Abstract The pressure and deterioration created by unsustainable development activities are still threatening fragile ecosystems of the coastal zones at a global scale. This study aimed to conceptually handle integrated coastal zone management as a proposed solution to the global problem. Following an analysis pertaining to the progress in the conceptual framework, the study discusses the respective legislation developed within the multi-lateral international relations system. The discussion includes an analysis of the basic principles and mechanisms that such legislation is based on. Legislative instruments are assessed in terms of their levels - global or regional- as well as their direct or indirect involvement of coastal zone management.