Coastal Management
The EU issued a (non-binding) Recommendation on Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) in 2002, which asks Member States to undertake a national stocktaking of laws, institutions and stakeholders involved in the management of the coastal zone and, based on this, to develop a national strategy to encourage ICZM.
The Scottish Government has been working for a number of years to develop a culture of ICZM, a multidisciplinary process that brings all those involved in the development, management and use of the coast within a framework that facilitates the integration of their interests and responsibilities. Our aim is to achieve common objectives, and to provide programmes for the protection and sustainable management of coastal resources and environments.
There are currently seven local coastal partnerships throughout Scotland, which operate on a voluntary basis. The scope and membership of each initiative varies to meet local circumstances, but all link to Government through the co-ordinating role of the Scottish Coastal Forum.
Public perception of the value of the coastal zone is increasing as pressures upon it increase. To address many of these issues, closer liaison is developing between the devolved administrations and our European neighbours in dealing with coastal matters.