Ensure that the value of coastal resources to the economy is recognized. Ensure that decision-making considers social, economic and risk resilience factors to facilitate current and future coastal resource development in a careful manner without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs.

Integrate the connection between land, air, water and all living things (including people) in order to balance the objectives of conservation, sustainable use  of common environmental resources. Encourage the use of “green” interventions to address issues related to climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction.

As far as possible, base ICZM decisions and planned interventions on the best available information on the natural, social, and economic processes that affect coastal resources. Effectively communicate science-based information and best practice guidance to all stakeholders across government, the private sector and civil society.

Work towards the full awareness and participation of the general public, the private sector and NGOs to contribute to credible, informed decision-making. Foster partnerships between government, the private sector and civil society to promote co-responsibility, empowerment and accountability for coastal resources and their management

Engage in adaptive management and policy design to target and control the aspects of human interventions which impact coastal ecosystems, wherever they may occur. Recognize the tightly coupled socio-ecological systems across the terrestrial and marine environments and promote long-term, cross-sectoral approaches to addressing negative effects.

Encourage the fair and equitable access to and sharing of the benefits arising from the use of coastal resources as well as the responsibility for their continued health and productivity. Any charges for access to coastal resources should reflect the community interest as well as short- and long-term economic, environmental, social, cultural costs and potential benefits.

Exercise prudent, responsible and accountable management decision-making that is proportionate to the issues under consideration and consistent with similar decision-making in other jurisdictions. Be adaptive in response to changing environmental and social conditions while acknowledging the inherent complexity and uncertainty associated with emergent phenomena. Promote capacity building and institutional knowledge growth.

Formulate policies and procedures to ensure that those responsible for causing, or with the potential to cause, marine pollution or other environmental damage bear the cost of managing their activities to prevent such damage, remediate or restore damaged environments and maintain damaged environments in an acceptable state. Ensure that costs are proportionate to the level of damage done or risk of harm.

Promote the equal ease of access to resources and opportunities, economic participation and involvement in decision-making regardless of gender and inclusive of those from marginalized groups. Ensure that consultation and participation processes must include considerations of the views of all relevant groups.