REVIEW OF INTEGRATION AMONG PLANS FOR THE COAST IN SCOTLAND: Analysis of the SCF Coastal Plans Inventory
CHAPTER ONE INTRODUCTION
1.1 ArupScotland, in association with Brady Shipman Martin, have been commissioned by the Scottish Executive Central Research Unit to undertake a research project entitled "Analysis of the Coastal Plans Inventory", which has been developed by the Scottish Coastal Forum (SCF) as the first stage in analysing coastal management activities in Scotland. The Inventory can be accessed on the SCF web site at ww.scotland.gov.uk/environment/coastalforum.
1.2 The SCF recognised the need for an inventory of existing planning and management activities as an important step to delivering Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) in Scotland, and in 2000 developed a database of plans based on responses given by statutory and non-statutory bodies across Scotland. The Inventory records all documented planning activities currently being undertaken which are considered to have an impact on the coastal zone. The Inventory is not complete as the compilation depended on voluntary responses from a number of statutory and non-statutory organisations, and 100% participation was not attained.
1.3 The Report of the Database Compilation, published by SCF in February 2001, highlighted the need for research into the extent that current coastal planning and management activities are integrated, i.e. consistent and influenced by other plans and policies. The aim of the research study is to analyse whether the integration of coastal zone activities is demonstrated or considered through plans and policy documents prepared by the participatory bodies in ICZM and influenced by the ICZM strategies prepared by voluntary coastal management partnerships.
1.4 The research aims are:
- To identify the level of integration that exists between plans and management strategies that impinge on the management of activities within the coastal zone
- To identify measures to strengthen the level of integration between plans
1.5 The research objectives are:
- To review the relationship between existing plans and management strategies which affect the management of the coast
- To assess the extent to which they contribute towards a co-ordinated approach to coastal zone management
- To establish the extent to which coastal management strategies prepared by voluntary partnerships influence partner organisations' plans and strategies
- To identify where linkages and mechanisms require strengthening, and to suggest methods of achieving this.
1.6 The research study also considers how an environment can be created to facilitate the co-ordination of coastal planning activities, based on local circumstances. This project would inform the development of ICZM co-ordination in Scotland, and would take into account the development of other plans that will have an influence on coastal planning in the future. These would include Local Agenda 21 Plans, Biodiversity Action Plans and River Basin District Management Plans under the Water Framework Directive.
1.7 The study will inform the SCF in its activities of developing a National Strategy for Scotland's coasts and inshore waters. The first phase of developing the National Strategy is the analysis of the current situation and visualisation of instruments and mechanisms for ICZM delivery.
Aims of Report
1.8 This report details the activities undertaken to fulfil the aims of the research and to report on the findings and draw conclusions and make recommendations. The report follows the following structure:
Chapter Two: Context
Chapter Three: Review of the Coastal Plans Inventory
Chapter Four: Relationship between Plans and Strategies
Chapter Five: Selection of Case Studies
Chapter Six: Measures of the Level of Integration
Chapter Seven: Results of Case Study Reviews
Chapter Eight: Research Findings and Conclusions
Recommendations