Spring 2007 Social Justice

The edge The magazine of CoastNet

Spring 2007

Social justice Small island regeneration in Norway

Can human rights survive a disaster?

Head to head – debating flood compensation

Snapshot of the English coastal community

Contents Front cover: Mike Page www.mike-page.co.uk

3

Editorial

4

News

6

Head to head: Should residents living in floodprone and erosion-prone areas be entitled to compensation? Royal Haskoning Associate, Greg Guthrie and

CoastNet – breathing new life into coastal matters Spring 2007

Coastal Concern Action Group’s Malcolm Kirby

Social justice

debate the issue in our head to head

The edge is a quarterly magazine, sent out to all CoastNet members. CoastNet is an international networking organisation that works with all coastal interests to promote the exchange of ideas, information and expertise to find long term solutions to coastal problems that benefit all. Our mission is to safeguard the world’s coast and those communities of people and wildlife that depend upon it for their future. Editor: Lesley Smeardon [email protected] Designed by: Cottier & Sidaway Printed by: Swan Print

Submissions To submit an article for publication, please email to the editor saving your submission as a word document. Alternatively, send to the address below. Letters can be sent to the editor but we are unable to acknowledge receipt. The editor reserves the right to edit submissions.

CoastNet: The Gatehouse, Rowhedge Wharf, High St, Rowhedge, Essex, CO5 7ET. Tel/Fax: 01206 728644 Email: [email protected] Web: www.coastnet.org.uk CoastNet is governed by an independent Board of Management and serviced by a Secretariat. Registered charity no 1055763 Registered as a company limited by guarantee, company no 3204452 The opinions expressed in the magazine are not necessarily those of CoastNet. © CoastNet, 2007

2

The edge Spring 2007

8

8

Can human rights survive a disaster? Human rights are almost always the first to be lost when a disaster hits say lawyers, Michel Remi and Patricia Olney. But can the recovery effort post-disaster do more to promote these most basic of rights?

11

11 Wish you were here With the recent publication of the Coastal Towns Report, Lesley Smeardon takes a look at the evidence submitted and the report’s findings.

14 Small island regeneration in Norway Per Arne Tveit reports on a bottom up perspective of rural development planning in two coastal communities on Norway’s west coast.

16 CoastNet events

14

Editorial Social justice Social justice has been around for over 100 years as a concept, and it has been used and abused probably since the day it was first coined.

Recently in the UK, social justice has been deployed by some to shift the balance in coastal policy from an environment bias to a social bias. This has had two consequences for CoastNet. First, we became involved in trying to define what social justice means in a specific coastal management context, through our work with the All Party Parliamentary Group on Coastal and Marine issues. Second, it caused us to reflect on the use of the term in general, and on the balance in policy between environment, society and economy. It seems that social justice, in the UK at least, is a euphemism for ‘political agenda’, and that social justice could sit alongside economic development and environmental protection as

tension forces in the struggle to find the sustainable development answer to problems in society. It became clear to us too, through this work, that the environment is very well protected through legislation, and more is to come in the UK Marine Bill, but the legal measures that protect society, such as Human Rights legislation, have not been well articulated in specific contexts, such as spatial policy. Thus, the call I made in a previous editorial for a campaign for social and economic issues, to counter the very successful one of the last 15 years for the environment, appears to be fully justified. This whole thought process has further consolidated my concerns for the fundamental basis of the

UK Marine Bill. Is it to put in place further environmental measures, to protect wildlife resources, or is it to set the basis for a socially just policy for the marine territory of the UK, which protects environmental resources for their own sake and for the benefit of future generations, and also sets the basis for the sustainable development of the marine territory for the benefit of society? Once the UK Marine White Paper is published, this fundamental point should be at the forefront of debate.

Alex Midlen, Strategic Director

The edge Spring 2007

3

N ew s New Chair for CoastNet

CoastNet warmly welcomes Professor Peter Burbridge from the University of Newcastle upon Tyne at its new Chair on the Board of Management. Peter Burbridge has extensive experience as an independent consultant providing technical and management advice on a wide range of resource development and environmental management issues. The majority of his work has been associated with resources management in developing countries, including applied research, training, and project formulation and

assessment. Currently, he holds the Research Development Chair in Coastal Management at the University of Newcastle upon Tyne, with responsibility to develop a research programme addressing the need for improved scientific information relevant to the sustainable use of coastal areas and natural resources, and the effective use of such information in policy formulation, planning and management. Peter has also acted as the scientific and management advisor for a major study on the Wadden Sea for the governments of Denmark, Germany and the Netherlands, and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF). He recently helped prepared a training manual on environmental considerations in the design of sustainable agriculture projects for the UNFAO. He has also assisted the UNFAO in developing a new programme for integrated fisheries and coastal management. Full details of all CoastNet Board members will be featured in the next issue.

