Ísafjörður, Edinborgarhús 31.08.-01.09 2008

On behalf of the University Centre of the Westfjords I am very pleased to welcome you to this symposium, in which we are going to discuss the sustainable use of Icelandic coastal zones.

We live during times where coastal regions and coastal oceans face serious threats and damage, and now more than ever circumstances demand that we effectively understand, protect and manage our coastal zones in an integrated manner. Our meeting here is held in connection with the start of the new master's program in coastal and marine management, a program of study which has great potential for supporting the sustainable use of Icelandic coastal zones as well as strengthening and supporting the coastal communities in the Westfjords. Experts in different fields of coastal science and management will share their experience, research outcomes and knowledge, which is not only a great opportunity for our new students, but also a chance for all of us to obtain a good overview of some of the problems and opportunities we face in using and harvesting resources in Icelandic coastal zones.

I hope you all enjoy the symposium, and your time in Ísafjörður

Best wishes
Sigríður Ólafsdóttir
Academic Director
Master's programme in Coastal and Marine Management
University Centre of the Westfjords