Adaptive strategies
Joint vision of how flood risk management can inform Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM), to secure appropriate spatial planning responses.

Climate change has now become one of the foremost
environmental issues affecting the world and has been highlighted by
a change in weather patterns, increased storminess, flooding and the continuing threat of sea level rise. This has, and will continue to increase pressure on flood defences and requires the development of sustainable flood risk strategies and policies. Any change in sea level rise will have implication for the coastlines of all member partners (Denmark, Germany, Holland, Belgium and the UK) and there is a need to establish a clear vision on how to manage the coast in the future.

The overall objective of this three-year project, which completes in July 2008, is to consolidate the findings of the partners and produce clear guidance for coastal zone management.  It will be necessary to consider and manage the socio-economic, conservation and heritage issues to understand how to manage the coast in 2050.  From this understanding, we can advise policy and guidance for integrated coastal zone management that can be adapted to suit varying national flood risk management operational and legal practises.

This final action is the responsibility of the Environment Agency (UK), who have to co-ordinate individual member partners results and conclusions to produce a final report, publicity information and clear guidance for adapting to climate change with a clear sense for future flood risks.

                        ^{Evolution of planned coastal adaptation practices (IPCC,  2007)}