Coastal setbacks in Latin America and the Caribbean : a study of emerging issues and trends that inform guidelines for coastal planning and development

Abstract

Bank investments in tourism and other coastal development projects have been on the rise, generating an interest in the development of instruments and tools that would more effectively inform Bank staff on critical issues, and support the management of the environmental and social risks of the Bank's portfolio. Coastal areas, which are home to the majority of the population of the LAC Region, are challenged by rising populations, sprawling and sometimes unplanned development, and the associated pressures of pollution, overexploitation of marine and freshwater resources, loss of biodiversity, severe storms, and the longer-term threats of climate change and attendant sea level rise. The goal of this study was to compile information on the use and effectiveness of coastal setback areas as a development planning and management tool in the 26 borrowing member countries of the Latin America and Caribbean Region. In addition, information is also provided on international best practice in the design and implementation of setbacks.