The Evolution of ICM Practices in Xiamen: Lessons and Challenges

Abstract For almost 30 years, Xiamen has been consistent with its Integrated Coastal Management (ICM) practices. In this paper, the authors aim to critically evaluate how Xiamen’s ICM practices have evolved through time and to also determine its outcomes. These began with the establishment of an ICM governance framework that provided a solid foundation for its subsequent actions. Next, the city has implemented marine ecosystem rehabilitation per region, which eventually led to great improvements in the environment and its landscape. In line with this, the scaling up of ICM to watershed management has been observed to have largely reduced terrestrial pollutants. Based on the improved environment, development opportunities, and industrial adjustment brought about by these previous actions, Xiamen is now aiming to achieve overall land-sea management and Blue Growth. Xiamen’s ICM practices are guided by a step-by-step approach that has fully integrated both aspects of local government and science and ecosystem. Still, alongside building a functional marine economy, terrestrial coordination, regional cooperation, public participation, and local coastal development policies need to be further strengthened in the future. We hope our findings can help Xiamen’s ICM practices to develop in a more scientific and sustainable direction while, at the same time, serve as a guide to coastal cities faced with similar management problems.