New resource guide now free online CoastNet’s new resource guide to good communication when engaging the public on coastal and marine issues, Dive straight in, was officially launched at the Wildlife Trust’s ‘Finding Sanctuary’ workshop in March. It is now available as a free download from the CoastNet website. To download, go to www.coastnet.org.uk/publications. The guide is also being printed and for free copies contact Theresa Redding and let us know what you think. Email [email protected]

Win

Home: Aldeburgh, Suffolk This old-fashioned English seaside town comes out on top with me with its steeply rolling shingle and sand beach, where fishermen still haul their boats to sell their catches. I love the 2 mile coastal walk from Aldeburgh’s Martello Tower (the largest on the east coast) to the boating lake at Thorpeness stopping off to check out the beautiful scallop sculpture by artist Maggi Hambling.

Away: Chincoteague and Assateague islands, Maryland and Virginia, US These islands are only a few hours drive from Washington DC and are a wonderful retreat from city life. The beaches are fantastically wild and undeveloped and further inland, there’s great biking and birdwatching, not to mention a chance to see the wild horses of Assateague, a unique herd of feral horses. Just come prepared to repel the mosquitos!

a free place at the Climate Change conference

In the next edge we will be focusing on governance and the coast. For a chance to win a free place at the climate change conference in Cardiff in June, nominate a person you think has done the most for the coast at national (or international) level and tell us why in approx 50 words. This person could be a politican, someone from an NGO, industry or someone you work with. The winner will be drawn on May 22nd. Send your nomination by email or post: [email protected], address listed on page 2.

4

I love this beach…. Editor’s favourites

The edge Spring 2007

Share your favourite beach with us. The first three lucky readers will recieve a copy of the BBC book Coast: the journey continues. Send details, with or without photo, to: [email protected]

N ew s The BIG debate – have your say The All Party Parliamentary Group on ● coastal and marine issues (APPG) has been exploring the underdeveloped theme of social justice in the context of flood and erosion risk management at the coast. The third ● meeting in January 2007, featured five speakers, each giving a different perspective on social justice from a series of questions posed.* Here’s what CoastNet concluded – but what do you think? 1

There’s a clear choice for government: to intervene in coastal processes or not 2 Adaptation (of community, of management) should be through a gradual process 3 Timescales of perspective are important: a 10 year (local plan) perspective will result in a different decision to that taken with a 100 year (SMP) perspective 4 There is a legacy today (threatened homes, financial loss) of injustice, as a result of decisions made in the past 5 A concerted action could be made today to clear that legacy and to set forth on future policy paths with a clean sheet 6 A long term programme of research, information provision, and policy review should be established, and conducted within an appropriate time perspective 7 Non intervention also has a potential cost to Government, through possible increased demands on government funded services 8 A socially just and environmentally sustainable policy for coastal flood and erosion risk management is possible. Why should government intervene? ● Past policies have influenced people’s decisions on where to live, to build homes, and to conduct business.

●

Policy change has a direct impact on those in vulnerable areas. Government should provide recompense for injustice arising from policy change. Valuable infrastructure is at risk, and the benefits of intervention outweigh the disbenefits (when measured across appropriate timescales and when an equitable balance is set between values ascribed to built infrastructure, social infrastructure, and environmental infrastructure) Non-intervention is likely to result in indirect costs to government.

Why should government not intervene? ● Intervention distorts natural processes, and increases risk over the longer term, ie resilience is reduced ● Protection at the public expense provides direct financial benefit to individuals ● Intervention can lead to loss of ecosystem function and habitat, and loss of public amenity ● Individuals and communities should take responsibility for their own decisions and actions ● Compensation for policy change in this context could set an openended precedent for claims upon the Treasury * Speakers were: Sarah Nason, Head of Flood Management Division, Defra; Professor Andrew Cooper, University of Ulster; Councillor Clive Stockton, Local Government Association (Coastal Interest Group); David Fursdon, President, Country Land and Business Association (CLA) and Lucy Bjorck, Policy Advocate, RSPB.

The full paper can be found at: www.coastnet.org.uk

CoastNet would like to hear what you think. Send your comments to: [email protected]

Number crunching – snapshot of the UK Coast

22 million – the number of seaside visits to the UK in 2005 – representing a 10 million drop from 32 million between 1980 and 2005. New Economics Foundation

3.1 million – the number of adults living in the 43 principal resort towns in England, Wales and Scotland, marginally more than the total Welsh population. www.britishresorts.co.uk/static/facts.asp

40,000 – the number of visitors to the opening weekend of the annual Whitstable Oyster Festival, in July 2006 against a population of just 30,000. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/5241278.stm

6,100 – the number of islands Britain is made up of, of which 291 are inhabited. www.britishresorts.co.uk/static/facts.asp

393 – the number of UK rural and resort beaches awarded the ENCAMS Seaside Awards In March 2006– 15 more than in 2005 and 201 more than in the mid 1990s. www.britishresorts.co.uk/static/facts.asp

100 – the minimum number of bird species that can be seen in Morecambe Bay. www.citycoastcountryside.co.uk/site/ interesting-factsand-figures

65 – the percentage of the average adult male salary in Torbay compared to the national average, 2005. Torbay Line Rail Users Group

26 – the number of designated coastal areas of outstanding natural beauty in England, Wales and Northern Ireland www.britishresorts.co.uk/static/facts.asp

4.8 billion –The amount, in Sterling, domestic visitors to the English coast spent in 2005. Coastal Towns Report March 2007

1 –The number one visited coastal town in 2005/06 was Blackpool coming second only to London in the top 10 most visited UK towns and cities. UK Tourism Survey May 2005 – Apr 2006 See Wish you were here on page 11 for details of the newly published Coastal Towns Report.

