"In 2000, East Riding of Yorkshire Council, and other interested parties agreed to develop an Integrated Coastal Zone Management Plan for the East Riding coastal zone, the fastest eroding in Europe.
"This is a plan that balances all the issues that are important on the coast, including the environment, tourism, fisheries, agriculture and rural isolation"
After 18 month's development involving over 80 organisations, the Plan - "Towards a sustainable coast" was launched on 10th July 2002.
Across Europe there has been a growing understanding that our coasts are special and pose particular challenges for those living or working there. It has also been recognised that these challenges need a new way of working that brings organisations, businesses and communities together.
Locally we have also recognised the importance of the coast - 60,000 East Riding residents live within the coastal zone and it has a vital importance for the local and regional economy, as well as having a diverse landscape and environment. This is why we have developed a plan that covers all the issues that people on the coast feel are important to them.
East Yorkshire Coastal Observatory website
An important aspect of building an inclusive approach to the management of the coastal zone identified in the Integrated Coastal Zone Management Plan is the free flow of information on coastal issues. The recognition of this fact has formed the basis for the development of the Virtual Coastal Observatory for the East Riding of Yorkshire coastline.
The Observatory is a portal based website that provides a network of information covering issues addressed in the ICZM plan. This includes information on Business & Employment, Conservation, Education, Environment, Erosion & Flooding, History, Planning, Recreation, Rural Issues, and Transport.
The website has been developed by the Sustainable Development Unit with project management by the Institute of Estuarine and Coastal Studies (IECS) at the University of Hull.
The Coastal Observatory can be visited at: East Yorkshire Coastal Observatory website.
Relevant documents
A comprehensive review of the ICZM Plan is currently being initiated to ensure it remains relevant and incorporates recent directives from central government.
The aim of the review is to provide a more user friendly document for all those with a stake in the East Riding's coastline as well as to produce a powerful tool for those responsible for managing the coastal zone.
A consultation plan is being produced to determine the best way to involve people in the review of the Plan. Once this has been finalised a date for the next Coastal Forum will be set to discuss the review.
Relevant documents
