This module discusses the coastal zone and examines the different habitats or ecosystem types within the coastal zone. Important coastal forces and processes such as hurricanes, coastal storms, winds, waves, tides, currents, sediment transport and longshore drifts, sea level rise and coastal hydrologic cycle are highlighted in detail. The coastal zone and coastal processes of West Africa and other regions are discussed. The module will stress on the interlinkages between and among coastal forces and natural hazards, and emphasizes on the need to integrate disaster risk reduction in the planning of built coastal ecosystems. The general principles of ecosystem services with particular reference to coastal ecosystem‐based management will be discussed.