Integrated Coastal Zone Management in Kuwait: A Knowledge-Based System Model

A coastal environment is intrinsically multifaceted and active, making its management challenging. Development and natural processes could affect a coastal environment, and so reliable efforts need to be implemented to preserve this environment and ensure coastal integrity. Inadequate control of stakeholders' activities worldwide and developmental projects are degrading coastal areas. Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) is a holistic management approach used to sustainably plan human activity within coastal zones. ICZM is being implemented in several countries to maintain a balance between social-economic development and environmental preservation. This research aims to develop a knowledge-based system that facilitates the implementation of an ICZM framework in Kuwait. The proposed system is an "Integrated Coastal Zone Management: Knowledge-Based System" (ICZM-KBS), which is a tool created using C# programing language. The tool supports the application of ICZM strategies to safeguard coastal areas. The system is designed to provide comprehensive means to raise awareness about the misuse of coastal zones, provide, identify, and collate critical environmental data, assess risks to be faced, and anticipate the development capacity of the coastal zone. An ICZM-KBS allows stakeholders involved in coastal zones to manage and mitigate risks associated with development projects to achieve sustainable development. The system was tested using a case study provided by Kuwait Environment Public Authority (EPA) experts, and it was found to be reliable and important to facilitate the ICZM implementation in Kuwait. Overall, this research focused on developing an ICZM-KBS, encouraging more sustainable marine space use safeguarding the coastal environment.