Marine Spatial Planning, Coastal Management, Sustainability and Participation

This article reviews some of the relevant international and national marks to coastal management and marine spatial planning (MSP), observing the aspect of participation. The (re)reading of these documents showed that: i) the search for the sustainability of the ocean and coasts, initially with a focus on the longevity of stocks of living and non-living resources, is an ideal since the formulation of the first chartes of principles and laws; ii) the participation gained more space in the theoretical frameworks of coastal management and MSP over time; iii) in general, there are still few studies and researches regarding the applicability and limits involved in participation in coastal and marine management processes. Case studies are presented to highlight aspects of participation in the PEM process, pointing out its advantages and limitations. With the publication of the article, it is expected to contribute to the development of a conceptual framework on participation in the management processes of coastal and marine zones. The information presented provides an initial theoretical basis, which can be adopted in the development of new studies, researches; and management, monitoring or evaluation actions.