'Our coast … our futures'
Suffolk has a predominantly rural coastline consisting of a
series of relatively isolated coastal communities with the two
major coastal towns of Lowestoft and Felixstowe. This coastline of
soft cliffs and shingle beaches is easily eroded and historically
there have been a series of coastal defences in many locations.
However this coastline is increasingly vulnerable to erosion and
the long term impacts of climate change.
Whilst the overall strategy for the management of flood and
erosion risk issues are undertaken through the Shoreline Management
Plans / Estuary Strategies and the built environment is managed
through Local Development Frameworks, the needs of the local
communities, environment, economy and visitors are much more
complex than can be managed through these mechanisms alone.
Suffolk’s local authorities, government agencies and other
partners are working closely together through an initial 2 year
project to address these issues called the Suffolk Coast Integrated
Coastal Zone Management Initiative (ICZMI) - or
Suffolk Coast Futures for short.
The initiative is needed because:
- The coastal communities, natural habitats, and economic
activity along Suffolk’s soft eroding coastline, need to plan now
for climate change in the long term.
- Co-ordination, integration and rationalisation of existing
plans, strategies, policies and the decision making processes that
impact on the coastal zone will strengthen the community’s ability
to meet the challenges of the future.
- Working with a wide range of stakeholders and linking with
others working across the country is the way to find long term
sustainable solutions.
- The needs of the local community are fundamental but any
solutions developed must be both legal and fundable.
- Joint projects will be developed to test and develop Integrated
Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) principles along the Suffolk
coast.
Contact Suffolk Coast Futures
If you would like more information about Suffolk Coast Futures
please contact:
Bill Parker,
Suffolk Coast Futures Officer,
Email:
bill.parker@suffolkcoastal.gov.uk.
Telephone: 01394 444553.
Suffolk Coast Futures is a partnership involving:
