An examination and assessment of the development and application of a management framework for coastal zone management within the Moray firth coastal zone

Abstract

The management framework for coastal zone management developed in this thesis was based on two fundamental principles concerned with a proper understanding of the coastal zone and a structurally representative management process. The rigorous application of these two principles within the Moray Firth resulted in the development of a four stage management framework with the potential to overcome the inadequacies of the existing planning and management regime operating within the coastal zone. The effectiveness of this framework to deal with coastal issues of concern was assessed in an investigation of conflict management and resolution through the development of a zoning scheme. The framework proved capable of answering five questions identified as having to be answered if zoning is to be used to achieve stakeholder consensus and agreement concerning conflicts of use. The management framework thus has much to recommend it as an essential requirement for the successful implementation of coastal zone management within the other twenty coastal regions identified in the UK. As opposed to earlier recommendations made concerning coastal zone management in the UK, the framework developed provides a more effective means of: (a) generating and disseminating information, (b) increasing public participation from a consultation to partnership level, (c) increasing communication between and awareness of stakeholders, (d) reaching management decisions regarding coastal issues of concern, and (e) implementing and enforcing management decisions. These products of the management framework result in the co-ordinated management of the coastal zone.