The edge Spring 2007

5

Should residents living in flood- and erosion-prone areas be entitled to compensation? Malcolm Kerby

In the Netherlands, for the state not to defend is illegal. In other countries, for it to do so, would be unthinkable. In the UK, there is a permissive power to defend against flood and erosion. There is no duty. Furthermore, the purpose is in providing benefit to the community and society. It is not for the protection of individuals as such.

The Coast Protection Act 1949 (minor revamp of the 1939 Act) means we are trying to address 21st century problems, global warming etc, with effectively a 68 year old toolkit. It doesn't work, it is no longer relevant. We now live in a more democratic and reportedly, socially just society. Except when it comes to coast management.

This may be understood in looking at the arguments leading up to the Coast Protection Act (CPA) 1949. The concern was that it was unjust that local communities should bear the full cost of defence when there was benefit to the nation as well as the individual and local community. The argument was that the cost should be borne by each in proportion to their benefit.

Overall 'strategic' control of coast management has been given to the Environment Agency, a leviathan quango. Not much democracy there Where there is conflict that, say, an then! individual wishes to maintain defences which would cause damage to other Government-controlled second generindividuals or to the national benefit, ation Shoreline Management Plans then, as in any other area of life, that (SMPs) are being introduced which are person should not benefit to the calling for a significant number of people disadvantage of others; that is social to lose their land and property (homes) justice. If on the other hand an in the wider national interest entirely individual suffers to the betterment of without financial, or indeed any other, others, there is already mechanism for mitigation of those losses by the 'wider compensation. These balances and nation'! Not much social justice there checks are already within the CPA 1949 then! (how farsighted for out of date legislation). If the "cost should be borne by each in proportion to their benefit" can we Far from being a government expect the cost of the proposed Thames controlled process, SMP2s are a realistic barrage (probably billions) to be borne examination of these potential by Londoners alone? The whole coast conflicts. The SMP2s are not “calling and its estuaries are national assets for a loss of homes”; it is the realism of enjoyed by all and the 'wider nation' coastal processes. Without SMPs we must bear the full cost of management would be managing by default. including compensation for those individuals forced to make the ultimate sacrifice, total loss.

The rules depend on the society in which we live; there is no universal right that a nation should compensate for loss to the individual. In our society, provision of defence is for the benefit of community, not the individual. Why then should there be compensation to individuals when defence is not considered, or when defence, which was previously considered beneficial to society (and provided on that basis) is withdrawn because it is no longer considered sustainable?

6

I fully agree that the coast and estuaries are a national asset and need to be managed as such. However, there is also value to the local communities and to individuals. Where there is no conflict in maintaining common values in balance, it may be argued that the individual benefits incidentally, the cost being borne by the nation or the community (as represented by the local authority); it is not for the individual’s benefit that management is undertaken.

GG

Greg Guthrie

The edge Spring 2007

Greg Guthrie from Royal Haskoning and Malcolm Kirby from the Coastal Concern Action Group go head to head on the issue.

Greg Guthrie

Article 8 of The European The first paragraph of Greg's Convention on Human Rights response is the usual 'smoke and mirrors' and the second paragraph states that: “There shall be no interference by a public authority with the exercise of…” would perhaps be better if it read thus: anyone’s “right to respect for his private and Where there is conflict as a result of family life, his home…” “except such as is individuals or Government wishing to …necessary in a democratic society in the either maintain or discontinue defences interests of …the economic well-being of the which would cause 'damage' to other country …freedoms of others”. Is this not individuals or communities or to the exactly the argument I am putting national benefit, then as in any other forward? The intervention by the state area of life, that individual or is judged by benefit to society, but Government should not benefit to the should not prevent individuals disadvantage of others; that is social intervening unless this causes damage to the state or others. justice!

MK

GG

The mechanism for compensation within the CPA 1949 is woefully inadequate and flawed. Indeed that Act does not sit comfortably alongside The Human Rights Act 1998 or The European Convention on Human Rights, particularly regarding Article 1 of the First Protocol, Article 8 and Article 14.

To dismiss the argument as “smoke and mirrors” neither negates the argument nor is helpful and, while I would agree that ideally there is a lack of resource on coast protection, this again does not really affect the discussion about where money is best spent.

