Developing sustainable strategies for eco-sensitive coastal regions with cultural significance

Author : Dhanashree Shashikant Kulkarni

Abstract : Abstract: The thesis examines sustainable regional planning approaches for environmentally sensitive coastal regions possessing significant cultural and religious value. Coastal areas are increasingly experiencing developmental pressures arising from tourism expansion, infrastructure growth, land use transformation, and rising ecological and socio-cultural exposure. Existing studies suggest that unregulated tourism activities and inadequate governance mechanisms are among the major factors contributing to environmental destruction and unsustainable regional development. In destinations where tourism is closely associated with religious and cultural importance, achieving a balance between socio-cultural reliability, economic growth, environmental conservation, and long term sustainability becomes particularly complex. The study is conceptually grounded in the principles of Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM), sustainable tourism planning, and participatory planning approaches highlighted in existing literature. It further recognizes the importance of people participation in the planning process to promote locally responsive, inclusive, and socially long-term development. In addition, the provisions of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) notification provide an important regulatory framework for guiding environmentally sustainable and controlled coastal development. The research aims to study context-specific planning strategies that integrate ecological conservation, cultural significance, and regional development objectives. A review of the literature demonstrates the growing importance of spatial analysis and other analytical methods in addressing the complex environmental, socio-cultural, economic, and tourism-related challenges associated with coastal management planning. Such methods contribute to a better understanding of existing conditions and support informed decision-making. Based on these observations, the proposed research framework focuses on developing a sustainable planning strategy aimed at conserving ecologically and culturally sensitive areas, regulating tourism-related growth, and promoting effective and long-term governance within the region.

Keywords : Sustainable Coastal Planning, Eco-sensitive Coastal Areas, Coastal Zone Management, Environmental Sensitivity, Context-specific Development Strategies.

Conference Name : International Conference on Sustainable Land Use Planning and Resource Management (ICSLUPRM-26)

Conference Place : Bhopal, India

Conference Date : 28th Jun 2026