The Land-Ocean Interactions in the Coastal Zone (LOICZ) is the component of the International Geosphere-Biosphere Programme which focuses on the area of the earth's surface where land, ocean and atmosphere meet and interact. The overall goal of this project is to determine at regional and global scales: the nature of that dynamic interaction; how changes in various compartments of the Earth system are affecting coastal zones and altering their role in global cycles; to assess how future changes in these areas will affect their use by people; and to provide a sound scientific basis for future integrated management of coastal areas on a sustainable basis. The project commenced in 1993 and like all IGBP projects, LOICZ is scheduled to run for 10 years. This Implementation Plan lays out the scientific goals and objectives and charts a course towards their achievement based on the co-ordination of nationally funded research.