Sustainable Development and Integrated Coastal Zone Management: dead concepts or frameworks for living? Jim Poole 3 February 2006

Currently Cynnal Cymru – the Sustainable Development Forum for Wales Cardiff University … On secondment from Environment Agency Wales I am a biologist by training – but engineer friendly

Previously

Biologist, but “Engineer friendly”!

Taking the Overview

Sustainable Development Definition: “Development which meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs”

Sustainable Development Conwy County Council Definition: “Development which meets present needs while striving equally to allow for the needs of future generations”

SD as a Process: The UK SD Strategy 1999 Four Objectives: Social progress which recognises the needs of everyone Effective protection of the environment Prudent use of natural resources High and stable levels of economic growth and employment

A Model for Sustainability The "Four-legged Table" A Model for Sustainability Env Ec Soc Nat Res

Setting the Vision (1) Involve: Technical experts Stakeholders - Ensure the vision is sound Stakeholders - Ensure the vision is fair

Setting the Vision (2) Recognise: The context Global trends in: - World, Europe, UK, Wales, Cardiff Global trends in: - the state of the planet - technology - people’s values

Setting the Vision (3) Above all, recognise: Environmental problems … … are caused by people The challenge is to change people’s behaviour … … in partnership with them

Setting the Vision Different places … … Different visions

"Imagination is more important than knowledge "Imagination is more important than knowledge. It is a preview of life's forthcoming attractions“ (Albert Einstein)

Thinking Required Argument or … … Parallel thinking?

Parallel Thinking: The Six Hats (Edward de Bono) Information Intuition Caution Benefits Creativity Organisation of thinking

The "Four-legged Table" Attacking the Gap

Integrated Coastal Zone Management: UK Government “ICZM is a process that brings together all those involved in the development, management and use of the coast within a framework that facilitates the integration of their interests and responsibilities. The objective is to establish sustainable levels of economic and social activity in our coastal areas while protecting the environment. ICZM is central to the ecosystem-based approach.”

ICZM Principles (1) Get everyone involved Take a broad, holistic approach Use a wide range of instruments Use adaptive management … … be flexible

ICZM Principles (2) Think long term Work with natural processes Reflect local specificity Use participatory planning

Construction of Impoundment Two options: Traditional embankment dam Sand-filled geo-textile bags

Typical cross section of embankment dam 40° 10m 14m Rock Armour Corefill Area = 374m2 Geomembrane layer Typical cross section of embankment dam 5m 1.5m Mean sea level – Permanently Submerged Use of geo-membrane bags in dam construction

… Please Contact jim@cynnalcymru.org POOLEJ2@cf.ac.uk