This article synthesizes findings presented in this theme issue from a multidisciplinary research project on factors influencing integrated coastal management (ICM) process sustainability. The generation of social and environmental benefits that are equitably distributed among constituencies is a key factor in ICM process sustainability. Participatory processes, while challenging to manage and under growing scrutiny, remain the most effective manner to engage broad constituencies and ensure that benefits match expectations. The scaling up of many local initiatives in the Philippines and Indonesia is well underway and warrants ongoing support and monitoring. Attention must be paid to legal and institutional frameworks that support integrative planning on local and national scales. Impartial and rigorous research on ICM is offered as a way to support these changes and to assess future challenges and emerging management models. While frequently a volatile process, the authors conclude by affirming their commitment to ICM as a potent and balanced planning process.
