Our Sections
Staff resources of the Coastal Zone Management Unit (CZMU) are divided between technical and administrative units. The four main technical sections are Coastal Planning, Coastal Engineering, Marine Research and Data Management. In addition there is also a Project Execution Unit (PEU) which provides the CZMU with the staff resources necessary to effectively execute ongoing projects being managed by the Unit. The remaining staff make up the Administrative section, and support the technical sections in areas such as strategic planning, financial management and document management.
All CZMU sections work together to implement the Integrated Coastal Zone Management Plan for Barbados, as authorized under the Coastal Zone Management Act, in coordination with other stakeholders within the national Integrated Coastal Zone Management framework.
Coastal Planning Section
The Coastal Planning Section leads the CZMU’s development planning control mission and coordinates coastal zone management functions with other agencies. The section is also responsible for much of the Unit’s educational outreach activities and coordinates the summer internship programme.
Main Activities
Roles
Coastal Engineering Section
Purpose and Mandate
The Coastal Engineering Section of the CZMU leads the day-to-day management of coastal processes monitoring programmes, contributes to coastal development control, inspects and maintains coastal structures. Through these measures Coastal Engineering implements and monitors the coastal protection policies within the national integrated coastal zone management framework.
Main Activities
Roles
Specialized Skills Required (Depending on Role)
Land Surveying
CAD/GIS
SCUBA certification
Marine Research Section
Purpose and Mandate
The Marine Research Section safeguards and seeks to improve coastal and marine ecosystem health through development planning guidance, continuous monitoring, habitat protection activities, and technical advisory support to government and non-government stakeholders. It delivers evidence‑based inputs on water quality, habitat condition, and marine conservation to inform policy, physical planning, and public guidance.
Main Activities
Roles
Specialized Skills Required (Depending on Role)
SCUBA certification
Statistical analysis
GIS analysis
Data Management Section
Purpose and Mandate
The Data Management Section ensures that the spatial and non-spatial data catalogues of the CZMU are securely archived, quality controlled, processed and utilized to generate insights for decision-making for both internal and external stakeholders. The section also leads the development, operation and governance of the National Coastal Risk Information and Planning Platform that supports risk-based development planning and coastal zone management decision-making.
Main Activities
Roles
Specialized Skills Required (Depending on Role)
GIS
Database administration
Server administration