People have different and often conflicting perspectives about how the coast should be used and managed. Opinions may be expressed by various stakeholders, such as local residents, environmental activists, conservationists, business owners, pensioners, fishermen and young people. A stakeholder is a group or individual who has a vested interest in an issue. To ensure everyone’s opinions are heard and taken into consideration, community consultations are held so the stakeholders of a community may voice their opinions on how the coast should be used and managed. Before any foreshore development is undertaken, it must be approved by the local government. An environmental impact study must be carried out to determine the severity and impacts of the planned development. The outcome of the study is then distributed to all stakeholders who are then invited to reply with their opinions on the results.
Stakeholders may base their opinions on the belief that coastal management requires an understanding of the geographical processes that affect