The Protection of Estuarine Margins under the Maritime–Terrestrial Public Domain, the Cases of Portugal, Angola, Brazil, and Mozambique

Coastal and estuarine margins are considered natural resources with various functions covered by different management protection tools. In Portugal, the Maritime Public Domain (MPD) aims to regulate property in maritime coastal areas, assuming that these public of nation. Little is known, however, about how MPD considers margins, which also valuable, vulnerable, environmental areas. This article analyses concept applies Portugal. Moreover, as this has been subsequently adopted other countries close roots such Angola, Brazil, Mozambique, paper explores if estuaries further their legislation. For purpose, it undertakes an analysis legal documents establishing MPD, focusing on definition, types areas where applies, width ownership, use restriction. The findings show Portugal similar instruments three countries. Nevertheless, approaches differ, especially flexibility ownership regime, suggesting potential protect not globally reinforced adopting after study offers new insights brings fore a gap literature deserves be explored traditions deepening added value for margins.