SECOA

SOLUTIONS for ENVIRONMENTAL CONTRASTS in COASTAL AREAS

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 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

'Urban settlements, following the economic crisis of the 70s, entered in a process of regional and urban restructuring to gain a new image at the international level. As a result of the renewed economic success new flows of permanent, semi-permanent, temporary and daily “human mobility” followed: (i) for consumption (leisure and tourism), (ii) for production (economic migration). The world competition among metropolitan areas highlighted the essential importance of natural and cultural resources. The proposal considers the effects of human mobility on urban settlement growth and restructuring in coastal areas where (i) environment is more fragile and space limited, (ii) every phenomenon is more concentrated and (iii) effects on natural and cultural environment are more acute. Problems are multiplied since the climate change affecting environmental parameters - as sea levels - augments risks of flooding, propagation of pollutants, dislocation of a great number of settlers. Controlling and reducing unwanted consequences is contributing to growing conflicts among stakeholders. An integrated ecosystem approach incorporating social, economic and natural disciplines is essential in understanding and dealing with the complex and dynamic problems facing the coastal city environments. The proposal intends to: (i) identify conflicts, (ii) analyze their quantitative and qualitative effects on the environment, (iii) create models to synthesize the complexity of the different social, economic and environmental systems, (iv) compare the priority of each typology through taxonomy. Outcomes include (i) elaboration of an analysis methodology, (ii) creating tools for appropriate policies, (iii) scenario building, (iv) dissemination–exploitation of results for users’ needs. The project will analyse 8 metropolitan areas of global importance and 8 of local importance in European and Asian countries (Belgium, Portugal, Italy, Sweden, United Kingdom, Israel, India, and Vietnam)'

Introduzione (Teaser)

The populous coastal regions suffer strong environmental effect and stakeholder conflict. An EU study of 17 such sites in Europe and Asia modelled the combined effects and suggested solutions to the conflicts involving alternative developments.

Descrizione progetto (Article)

Coastal zones tend to be popular, high-population areas that also attract yet-more people for work and leisure. As such, these zones are also areas of high ecological impact and conflict among parties.

Aiming to resolve and manage the conflicts was the EU-funded project: 'Solutions for environmental contrasts in coastal areas' (http://www.projectsecoa.eu (SECOA)). The group studied eight internationally important cities and nine areas of regional importance in Europe and Asia. The 11-member consortium included European partners, plus one member each from Israel, India, and Vietnam. The project ran over four years till November 2013.

The research confirmed climate change as one of the most important challenges for coastal regions. Consequences include flooding from sea-level rise, plus more frequent and intense flooding caused by storm surges and storm-related rainfall.

The project also studied human mobility in all its forms and its role in shaping conflicts. The group considered all elements of the conflicts, environmental and social, using the DPSIR approach. DPSIR stands for driving forces, pressures, states, impacts and responses that influence interactions between society and the environment. In addition, the study developed a comprehensive conflict assessment framework.

SECOA noted a lack of any master plan for sustainable natural resource management and resolution of conflicts in coastal urban areas. Such plans would be desirable. Pilot studies showed the value of conflict resolution through a scenario-building methodology, which helps players see the big picture and supports decision-making. The pilot studies also showed the need to build public awareness, empower risk groups and increase support for mitigation.

The consortium simulated the effects of various coastal management mechanisms and demonstrated the results in a simple public way. The outcomes provide the basis of a decision support tool for policy-makers. The team also developed a further tool: "Finger Prints", which explains interrelationships between conflict components.

The SECOA project should improve our understanding of the social, economic and environmental factors affecting coastal area conflicts. The information may be used for developing effective management plans and policy.