Coastal zone in central Chile, delimitation proposal of Valparaiso region

Abstract

Currently, there is a global trend for populations to concentrate in coastal areas due to their suitability for economic activities such as fishing, industry, tourism, and transport. This trend is observed because of the advantages that coastal areas offer for these activities. “Coastal zones" or "coastal areas" refers to the geographical concept used to define "the strip of variable width resulting from the interactive contact between nature and human activities in areas sharing the presence or influence of the sea". Natural phenomena are increasingly interacting with human activities. Marine and coastal areas are particularly important for management and conservation processes on a global scale. However, there is still no generally accepted definition of coastal zones.