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A research partnership between Edge Hill University and Sefton Metropolitan Borough Council developed innovative methods of identifying gaps in knowledge and understanding about sedimentary coastal dynamics and investigating practitioner needs. The partnership enabled the dissemination of scientific information to audiences across the wider community. The partnership provided a framework which enabled and enhanced integrated coastal zone management (ICZM). Within this framework coastal zone managers were supported in the development of adaptation and mitigation strategies, taking account of both long and short term environmental change. Policy and management decisions are now based upon sound scientific evidence wherever possible, ascertained by research where time allows, with significant scientific, social and policy benefits. Practice elsewhere on the UK's Irish sea coast, and elsewhere in the EU, has been influenced.
The Coastal Processes Research Group (CPRG) at Plymouth University has developed new methodologies, utilising video systems to efficiently monitor and manage the coastal environment. This research has impacted upon coastal managers, mariners, coastal communities, tourists and industries, for example, by reducing the risk of coastal flooding, drowning in rip currents and ships running aground. Algorithms, methodologies and systems developed by the CPRG, trigger appropriate and timely management intervention to protect coastal communities from flooding, instruct dredging operations and effectively manage recreational beach resources.
This case study discusses research performed in Plymouth University that has had a significant impact on practice in estuarine flood risk management. Specifically, some of the research led to a long-term estuarine evolution predictor, and later informed Halcrow and the Exe Estuary Partnership on future evolution of the Exe Estuary under a number of scenarios.
The impact described here relates to a specific example of changes in the management of environmental risk for a coastal management study in the UK, and to changes in the dissemination of coastal management knowledge and experience across Europe. The former involved application of formulae developed by the underpinning research to predict sediment transport rates and shoreline evolution. The latter involved development of the Coastal Wiki, an Internet based professional coastal encyclopaedia. This represents a major new tool for dissemination to policy makers, practitioners, researchers and students.
Professor Mike Philips' research has contributed to understandings of coastal erosion causes, its impacts, mitigation and adaptation strategies. His research and his involvement in numerous policy networks including most notably the Global Forum on Oceans, Coasts, and Islands (GOFCI) has influenced coastal policy discussion and outcomes at a global level. The research has led to coastal tourism and climate change being considered at the highest political level. This is evidenced by Phillips's contribution to international policy documents and processes, such as Rio +20, and wide public and professional recognition.
Coastal dunes are one of the most threatened habitats in Europe, and are in need of urgent conservation. North West Europe is one of the most important areas for vegetated shingle worldwide, and the UK is especially important. The Sand Dune and Shingle Network has helped to change the understanding, policies and practices relating to these habitats in the UK, and in Europe through the creation of knowledge exchange opportunities in a diverse stakeholder environment, by working with and for NGOs. This allows statutory conservation agencies to deliver research, consultancy and policy guidance.
Research carried out by the University of Reading's Martin Bell and Nicholas Branch on previously neglected wetland environments (such as coasts, floodplains and mires) has had impact in two main areas:
1) Heritage management: The work has made a major contribution to the sustainable management of marginal environments in the face of climate change and development pressures. This has directly affected local planning processes, with Bell and Branch's approaches to monitoring and recording adopted as best practice by a range of organisations.
2) Capacity building of geoarchaeology in the commercial sector: The research has enhanced the capability of organisations to respond effectively to the challenges of interpreting European wetland archaeology in advance of development pressures. Knowledge transfer of the research to these commercial units has contributed to sustained economic growth for such organisations.
Simon Read is Senior Lecturer in Fine Art and a practising artist specifically engaged in the investigation of interdisciplinary approaches to environmental change, notably estuarine and coastal processes. His research (from which impacts have arisen over two decades) began with a tidal protection installation, explored further through the value of drawing as a tool for imagining change between researchers and coastal communities. This then led to greater involvement with other researchers, public sector bodies and water engineering companies in coastal/estuarine management and mediation, and to further art and design commissions, which together have led to impact on policy and practice via specific engagement with professionals, catchment communities and policymakers.
Research by the University of Southampton into river processes and restoration has contributed significantly to the adoption of fluvial geomorphology as a tool for river management. The research quantified for the first time, the cost of sediment management in rivers to the UK economy and environment, arguing that improvements could be achieved by applying fluvial geomorphology. The research developed new evidence, tools and training that were adopted by river management agencies and consultants for the scoping, assessment and planning of projects. This has resulted in cost-savings through reduced river maintenance, improved river environments, and the creation of a new employment market for graduates with geomorphological training.
Researchers in the Earth Surface Processes and Environmental Change (ESPEC) Research Group have communicated Quaternary geology to user communities explicitly guiding the location of sites for mineral extraction and infrastructure (airports / wind turbines) in terrestrial and offshore environments. This ranges from contract investigations in Wales, English Heritage Aggregate Levy Sustainability Fund (ALSF) research in Kent, Sussex and Lancashire to the current NERC BRITICE-CHRONO Consortium. The understanding provided has informed infrastructural and mineral resource planning, aiding mitigation for heritage and environmental assets. Data are embedded in National and Regional Planning (e.g. Welsh Assembly, Lancashire County Council, Natural England, English Heritage).