SMP2s are absolutely controlled by Government. No maritime authority has the freedom to produce a SMP which falls outside Government parameters, no matter how inapplicable those parameters may be. The way SMPs are currently being used to legitimise and perpetuate the massive underfunding of coast protection rather than sound effective long term management means we are already managing " by default". Whether we manage effectively or by default, compensation is the only way to 'unlock' the process.

SMP1 highlighted the problems, SMP2 Shooting a second confirms this. messenger does not make the message wrong. What, however, is needed is for the SMP to be in context of broader coastal management. The SMP is isolated without this. ICZM aims to deliver an agreed future for society. Where individuals suffer in the delivery of this future, there is argument for compensation, but not in relation purely to a lack of state funding of defence.

Malcolm Kirby

If SMP2 is the "second messenger" then it should not only be shot but buried as deep as possible. The second generation SMPs manage nothing, it would be more accurate to describe them as plans to legitimise the massive underfunding of our coast. What they are is any chosen consultant’s prediction of our future coast against the backdrop of underfunding, the only evidence we (the stakeholders ) have to judge on is the certain knowledge of how inaccurate some so-called expert (consultants) predictions are! We are facing an uncertain future with climate change. It will not serve us well if we choose to ignore or run away from the problems climate change and global warming may bring for financial short termism.

MK

Change is inevitable, to what extent we can only guess, but we should neither be frightened of it nor shrink from addressing it. We need to change both the mindset and the toolkit for dealing with it on the coast. We must keep an open mind to all useful tools to deal with that change effectively. We must embrace that change in the best interests of all the people and most importantly we must use every tool at our disposal ie hard defences, soft defences, no defences and above all compensation that we may make the most difficult decisions for sound effective coast management rationale unencumbered, rooted in a socially just framework.

Gregor Guthrie is an Associate with the Coast and Rivers Division of Royal Haskoning. Malcolm Kerby is Co-ordinator of the Coastal Concern Action Group, Happisburgh.

The edge Spring 2007

7

Can human rights survive a disaster? By Michel Remi Njiki and Patricia Olney

I

n recent years we have faced many disasters all over the world, with global warming fast becoming one of the largest threats to face the human race. Forecasts of significant sea-level rise makes the world’s coastal areas vulnerable to disaster at magnitudes previously unheard of. And when hit by natural disaster, such as the 2004 tsunami, human rights are almost always the very first to be lost, including the most basic human right – the right to life itself.

When faced with these natural disasters, little more can be done after the fact than to provide medicine, food, shelter, clothing and reconstruction. Other disasters, such as the human-induced Prestige oil spill in Spain in 2002, could have been avoided with better planning and engineering. The statistics from recent disasters demonstrate the largescale impact on affected coastal areas: Hurricane Katrina, southern US coast, August 29, 2005 ● 1,836 people dead ● 200,000 homes destroyed ● 1 million people displaced ● 80% of New Orleans under water with damages to the amount of $25.3 billion

8

The edge Spring 2007

●

The costliest and deadliest hurricane in US history Asian Tsunami, Indonesia and 13 other countries, December 26, 2004 ● 173,906 people dead with many still missing ● Detrimental economic impact on 10 countries with total aid packages from other countries totalling nearly $7 billion Prestige oil spill, Galician coast of Spain, November 19, 2002 ● 2,000 km of Spain’s coastline and more than 1,000 beaches in Spain and France polluted ● Fishing industry in polluted area greatly damaged with offshore fishing suspended for six months ● 63,000 tonnes of fuel oil spilled into the sea ● Cost of clean up to Galician coast alone estimated at €2.5 billion ● Marine life will suffer effects of the spill for at least 10 years.

The human rights situation Once disaster has struck, implementation of human rights international standards is not considered a priority. Instead, priority is given to the humanitarian crisis with

efforts focused on providing the minimum necessary for victim survival. But not enough is done in order for people to enjoy fully other basic rights. Under these circumstances, it becomes necessary to ask the question: can human rights survive disaster? During times of peace, there are no ‘hard law’ legal instruments, (instruments that bind states), which set out laws regarding humanitarian relief in the case of natural disasters. However, there are instruments that can be enforced in the case of war, ie the Geneva Convention IV. International human rights legal protection is based on the ‘inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family.’ It is a duty of the international community and of state governments to protect all human beings in their fundamental rights, as a member of that human family. International human rights legal instruments do protect some basic rights under all circumstances, including greatscale humanitarian disasters: ● Article 2 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights

Above: Thousands of homes stand empty and in a dangerous state after Hurricane Katrina.

(UDHR) – No discrimination is allowed on the basis of race, colour, sex, language, religion, political opinion etc – independently of the international status of the country to which the person belongs. See also Article 4 of the International Covenant on civil and political rights. ●

●

●

Article 3 of the UDHR – the right to life, liberty and security of one’s own person. Article 25 of the UDHR – the right to a standard of living adequate for the health and well being of one’s family, including food, clothing, housing and medical care, necessary social services, security in the event of unemployment, sickness, disability, widowhood, old age or other lack of livelihood in circumstances beyond one’s control. Article 11 of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR) – the recognition of the fundamental right of everyone to be free from hunger.

