The objective of this paper is to demonstrate that coastal quality policies can provide efficient support to the implementation of ICZM, and therefore, to the strengthening of the adaptive capacity of coastal territories to change. It is based on the lessons learnt from a case study conducted on the Atlantic coast of France. As they are holistic and systemic, coastal quality policies enable the integration of all challenges and stakeholders in territorial projects, and therefore are favourable to the identification and reduction of conflicts and inequalities, which in turn strengthen the societal cohesion required to cope with change. Thus, this article deals with two key issues: the barriers to management and adaptation, and the roles and responsibilities of stakeholders; showing that we don't necessarily have to renew our approaches, tools and practices, to adapt to change, and more particularly to global change.