Scoping study regarding current coastal activity and the national ICZM programme, and implications for East of England

Midlen, Alex (2007) Scoping study regarding current coastal activity and the national ICZM programme, and implications for East of England. Technical Report. CoastNet. (Unpublished)

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Summary

An audit of coastal activity in the East Of England Region reveals complex management arrangements: many management bodies, with overlapping responsibilities and jurisdictions, and a wide range of stakeholders.

A complex policy framework is illustrated by reference to the many designations that are in place – the coast seeming to have a higher density than elsewhere – but obscured by the poor information pertaining specifically to the coast for environmental, social and economic issues.

This situation is bound to lead to confusion at all levels, poor integration of policy and management activity, and poor decision-making. The achievement of good sustainable development outcomes must be compromised.

Recommendations are made with regard to communicating roles and responsibilities, mechanisms for integration, regarding information and indicators, and in relation to the role of an SDRT-East ‘Coastal Group’.

For the region as a whole it is recommended that an inclusive vision be developed, to provide a common policy goal for all those involved in the management of the coastal zone. Further, it is recommended that the role of Local Strategic Partnerships and Local Area Agreements be explored in relation to delivery of these goals, and that a particular focus on the future of flood and coastal defence is developed.

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