●

Article 28 of the UDHR – the right to a social and international order in which rights and freedoms set forth in the UDHR can be fully utilised.

●

Article 12 of the ICESCR – the right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health.

community’s The international responsibility to realise those rights fully has been emphasised on various occasions by the UN General Assembly (Resolutions 43/129; 43/130; 43/131; and 47/168) – in seeking a greater involvement of states and a better coordination of humanitarian relief actions. There are some internal constitutional rights that protect people in the case of disasters, such as Katrina, the tsunami and the Prestige oil spill. In Spain, for example, the Prestige disaster challenged the constitutional right of victims to enjoy an adequate environment for one’s personal development (Art 45(1)) - and the right to public health protection (Art 43).

In US constitutional law, Amendment XIV guarantees equal protection to every person and at the same time protection against discrimination. During the Katrina crisis the US government was charged by many of discrimination in its response to the disaster given that many of the displaced were poor and/or black, arguing that a wealthy white area would have received help in a much more efficient manner. As the statistics for this disaster show, poverty has increased among the displaced, as well as a general distrust of the government’s ability to respond and help, particularly if one is poor and/or black. The psychological effect of this lack of trust in public institutions and authorities will probably last a lifetime for those affected.

The role of NGOs in disaster relief and human rights NGOs have played a key role in disaster relief; raising funds, providing food, clothes, medical care and help in rebuilding. There is no doubt that affected states could not bear the cost in time and money of all the rebuilding work required. The NGO’s role in

The edge Spring 2007

9

Appeals for help locally in New Orleans; Kids surviving the tsunami, and refugees queuing for food in India post-tsunami.

disaster relief has become increasingly recognised at international level. The International Law Institute considers that those NGOs who have impartial humanitarian goals should be granted full legal capacity to act in the international ambit. In other words they should be awarded more authority to act when a disaster strikes. Even though there have been many accusations and criticisms about the misuse of funds collected for relief actions, especially during the tsunami crisis, it is known that the actions of NGOs are much more efficient than those of the states, obviously reaching places where it is not possible for the states to act. The non-profit organisation, Human Rights Watch, when writing to Bill Clinton in his role as UN special envoy on tsunami recovery underlined the

10

The edge Spring 2007

fact that recovery effort should be promoting, or should be judged by whether it has promoted, greater respect for the human rights that existed before the tsunami occurred. According to that organisation, indicators used should include protection from gender, ethnic, religious and cast-based discrimination, respect for land rights, ensure freedom of speech and association and thus participation and accountability as central indicators of success of the “build-back-better” approach. The organisation also called for a creation of a mechanism to prevent discrimination against women in assessing compensation for lost livelihood, and creation of new employment opportunities. It asked Mr Clinton to insist that all affected governments, the UN system, and NGOs create the mechanisms capable of ensuring that aid reaches all targeted beneficiaries

without discrimination of any kind, and immediately respond to incidents of discrimination. In a number of disaster-affected areas, many people will not be able to enjoy the basic rights they’ve lost for a long time, due to the severe deterioration of their social and economical conditions. Sadly, the protections that international legal instruments guarantee to every human being become useless, trivial and inefficient to those most severely affected – to those people that need such protections the most.

Michel Remi Njiki is a PhD student in International Law at the University of Cadiz, Spain. Patricia Olney has been an attorney-at-law in California, USA for over 20 years

The newly published Coastal Towns report from the Communities and Local Government Committee says there’s a national policy vacuum on coastal towns and recommends the need for focused specific government action. Looking at the evidence and the report’s findings, the snapshot of the English coastal community is far from sunny, says Lesley Smeardon

U

pmarket seafood restaurants owned by celebrity chefs, million pound hideaway properties for the rich and famous and that most exclusive of coastal accessory, the privately-owned mooring for the much-loved yacht, provide coastal images evoked by many a glossy lifestyle magazine. All

represent an accurate image of the coast, depending on your geographical location. But look closer and you’ll find an altogether different view. Seasonality, isolation and a skewed demographic are as much a part of the modern mix of our seaside towns as anything served up by Rick Stein at his Padstow restaurant.

The social and economic challenge for coastal towns Location When it comes to their geography, coastal towns are unique. With a hinterland of 180 degrees rather than 360, they are, quite literally, at the end of the railway line or road system. Location, coupled with the increase risks of global warming, flooding and erosion mean coastal towns experience much of the downside to their seaside location. The undeniable attractiveness of coastal areas to tourism and leisure, while an economic benefit, can also be

incompatible to other regeneration issues, placing restrictions on development in certain areas of beauty for example.

Seasonality and transience Employment seasonality, given the reliance on tourism for many, is a significant challenge for coastal towns, a fact reflected in statistics provided by the Department for Work and Pensions which demonstrated that seasonal work in coastal towns was more than double that found in non-coastal towns.1 This seasonality is also one factor contributing to a more transient population, present in some coastal towns, which can generate difficulties in education, housing and employment.

