The Brazilian Approach to Monitor and to Manage the Coastal Zone: An Underdeveloping Country Facing Problems of a Developed Country

In the last three decades, Brazil has experienced rapid urbanization as a consequence of industrialization and migration of rural populations to the big cities, which are mostly located along the coastline. Concerned by the impact of rapid coastal development, the Brazilian government through its official agency for the marine resources (CIRM) decided to work out the first Brazilian coastal management plan (I PNGC). The plan, not yet in force, was developed under the coordination of the Rio de Janeiro State University (UERJ) in consultation with several universities and state environmental agencies. The plan includes the participation of all agencies involved with protection of the environment- federal government,state, municipality and civil.