and nations as appropriate Using modelling and simulation, we can increase our understanding of the land-use system and reduce uncertainty concerning decisions. The current paper describes the development of a land-use simulation model facilitating the decision-making process through and adaptive and transparent modeling system.