Declining industry Is UK coastal tourism in decline with the recent growth of low cost airlines? Figures might suggest so. Between 1980 and 2005 the numbers of visits to the UK seaside reduced by 10 million.2 The British Resorts and Destinations Association however argue that it is

The edge Spring 2007

11

the nature of tourism that has changed rather than a collapse per se with short breaks and day trips having greater impact.1 Whatever the case, there are a number of coastal towns that have suffered a downturn in their tourism trade. Perhaps it is the tourism product itself, that is in need some TLC, with specific of investment, especially in public areas. Some towns have found good fortune with the development of strong niche markets. Surfing is now synonymous with Newquay, for example, as Whitstable is to oysters and seafood.1

for the older generation and this is reflected in the higher than average number of residents who are over 65 years old. The out-migration of young people from coastal towns and the inmigration of elderly people is a problem faced all over the coast.

But coastal towns are not completely dependent on tourism even though other traditional industries such as fishing, manufacturing and shipbuilding have declined in many coastal towns. The report points to the need for economic diversification, arguing for regional and local

A case for special measures?

regeneration

strategies

and

development plans that encourage a broader mix of activity. This should be supported by Government sharing best practice on economic diversification approaches for coastal towns.1

Coastal demographics The coast has always been a favourite

A greater transient population, run down disused housing, an older and, in some cases, increasing population, coupled with a second homes market in places, such as the South Hams in make housing issues Devon, particularly difficult for coastal towns.

The UK is a country surrounded by sea

makes a compelling case for special initiatives to tackle the needs of coastal towns. The report does not advocate a national strategy, instead favouring greater cross-departmental working, with a central working group led by the DCLT to promote greater understanding. A national approach to promote and support seaside tourism, is however advocated, urgently arguing for a new coastal study to be undertaken. Regionally, it is the RDAs’ role, it argues, to share best practice on coastal towns across regions, including economic diversification approaches, with RDAs disaggregating their coastal data in order to develop appropriate policy.

with a massive 12,500 km long coastline and an English coastline spanning 4,000

km. Yes, there is a

national strategy regarding coastal erosion and flooding but we are still remarkably without a focused, strategic approach to deal with the social and economic issues of our coastal towns. Critics would argue that coastal towns are too diverse to warrant such an approach, and instead can be dealt with in existing regional, and national policy. Clearly, while a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach does not stack up, evidence given to the inquiry

Will the report create a turnabout for our coastal towns if embraced by Government? Joined up integrated government or merely another bureaucratic meltdown? We wait and see. What is clear to anyone who has visited an English coastal town in the past year is if we want our coastal towns to be vibrant, self-sustaining communities that attract and keep their population, we simply must invest in their regeneration. To do this, we must first understand the forces that shape our coastal life.

Who’s responsible for coastal towns? Coastal policy – The Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) leads coastal policy with its responsibilities for flood and coastal erosion risk in England and also spatial planning system for sea and coast Tourism and heritage – The Department for Culture, Media and Sport has policy responsibility but there are many other regional and sub-regional structures for tourism according to the British Resorts and Destinations Association (BRADA). Housing, neighbourhood renewal – The Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) is charged with a range of policies and legislation that will affect coastal towns such as neighbourhoold renewal, The Housing Act 2004 and the local enterprise growth initiative. Regional Development Agencies – The Department for Trade and Industry.

12

The edge Spring 2007

Demographics – The Department of Health in relation to the demographic profile of many coastal towns Education skills and attainment – The Department for Education and Skills Benefits system/employment – The Department for work and pensions The social and economic infrastructure on which our coastal towns depend, is influenced by a number of government departments. With no specific coastal towns initiative, and no recommendations put forward to develop one, cross-departmental liaison is vital. Yet Coastal Towns says such liaison is disappointing and argues for a permanent cross-departmental working group to be put in place, led by the DCLG to promote a greater understanding of the needs of coastal towns.

Say cheese – a snapshot around the country Location

Coastal demographics

East Riding of Yorkshire council has to deal with one of the fastest eroding coastlines in North West Europe with a rate of erosion on the unprotected stretches currently averaging 1.8 metres per annum3. According to the Environment Agency, coastal areas, such as the Humber, Happisburgh or the Essex coast would be in the frontline of climate change impacts. The Coastal Towns report recommends that Government, as a matter of urgency puts in place a fair and transparent national approach to coastal adaptation for those communities threatened.1

In Grange-over-Sands, over 50% of the 4,000 population is retired.12 The South West, according to the Market and Coastal Towns Association (MCTA) has the most eldery age structure of any English region, a fact attributed in part to its long coastline, with far more retired people centred in the coastal areas.13 In Skegness, for every two people aged 1824 who move out, three people aged 60 and over move in.4

Grange-over-sands

East Riding of Yorkshire

Blackpool Skegness Happisburgh

Essex

Seasonality

Thanet

Between August 2004 and January 2005 unemployment in Skegness, increased by 100% compared to almost no change in Great Britain.4

