Scottish Government

Scottish Coastal Forum: Current ICZM initiatives: Spring 2004

Cromarty Firth Liaison Group

The Cromarty Firth Liaison Group was set up in 1992 to provide a forum to discuss issues that affect the quality of the coastal environment of the Cromarty Firth. It also encouraged individuals and organisations to be aware of how their actions might affect the quality of the Firth's environment. CFLG merged with the Moray Firth Partnership in January 2002 and now acts as a local delivery arm.

A number of successful initiatives have been facilitated since the publication of the Group's Management Strategy and Action Plan in 1998:

Alness Point is a popular walking area and supports key wildlife species and habitats of the Firth Special Protection Area. A number of opportunities were identified for the Point such as the installation of interpretation panels to inform of the natural, cultural and historical heritage of the area and participation in the Marine Conservation Society's Adopt a Beach programme. However, first there were conflicts such as motorbike disturbance, vandalism and fly tipping to resolve through a series of actions, in partnership with the local community, environmental agencies and businesses. In 2003, the coastal clean-up volunteers became a constituted community group to develop a conservation management plan for the area, working closely with local agencies, forging strong links with other voluntary groups, ensuring a truly integrated approach to managing the area for the benefit of the community and the environment.

The Group co-ordinated the industrialised estuaries seminar as part of the MFP series. It explored relationships between coastal industrial developments, impacts on environmental assets and the cost benefit implications. Delegates indicated that the seminar was successful in raising awareness, promoting the concept of ICZM and stimulating debate about examples of best practice and sustainable management solutions from the range of industries around the Firth. Key issues such as access to good quality data, especially environmental data, were identified. A Partnership approach was seen as the only way to co-ordinate such a multi-sectoral project and the Group is currently delivering a pilot project on data management.

The main work focus for 2002-03 was the completion of the Action Plan that was prepared to provide a foundation for those involved in decision making. The 86 actions identified what could be done to promote the maintenance and enhancement of the Firth's natural, economic and cultural resources.

In December 2002, 80% of the actions were fully implemented and were either complete or ongoing through the day-to-day work of a lead agency. This level of accomplishment is testimony to the dedication of the agencies and communities involved in fulfilling the aims of the Action Plan.

Cromarty Firth Port Authority quote: "The marine area of Cromarty Firth Port Authority has significant environmental importance to the region. The Authority continues to be a funding partner in the Cromarty Firth Group, and participates in projects and working with others to improve the natural environment of the Cromarty and Moray Firths."

Ross and Cromarty Enterprise quote: "RACE supports the work of the Cromarty Firth Group through commitment to the Cromarty Firth Data Project, building upon achievements to date and successes enjoyed in our efforts to demonstrate ICZM locally and also contributes to a number of network objectives."

Future Plans: The current role of CFG is one of a small locally-focused management group. It is likely that the Moray Firth Partnership will set up a number of similar local groups, to provide a special local focus. The future plans for CFG will link to the planning for the MFP as a whole.