Coastal Management
Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM)
- ICZM is an integrated approach to planning and management at the coast. Described as the zip between the land and sea, this is about co-ordinating how we manage the resources and activities in this environment.
- The EU made recommendations, in 2002, on the implementation of ICZM based around a set of core principles, that is: an approach that considers the impacts of human activities at the coast, is inclusive, fitting to local needs, and has national and regional backing.
- ICZM has been implemented in Scotland by Local Coastal Partnerships.
Local Coastal Partnerships (LCPs)
- LCPs are voluntary partnership groups of localised interests and national organisations for delivering ICZM.
- Based mainly around the major Firths or distinct geographical areas, there are currently seven LCPs in Scotland: CoastHebrides; East Grampian Coastal Partnership; Firth of Clyde Forum; Forth Estuary Forum; Moray Firth Partnership; Solway Firth Partnership; and Tay Estuary Forum.
Scottish Coastal Forum (SCF)
- The Scottish Coastal Forum is a stakeholder group providing independent advice on coastal and marine management, with a particular interest in ICZM and LCPs.
- The SCF works closely with the Scottish Government and participated in the Advisory Group on Marine and Coastal Strategy (AGMACS).
- For AGMACS, the SCF proposed a model to use the existing local coastal partnerships to deliver ICZM using Regional Policy Statements - a proposed mechanism to ensure all stakeholders can be involved in ensuring a balance of development, use and resource protection for the coastal and estuarine environment.