Strategy Principles

The following principles are to guide decision making to achieve a proper balance between securing future economic prosperity and maintaining environmental quality.

  • Principle of Sustainable Development. Seeks effective integration and reconciliation of the needs of the economy, society, and the environment. This requires a long term perspective
  • "Polluter pays" Principle. This principle holds that it is important that the environmental costs of economic activities be internalized rather than imposed on society as a whole. That the polluter in principle bears the cost of pollution.
  • Transparency Principle. Decisions are made in an open, transparent manner, with full public involvement.
  • Taking account of costs and benefits. Impact costs and benefits can be difficult to calculate, particularly if they cannot be quantified. This methodology has a role to play but must be employed with due care and consideration.
  • Biodiversity Principle. Future generations are entitled to an environment no poorer in its variety of living species than at present.
  • Precautionary Principle. The lack of scientific certainty is no reason to postpone action to avoid potentially serious or irreversible harm to the environment.
  • Create an open and supportive economic system, and to combat poverty and social exclusion
  • Use scientific knowledge and show best practice.
  • Interrelationships and Integration Principle. We must address the interrelationships, or interdependence, among issues and sectors and between environment and development. Environmental protection and development cannot be considered as separate activities; each one must incorporate the other.
  • Intergenerational Equity Principle. This reflects the view that as members of the present generation, we hold the Earth in trust for future generations.
  • Principle of the right to develop. Every human being has the basic right to develop his or her potential so as to live in dignity.
  • Coastal area is unique and requires special management and planning approaches. Since landforms fronting the water edge play a key role in combating coastal erosion and contribute to long-term sustainability, they should be managed in an appropriate way.
  • Design with nature ; ensure new development enhances natural and man-made features
  • Develop a better understanding of the coastal environment through Schools Colleges and Clubs.
  • Communicate and Educate.