This Order approves the National Programme for Coastal Conservation (PROCOSTA), aimed to promote integrated coastal management, technical and scientific knowledge, variations due to extreme events and climate change, multiple uses, and protection of marine and coastal ecosystems. PROCOSTA consists of 4 projects: 1. Reconciliation of altimetry with bathymetry, also known as the AltBat Project; 2. Projection of Future Coastlines and Identification of Hazards; 3. Coastal Risks and Adaptation Strategies; and 4. Monitoring and Management for Coastal Conservation. PROCOSTA aims to establish a national, science‑based framework for conserving and managing Brazil’s coastline, recognized constitutionally as part of the country’s natural heritage. The programme responds to growing environmental pressures—such as erosion, habitat loss, and climate‑related impacts—by articulating coordinated federal‑level strategies to ensure that the use of coastal areas aligns with ecological preservation, sustainable development, and legal requirements. Its overarching objective is to create a long‑term, state‑guided approach for the protection and sustainable use of the coastal zone. A core objective of PROCOSTA is to strengthen territorial planning and risk reduction along the coast by developing diagnostic tools, compiling integrated data, and identifying priority areas for conservation and intervention. Through its technical studies and guidance documents, the programme seeks to support public authorities in addressing problems such as coastal erosion, sea‑level rise, and climate‑induced hazards. By providing updated physical, environmental, and socio‑economic information about the coastal zone, PROCOSTA enhances the government’s capacity to anticipate risks, design appropriate mitigation strategies, and protect communities and infrastructure. Another key objective is to promote ecosystem conservation and the maintenance of environmental services essential to biodiversity and human well‑being. The programme emphasizes the ecological value of coastal ecosystems and the need to preserve environmental functions such as shoreline stability, habitat connectivity, and climate regulation. PROCOSTA guides the sustainable use of coastal resources by supporting conservation initiatives, harmonizing institutional responsibilities, and creating the basis for coherent decision‑making across different government sectors responsible for coastal management. Finally, PROCOSTA aims to improve governance and institutional coordination for coastal management in Brazil. It builds upon the existing legal and institutional structure—particularly the National Coastal Management Policy—and seeks to modernize and integrate instruments such as the Macrodiagnóstico da Zona Costeira e Marinha.
Brazil · 2018-03-26