Coastal Partnerships in the UK
Coastal Partnerships have been established around the UK as a means of delivering Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) as well as the conservation of habitats and for conflict resolution. They are seen as having a wealth of experience in facilitating and delivering Integrated Coastal Zone Management at a local level in Devon, developing strong relationships and diverse networks with community, user and stakeholder groups. As such Coastal Partnerships in Devon represent good practice and reflect current Government and EU Recommendations regarding ICZM.
Many coastal partnerships were set up to look after rare and valuable habitats in estuaries, which is a now requirement under European Law on some estuaries. Where these European Designations exist (from the Habitats and Birds Directive), the partnerships benefit from funding from government agencies such as Natural England, the Environment Agency and Local Authorities.
Coastal Partnerships can be seen to serve various other purposes as well. They provide a focal point for collaborative working, facilitating the exchange of information, and acting as an interface with the public that the partners might not otherwise have. These partnerships are therefore strengthening local governance by providing a unique cross-sectoral brokering role which few other partnerships can deliver.