▲ Beirut

Folkestone

Torbay Looe

Southampton/Portsmouth

Transience Only inner London has higher levels of transience than Blackpool, creating acute challenges for Blackpool’s local public services. Managing high movement patterns between housing, and yet creating community cohesion are just two issues towns like Blackpool are having to deal with.5

Education Coastal schools can suffer from low aspirations due to the lack of career and job opportunities and achieve lower than national attainment.6 In Folkestone, participation in higher education is in the bottom 25% nationally. 7

Industry Thanet now has a large dependent community following its decline as a

seaside resort and of local industry, bringing with it consequences to the housing and care industries.8

Employment Looe, in Cornwall falls within the most deprived 30% of wards in England regarding employment.9 In Torbay, Devon, unemployment is high, with nearly half the employment in part-time jobs, twice the national average. And salaries are depressing, with the average adult male salary recorded as 65% of the national average in 2005.10 Southampton and Portsmouth, on a positive note, are both experiencing growth in their core port activities. Still, other maritime-related activities in these towns have experienced mixed fortunes.11

References All references, unless stated otherwise, come from evidence submitted to the Communities and Local Government Committee, Coastal Town Inquiry. House of Commons Communities and Local Government Committee. Coastal Towns Second Report. March 2007. The Stationery Office – find it at: www.parliament.uk/parliamentary_committees/ clg.cfm 2 New Economics Foundation 3 East Riding of Yorkshire Council 4 Skegness Town Council 5 Blackpool Council 6 The Coastal Academy 7 Channel Corridor Partnership 8 Thanet District Council 9 Carradon District Council 10 Torbay line Rail Users group 11 The Learning and Skills council 12 Cumbria Tourist Board 13 Market and Coastal Towns Association 1

The edge Spring 2007

13

Small island regeneration in Norway The success of Bulandet and Værlandet Per Arne Tveit looks at a bottomup perspective on rural development planning in two coastal communities on the West Coast of Norway

B

ulandet and Værlandet are the westernmost communities on the west coast of Scandinavia. In contrast with many other remote communities in rural parts of Norway, these two islands have had an increasing population during the past 10 years. Young people have come home to the islands after completing their education and new inhabitants

14

The edge Spring 2007

other have moved in from Scandinavian countries. In this article we try to uncover the secret behind this success. In December 2003 a new road and five new bridges to connect the two islands were opened. The road and bridges spare the westernmost islanders from a risky ferry trip in the open North Atlantic Sea, a trip that was previously only taken around 5-7 times a week. Now, with access to the eastern ferry terminal, islanders take up to 3 to 5 trips a day; the mainland town of Askvol being just one hour journey

onwards. This new road is a result of a long and patient struggle for political influence and public money, but it is also the beginning of a new life for many of islanders. The total number of inhabitants in the two recently-connected communities is approximately 450. These inhabitants share a surprisingly large number of community services and economic diversity: ● one school (6 – 16 years) and two kindergartens ● two local stores, one pub and one cafeteria

● ●

● ● ● ● ● ●

one gallery, two local museums two small churches, two public halls and several tourist accommodations one horse riding centre two marinas, five fishing boats with a crew of 6-7 persons each one fish factory that employs around 20 workers one cod farm, one salmon farm and a local salmon slaughterhouse one workshop that produces and repairs fishing nets one quarry and workshop that exports blocks of its unique limestone to Italy and produces furniture and building equipment for the Scandinavian market.

What is the secret of the continued diversity of its economy?

Fjordane participate for three years. The programme contains six small communities at any one time. Successful applicants have access to a grant programme established by the county. The joint membership from these two different communities (not connected with bridges at the time) was unique in the programme. It gave us a good opportunity to analyse why the same project gave different effects in two different, but geographically-close communities. We found three key factors that influenced the project work and the short-term results: 1

One of the reasons is certainly the good incomes from very well run fishing boats of Bulandet. More than 50 per 2 cent of the income from fishing is paid as salary to the crew. Another positive factor is the tourist industry. Even if it doesn’t employ a lot of people on the islands, it brings income for the stores and other service business during the summer. A critical factor is also the positive 3 attitude of the islanders which stems from a rural development programme that took place in both communities between 1992 – 1995. In this still popular programme, small communities in the county of Sogn og

The communities now The island communities now have to face new challenges. A nature reserve for seabird protection has caused much resistance in the islands. The communities were not properly involved in the decision process, and they reacted very strongly against it.

Consensus – a high level of community conflict would cause difficulties in mobilising the community. Authority – if community leaders feel their authority threatened by a project, they may mobilise against it, or at least ignore it. Formal and informal leaders often have useful networks, and influence within the community and should be involved. Activity – we found that visible and fast results are required and a balance between public activity and developing private enterprise. It must be accepted that some can profit from our common efforts, bringing benefit back into the community.

Plans have been made to transform this fishing harbour in Værlandet into a tourist centre (artist’s impression), with maritime museum, seabird visitor centre, marina and other services. This will create employment, and enable existing businesses to diversify.

