‘Flourishing Communities and Productive Seas’ – Tuesday, 10th November

Published On Mon 9 Nov 2015 by Grant Hill

The first of three workshops to discuss how to involve communities in decisions about marine and coastal planning is being held in Dundee tomorrow.

The ‘Flourishing Communities and Productive Seas’ event, organised by the Universities of Dundee and St Andrews, brings together a range of different disciplines, policy-makers and stakeholders to discuss what has been called ‘blue growth’. It takes place at Discovery Point from 9.30am-4.30pm.

International experts will discuss how to navigate the complex legal and regulatory systems governing the marine environment and which has been described as a ‘horrendogram’. Delegates will discuss what lessons can be learned from engaging communities in terrestrial planning and attempt to better understand the potential of blue growth.

Coastal towns and cities like Dundee are poised to take advantage of the new blue growth agenda. The development of off-shore renewables, visitors taking advantage of the cruise industry and marine eco-tourism are just some of the examples of the new blue economy that will need to be accommodated alongside traditional fishing activities and maritime transport.

Professor Deborah Peel, from Town and Regional Planning at the University of Dundee, said, “The launch of the first Scottish National Marine Plan in March 2015 marked a watershed in marine affairs in which Scotland is a leading player. Importantly, both marine and land use planning processes are intended to take forward the Scottish Government's Purpose of creating a more successful country, with opportunities for all to flourish through increasing sustainable economic growth.

“Climate change also presents new challenges. Coastal erosion and potential coastal flooding need to be taken into account when planning development at the coast, whilst protection of marine species, habitats and valued seascapes offer competing priorities.”

Funded by the Scottish Universities Insight Institute, the project is being coordinated by Professor Peel and Dr Tim Stojanovic from the University of St Andrews. The aim is to develop a number of layperson’s guides to support the development of the Scottish Government’s ambitions for blue growth.

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Grant Hill
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