Integrated coastal assessment: The way forward

The preceding chapters have laid out the range of challenges of coastal simulation to support future coastal management, with a particular focus on understanding erosion, fl ood and habitat changes and their links to coastal management. The detailed case study in Norfolk places the theory and generic principles in a real-world management context that is particularly relevant to the UK, while international case studies (Chap. 13 ) have introduced a range of alternative challenges and perspectives. The Tyndall Centre's coastal programme has highlighted how the management of the coastline needs to refl ect the connectivity between the various geomorphological features, natural processes, engineered structures and socio-economic drivers. Moreover, it is crucial to understand the trade-offs that result from different management strategies. In the Norfolk case, the analysis strengthens the argument for a change in the widespread historic management approach of "hold the line" towards allowing as much of the coastline as possible to return to a more natural and dynamic confi guration. However, this is challenging for coastal governance, raising questions about how to address the concerns of directly and indirectly affected landowners and householders on the eroding coast.