International Coastal Management:
Tools for Successful Regional Partnerships and Initiatives

Land use in coastal Georgia is of primary concern to coastal resource managers. Local governments within Georgia's eleven coastal counties exert significant influence over land-use decisions and are responsible for administering programs designed to maintain or improve environmental quality within their jurisdictions. Engaging local governments is recognized as a fundamental step towards successful management of Georgia's coastal resources. The Georgia Coastal. Management Program has several initiatives designed to build relationships with local government officials, resulting in the transfer of technical information and assistance to local officials and staff.

On another front, recent management issues have highlighted the critical need for current scientific information about our coastal ecosystems. The Coastal Management Program has been working with scientists and agency staff from over twenty institutions and government agencies to establish the Coastal Georgia Research Council. The Council has already been involved with several management issues including marsh die-back and the management of coastal hammocks. This partnership provides a model for inter-agency cooperation and improved resource management.