In the densely populated coastal areas intense relations among environmental and anthropogenic processes take place that have important effects on coastal resources and their future availability. Population density and the concentration of many uses exacerbate pressure on natural resources as well as on the social and economic structures of coastal communities Managing coastal zones implies continuous confrontation with conflicts over the allocation and use of coastal al marine resources. Conflicts link variables and processes that are not naturally commensurable and require some common valuation method.
The management of such a complex system requires an integrated and holistic approach in order to bring together the interests of the coastal area in a co-ordinated and rational manner, managing coastal resources for optimum social and economic benefit for present and future generations without prejudicing the state of ecosystems and resources.
Hence, there is a need to develop common strategies focusing on practical aspects and implementing knowledge related to ICZM practices. The thematic network “Multidisciplinarity and Valuation”  will focus on methods, approaches and tools regarding the integration of socioeconomic impacts on coastal areas as a part of an integrated and interdisciplinary approach to ICZM.
The network on multidisciplinarity brings together researchers, coastal practioners, policy advisors and administrators who are working on valuation, monitoring of socio-economic impacts and decision making and want to exchange experience, knowledge and contacts.
The network on multidisciplinarity and valuation for INTEGRATED COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT is part of the ENCORA initiative for a Coordination Action in the European coastal research and practitioners community.
The network is co-ordinated by CORILA (Consortium for Co-ordination of Research Activities concerning the Venice Lagoon system) and FEEM (Fondazione Eni Enrico Mattei)

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Thematic Network Conference
12th – 13th  March  2007. Venice, Italy

The Fondazione Eni Enrico Mattei (FEEM) and the Consortium for Coordination of Research Activities Concerning the Venice Lagoon System (CORILA), are organizing a conference on socio economic impacts on coastal zones and their evaluation in a context of integrated coastal zone management.
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