The role of Coastal Partnerships

The role of Coastal Partnerships was defined and developed by the Coastal Partnerships Working Group Forum in Leeds, 2004.

Defining a vision and working towards its realisation

• Orchestrating the definition of a vision for the particular area of coast in question that can be adopted by all partners as a basis for strategies and as a powerful tool for integration as a starting point

Championing the coast and raising awareness

• Bringing a coastal focus for partners who might have a broader geographical or sectoral role
• Foster a two-way relationship where partners champion the coast within their own organisation
• Defining what needs awareness raising, to whom and why?

Managing and disseminating information

• Information is fundamental to decision making and therefore ICZM

Good business practice

• The role is about being efficient and accountable, and doing the right thing – meeting the purpose of the partnership

Facilitation of liaison and coordinated action

• Bringing institutions, agencies, organisations and individuals together to develop integrated solutions to problems which cannot be solved by any one organisation on its own

Delivering integrated solutions through projects and initiatives

• Be proactive in identifying and implementing solutions to coastal issues
• Bring organisations together to identify joint and innovative approaches
• Show leadership in overcoming difficult issues

Promoting the delivery of sustainable coastal management

• Partnerships should influence:
  • Local Development Frameworks
  • Community strategies
  • River Basin Management plans
  • Sectoral plans
  • Engaging with industry

Engaging the public and stakeholders

Sustainable development requires new political and administrative structures, ones which capture stakeholder knowledge and priorities.  Estuary Partnerships fill a significant gap in this respect and can make a significant contribution to effective delivery of sustainable management