6. Diversity, Solidarity and Engagement in Coastal Cities

Responsible, fair coastal cities care much about the distribution of wealth, especially when the number of citizens not engaged in employment, education or training reaches unprecedented highs. Concentration of very diverse people and activities are invaluable assets for cities, acting as schools for respecting difference and living harmoniously together. This chapter sheds light on the evolving social capital of coastal cities and their capacity for intergenerational and intercultural equity, social justice, public health, safety and solidarity. Coastal cities themselves are important direct and indirect sources of new employment, the first factor of social integration, followed by housing and education. The enhancement of urban social capital is of increasing importance in cities that face new forms of unemployment, poverty and exclusion, where more than three generations co-exist, and immigrants also come from the sea in search of better opportunities on a blue horizon. They should all be offered the conditions to enjoy a healthy and meaningful life.