ESCALATE

Evaluating Social Capital Effects on PoLicy Adaptation to Climate change in Coastal Zones of England

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 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

'In order to implement sustainable policies for Europe’s coastal zones facing significant problems of sea-level rise, erosion and flooding, a range of factors must be taken into account. Regarding social aspects it is now accepted that examination of local contextual issues should be undertaken as a step to improving policy outcomes. In this context, social capital represents a potentially significant parameter that deserves closer examination. It has been argued that, in communities with greater social capital, there is an increased propensity to act collectively in order to conserve natural resources and, furthermore, that these communities are more likely to support environmental policies. Yet despite these findings, the relationship between social capital inherent in communities and local receptivity to mitigation strategies for hazardous coastal zones has not been considered. The aim of the proposed project is thus to explore public perceptions of coastal management scenarios seeking to mitigate climate change impacts, through the lens of social capital. Specifically, the project will examine public perceptions of the likely (non-economic) social costs and benefits arising from implementing different mitigation strategies and how local social capital differentiates these perceptions. Two case study areas have been chosen, in England, already facing substantial management problems, which will increase in forthcoming decades: Happisburgh to Winterton-on-Sea in north Norfolk and Dymchurch to Rye in east Sussex and Kent. For the examination of citizens’ perceptions and the influence of social capital, both qualitative and quantitative social survey techniques will be implemented. Furthermore, based on the results of the empirical studies the project will explore how social capital can be optimised in current European and national policymaking frameworks to assist implementation of mitigation strategies at the coast.'

Introduzione (Teaser)

Europe's coastal areas are under threat from sea-level rise, erosion and flooding. An EU-funded initiative investigated local attitudes to strategies designed to mitigate these effects in order to improve policy outcomes.

Descrizione progetto (Article)

The aim of the http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/research/activity/hg/projects/escalate/index.aspx (ESCALATE) project was to examine public perceptions of coastal management scenarios that seek to mitigate the effects of climate change. This was achieved by employing questionnaires assessing the social costs and benefits of coastal management strategies in two study areas.

Romney Marsh, the first study site, is a sparsely populated wetland found on the south-east coast of England. The North Norfolk study area is situated on the country's east coast.

ESCALATE also assessed the influence of local social capital in the two areas on individual and community perceptions of the mitigation strategies. In addition, the project also determined how local social capital can be best applied in current policymaking frameworks that shape mitigation and adaptation strategies for the coast.

Results confirmed that certain aspects of social capital, such as trust and social cohesion within coastal communities, play a significant role in influencing key coastal management issues. Major challenges facing local communities and policymakers in rapidly eroding English coastal areas were also highlighted.

Residents of Romney Marsh showed a marked preference for keeping current sea defences, clearly influenced by their desire to protect their property and land. Respondents expressed high levels of trust in the United Kingdom's Environment Agency due to ongoing beach replenishment and coastal defence repair work it is conducting around the Marsh.

However, the conclusion was that local authorities and the Environment Agency should improve inclusionary processes. This will enable local knowledge to be better incorporated into future policy decisions regarding coastal management.

The North Norfolk study revealed low levels of public awareness for the current Shoreline Management Plan (SMP). Main awareness of the SMP was through the Environment Agency. A significant weakness was therefore identified in the lack of engagement between central government organisations and local communities.

This lack of engagement included a lack of networking that might facilitate the two-way flow of information concerning information and opinions on coastal issues. Results also indicated a loss of trust in the current national coastal management framework and a perceived lack of responsiveness by central government to local needs.

ESCALATE therefore showed the importance of giving a voice to local communities, by improving public participation in policy decision making in coastal management strategy.