Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM)

Unlike the land, in coastal areas it is common for various activities to co-exist within any one area – there are no physical boundaries, and the forces of nature, particularly currents and tides, create an ever-changing dynamic environment.  Some activities are controlled, while others, including rights of access, are frequently uncontrolled.  As a result, ICZM has evolved to bring together the disparate elements of the UK’s planning, social, economic and nature-conservation constituencies, with the aim of achieving an integrated strategy for the use of the coastal zone.

We are acutely aware that our ports occupy some of the most sensitive coastal sites in the UK, and we play an active role in a variety of forums, which seek to promote the mutual interests of all coastal zone users.  We participate in well over 100 coastal management groups and initiatives, from voluntary Estuary Management Plans to the new management schemes for Special Areas of Conservation (SACs), Special Protection Areas (SPAs) or European Marine Sites (EMSs) required by the EU Birds and Habitats Directives.  We also make a considerable contribution to the development of the government’s thinking about the future of coastal zone management.  In doing this, we work closely with many organisations, including government departments and local authorities and NGOs such as the RSPB and various Wildlife Trusts.

To see the legislation that governs our management of ICZM and how we have translated this into environment policy objectives, refer to the ICZM page in the legislation section.