2007 Press Releases
The future of Coastal Management - UCC Conference
The impact of housing developments including holiday homes, climate
change, and the consequences of the ban on drift netting for salmon,
are among some of the issues facing coastal communities today.
These issues were the focus for discussion at a conference recently
held in UCC when 165 delegates gathered together from coastal
communities, government agencies, academic institutions and coastal
industries.
Delegates and speakers indicated an overwhelming level of support for
processes to be put in place that will provide for Integrated Coastal
Zone Management. The Department of Communications, Marine and Natural
Resources (DCMNR), who are responsible for foreshore administration,
announced that a review of legislation and a strategic framework for
coastal management will be facilitated.
Valerie Cummins, Director of UCC's Coastal & Marine Resources
Centre, and conference organiser explained "The need for better
management of our coastal resources to sustain coastal communities is
of utmost importance for future coastal management." In welcoming the
announcement by the DCMNR, Ms Cummins pointed towards the benefits of
the conference in pushing the agenda forward.
"We need to optimise existing frameworks for enforcement and compliance
with regulations pertaining to the coastal zone, to deal with issues
ranging from beach safety to safeguarding biodiversity. More
support must also be given to facilitate the role of community groups
who are highly active in promoting their local beaches and waterfronts"
said Ms Cummins.
The conference was organised as part of a new initiative to provide an
Irish Coastal Network (ICoNet), which brings together scientists,
policy maker, practitioners and other stakeholders working in the
coastal zone. Representatives from statutory agencies include the
DCMNR (including closing remarks from the General Secretary, Mr Brendan
Tuohy), the Marine Institute, the National Parks and Wildlife Service,
Udaras Na Gaeltachta, Bord Iascaigh Mhara, the Heritage Council and
other. The conference was sponsored by the DCMNR.
Note:
The Irish Coastal Network (ICoNet) is chaired and facilitated by CMRC,
UCC. It links to national coastal networks across Europe through
the Encora project.
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