Coastal Forum :: Strategy Priorities

Strategy Priorities

Management of coastal lands subject to natural processes such as flood and coastal erosion
Allowing natural processes to continue as far as possible
Take account of Sea Level Rise, Climate change and its impacts
Consider pressures of tourism and recreation
The need to obtain a balance between conservation and economic issues
Achieve a balance between improving access and the need to keep some areas remote and peaceful
Protection of threatened and endangered species and biological diversity in general
The need to recreate important habitats in the coastal zone wherever possible
Consider and minimise the impact of coastal squeeze, and the evolution of habitats primarily due to sea level rise
Water pollution, point and non point source pollution, such as sewerage discharge and agricultural and urban runoff
Water quality, ensure that bathing water meets the highest standards possible
Seeking to prevent litter, and reduce the impact of beach and marine litter
Asset protection i.e. fossils, geology

Understanding the structure and dynamics of coastal settlements and of the user groups that depend on the coast and ocean
Integration between the forum and other coastal groups
Overall strategy for flood and coastal defence, and the implementation of coastal defense schemes
The provision of appropriate standards of defence for people and property against loss of life, erosion and flooding where technically, environmentally and economically justifiable and sustainable
Ensuring that selected options are compatible with adjacent areas and with coastal processes
To monitor the impacts of coastal defences on natural processes
To measure the long term response of the coastline through strategic monitoring
Being aware of the potential impacts of sea level rise and increased storminess
New and sustainable coastal tourism, within an overall strategy for coastal tourism

Management of marine resources on a sustainable basis
Minimising the potential adverse impacts on non-renewable resources e.g. ancient monuments, conservation areas and listed buildings and structures
Ensuring that development is of an appropriate nature, complies with planning policies and protects the environment
Promoting environmentally friendly agricultural practices where appropriate

Conserving and enhancing where appropriate, tourism, recreational and amenity assets and facilities
Sustainable economic development of the coast
Addressing social and economic problems and their link to the environment
Supporting and developing the local fishing industry (inshore and offshore)

Encouraging tourist related development that enhances the special identity of the area, and contributes to the quality of the environment
Addressing over crowding of popular areas
A balanced approach between improving access and the need to keep some areas remote and peaceful
Diversifying and increasing the length of the visitor seasons
Improving where appropriate beach access, cliff paths, and sustainable access routes
Improving beach facilities, first aid, emergency phones, Public rights of way and associated litter collection
Encouraging the provision of visitor facilities in the coastal area, which are appropriate to their settings
Maintaining the balance between conservation and economic issues
Supporting tourism that meets the socio-economic needs of the coast and the principles of ustainability
Ensuring that any new tourism development is consistent with the landscape and environment of the coastal zone
Ensure that the principles of sustainability are taken into account in all aspects of tourism provision

Prudent Coastal public access
Addressing any pressures of tourism and recreation causing damage and disturbance to coastal habitats and increased localised erosion and wear and tear
Public safety campaign
Public rights of way
Assist in development of coastal bylaws (linked to public safety)
A strategy for coastal recreation
Resolving potential pressures between recreation and nature conservation
Examine opportunities for providing recreational activities in a way that protects the environmental characteristics of the coast

A consistent policy at and between all levels of administration
Funding of the forum and its activities including dedicated officer support
Integrating other agencies and stakeholders' plans; into the Action Plan of the Forum
Ensuring consistency and integration of the strategy with those of adjacent areas
Developing and deliver an approach that integrates environmental, economic and social interests on the North Yorkshire and Cleveland coast
Adopting clear aims and objectives, and enacting responsibilities through a logical, coordinated process

Developing partnerships with Schools, Colleges to encourage interest in our coast
Provide on site interpretive, educational information to inform visitors and residents
Increasing the profile of the North Yorkshire and Cleveland Coast
Promoting care and understanding of our coast through science, research, and education
The establishment of a center on the coast to provide a focus for the forums growing activities on a local, regional, national and transnational scale in relation to coastal issues