Applying the lessons from the rural development programme, the municipality of Askvoll and the community council (Værlandet Vel) tried to stimulate new enterprises and develop sustainable businesses based on the unique resources inside the natural reserve. A new information centre for the seabird protection is now planned in the old harbour of Værlandet, and bird watching as a commercial product is intended.

The waterside store on Bulandet brings together a range of services into a single, viable business: post office, general store, cafe, marina, accommodation, passenger ferry terminus.

Per Arne Tveit is manager of business and culture development in the municipality of Askvoll, Norway

The edge Spring 2007

15

C o a s t N e t eve n t s Conferences Partnership Forum – All UK coastal partnerships and Fora are invited to attend Location: Royal Agricultural College, Cirencester Date: 19/20 April 2007 This forum will run from 12.30 pm (lunch is provided on Day 1) to 12.30 pm on Day 2. Accommodation is provided in single study bedrooms at the college. Cost: £30 + VAT (all inclusive). Aims of the Forum ● to consider the role of partnerships in a national ICZM strategy ● to explore the implications of the implementation of the Marine Bill at the local level, in particular in relation to marine spatial planning and cross compliance with terrestrial spatial planning. To explore ways in which coastal partnerships can provide support and services in delivering current and future plans, Directives and policies relating to coastal management. ● to explore current and future resource needs and opportunities, methods of raising awareness and promoting the values of coastal partnerships as well as strengthening the services. ● To share information and good practice and to network

All Party Parliamentary Group on Marine and Coastal Issues Location: Boothroyd Room, Portcullis House Date: 22 May 2007 3–4 pm Details of becoming members of the group can be found on our website www.coastnet.org.uk Membership is open to anybody with coastal interests.

A very visible truth – climate change at the coast. A CoastNet/Corepoint conference Location: Julian Hodge Building, University Cardiff, Cardiff, Wales Date: 22 June 2007 CoastNet and Cardiff University are organising this conference under the EU Interreg Programme COREPOINT Aims of the conference This conference will explore the latest thinking throughout Europe and internationally (at the national, regional and local level ) on changing coastal systems, adaptation strategies and mechanisms, risk management through emerging planning policy, future thinking, and mitigation opportunities. Invited speakers include Ministers of State, politicians, media personalities and international experts. Conference attendees will have the opportunity to take part in an ‘Any Questions’ type debate with a panel of experts.

Q&A: The APPG on coastal and marine issues organised by CoastNet

What is the purpose of this APPG? To raise awareness regarding coastal and marine issues, and to debate, to consider and recommend solutions to issues of concern to MPs

Who attends this APPG? Governmental organisations (Environment Agency, Ordnance Survey, etc) Environmental NGOs (WWF UK, the Wildlife Link, etc) Industry ( Country Land and Business Association, UK Cable Protection Committee, British Marine Aggregates Producers Association, etc) Interest groups (Sea Anglers, BASS, National Mullet Club, etc.) Consultancy companies (Royal Haskoning, HR Wallingford, Peter Brett Associates, etc.) Universities (Kingston University) Individuals

Who chairs this APPG? Mr Norman Lamb MP (Liberal Democrat) is Chair Mr Dennis Turner MP(Labour) is Vice Chair and Mr Graham Stuart MP (Conservative) is Vice Chair

Who can attend? CoastNet welcomes individuals and organisations to these meetings. They are open to all and have a membership fee of £75 for

What is an APPG? An All Party Parliamentary Group is composed of UK politicians from all political parties. These meet to discuss particular issues of concern, tending to focus on the governing party's priorities, discussing new developments and inviting Government Ministers to speak at their meetings. APPGs allow others in the subject such as campaign groups, charities and NGOs to become involved in discussions and influence politicians.

organisations to cover CoastNet’s secretariat work. Send us an email or give us a call. How many people are at the meetings and what happens in them? There are regularly between 30 and 40 attendees. The meetings are about an hour and a half long, and the structure varies depending on the issues addressed. In October for example Mr Ian Pearson, Minister of State for Climate Change and the Environment gave a short and speech on the issue of Flood and Erosion Risks followed by interventions of MPs and questions from the audience. In our last meeting five different organisations gave a five minute presentation to provide various approaches to solve problems related to flooding and erosion risks, climate change and social justice.

For information on any of the conferences listed please contact CoastNet on 01206 728644 or by email: [email protected]

CoastNet emails: Alex Midlen; [email protected] Theresa Redding; [email protected] Pat Stitt; [email protected] Lesley Smeardon; [email protected] Manuela de los Rios; [email protected] Christine Punter; [email protected] Events; [email protected] General; [email protected]

This publication is partially funded through the Corepoint project under the Interrreg 3B Programme. Corepoint aims to establish North West Europe as an internationally recognised region of excellence in coastal management by encouraging full implementation of ICZM, highlighting best practice, providing education by influencing national spatial policies – for further details please see http://corepoint.ucc.ie