The Coastal Zone (the air, land and ocean interface area) is one of the most environmental stressed areas in a global view, which is submitted to intense and diversified land uses.As a region of contrasts, it constitutes a challenge to the environmental management strategies exercise.In this century, approximately 80 % of human activities will be concentrated in this zone.This paper presents an overview of Brazilian and Rio Grande do Sul coastline, under the new COASTAL ZONE concept, discussing their limits criteria, impacts and potentialities.This approach involves the coastal and marine systems from the point of view of physiography, and questions of scientific, political, juridical orders, as well as tourism and socio-economical uses, aiming at the global tendencies of Coastal Zone Integrated Management (CZIM).The roles of inter-governmental organisms, coastal countries, non-governmental organization and even investment institutions, in relation to changing the occupation form in the Coastal Zone, are discussed.Thus, the role of Committees, Projects and Conjunct Proposals between countries (on a regional scale) are evaluated, that concerns scientific, governmental institutions and universities working all together on research, education and training of humans resources -fundamental points to support researches and programs in Coastal Zone and Oceans.The Geography of coastal and marine systems offers a base to Coastal Zone Integrated Management (CZIM), adding technical ideas and a legal background facing economical interests.