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Annex 5 - Programme for Implementation of Conflict Resolution/ ICZM Proposals
AGMACS (06) 46
Programme for Implementation of Regional Policy Statements
SCF Action Point for AGMACS, 11 December 2006
Context
In its submission to AGMACS in May 2006, the Scottish Coastal Forum ( SCF) offered recommendations for how existing coastal management initiatives could better deliver integrated coastal zone management ( ICZM). The SCF suggested the concept of Regional Policy Statements for coastal management to be produced and implemented using the established mechanisms of Scotland's current Local Coastal Partnerships and local authorities. The role of a national forum for stakeholder representation was also included in this proposal.
The proposed Regional Policy Statements ( RPS) would provide a flexible mechanism to build partnerships and integrate thinking between all stakeholders in the delivery of sustainable development and the management of coastal resources. Although the RPS are designed primarily to facilitate integrated coastal management they could also be used to support the development of spatial plans for the coastal zone at the local level.
The SCF proposed dividing Scotland's coast into eleven units, mostly based on existing Local Coastal Partnership areas but encompassing local authority boundaries where these provide a better 'fit' for a more integrated outcome. The SCF's suggestion is for the Executive to fund the annual core costs of the eleven regional coastal partnership organisations and the national stakeholder forum. For each coastal initiative, a maximum contribution of £50,000 p.a. from the Executive would be available for the employment and on-costs of a LCP Officer, the provision of office accommodation and some administrative support. This money would also form a sum which should attract match funding for specific projects from other local sponsors. Each partnership, therefore, could potentially have an annual budget of up to £100,000 for implementing and delivering integrated coastal management in their area. The national stakeholder forum - envisaged as being a revitalised Scottish Coastal Forum - would also have £50,000 p.a. to cover core Officer employment costs and to attract match funding for specific national initiatives. The total cost to the Executive would be £600,000 per annum, which is potentially one-tenth of figures suggested for the annual running of one Coastal and Marine National Park.
This paper sets out how this programme may be implemented over a three year period, for example from 1 April 2007 until 31 March 2010. This timescale should not be interpreted as being the extent of the intended programme but, rather, the important elements of its first identified tranche. It is important to recognise that ICZM is an ongoing process that requires a commensurate ongoing funding commitment from the Executive and other partners.
Implementation
This approach is predicated on four elements being agreed by AGMACS: ~
1. the endorsement of Regional Policy Statements as a mechanism for setting out integrated coastal management and planning around Scotland;
2. the endorsement of Local Coastal Partnerships as an integral element of the RPS model;
3. that it considers there is a substantial role for a national stakeholder forum in addition to a Scottish Marine Management Organisation to oversee the process; and
4. that Executive support should cover the core costs of this model of ICZM delivery.
If such support is forthcoming, the following matters would be expected to be addressed in the initial three years of this programme:~
Year | Local Coastal Partnerships | National Stakeholder Forum | Scottish Marine Management Organisation |
|---|
1 | - Continue to deliver existing work programmes at the local level, including involvement in RBMPs where appropriate. Secure new, local level project work
- Begin foundation work on Regional Coastal Statements and their first Annual Plan
- Start to develop role within Marine Spatial Planning environment.
- Secure up to £50,000 in matchable funding from local sources of support, e.g. Local Authorities, regional SNH and SEPA offices, local organisations, landowners, etc. Support may be in cash or in kind
- Work with each other and with the national co-ordinating body to raise national profile of LCPs
| - Work with Executive/ MMO to implement the remit of a national stakeholder forum
- Ensure Forum membership is comprehensive and appropriate
- Provide policy advice to Executive as required, drawing on experience of LCPs and others to produce good practice in coastal management & marine spatial planning
- Maintain the SCF's existing relationship with LCPs and represent their interests at national level; more national events/focus of initiatives
- Facilitate relationship between MMO and LCPs
- Consider relationships with other national representative bodies and organisations
| - Have statutory remit for development and provision of ICZM, delivered through Regional Policy Statements and Marine Spatial Plans
- Work with Scottish Executive to establish funding mechanism for LCPs. SMMO to be main conduit for granting LCP match funding, subject to cases being made
- Link to other national MMOs and the wider UK Marine Management Organisation
|
2 | - Build on Year 1's work programme to further develop RPS/Annual Plan
- Deliver productive input to the MSP mechanism for Scotland that emerges from Executive discussions with Defra.
- Continue to pull in projects and match funding to secure additional support
- Work effectively with each other and national co-ordinating body to deliver MSP and ICZM for Scotland
| - Prepare coastal policy guidance notes in conjunction with the Executive and MMO
- Comment on the RPS to ensure they are Quality Assessed and co-ordinated effectively
- Lead national discussion on major issues that relate to ICZM & MSP at local levels
- Organise national coastal management conference
| - Administer match funding applications and grants from LCPs
|
3 | - Continue to develop and implement RPS using coastal policy guidance from MMO
- Learn from SSMEI Pilots to hone Scotland's process for delivering Marine Spatial Planning
- Develop new 3 year business plans
| - Continue to lead national discussion on ICZM, especially in light of reported SSMEI pilot recommendations
- Review operations since 2007 and consider whether scope and remit should be maintained or extended
| - Continue to administer LCP match funding applications & grants
|
Conclusion
Several of the LCPs are facing severe financial difficulties as 1 April 2007 approaches. The future of the Scottish Coastal Forum is also up for debate as AGMACS considers the appropriate level of national co-ordination required for successful policy development and implementation. The suggestions outlined here represent a pragmatic, value-for-money programme that makes use of flexible measures that have already demonstrated their worth in delivering stakeholder involvement in ICZM and could complement a new Scottish Marine Management Organisation, should it be created. This is an opportunity for the Executive to offer substantial but cost-effective financial support to underpin core Officer costs that will allow those involved to do their jobs in a secure fiscal environment and will deliver the localised elements of marine spatial planning within a national approach to integrated coastal zone management.
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