Business Plan 2014/15
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East Grampian Business Plan 2014/15 EGCP Ltd , trading as The East Grampian Coastal Partnership. EGCP Ltd is a Scottish Company Limited by Guarantee and without share 1capital. The Company Number is 464143 Content Foreword 3 1 Setting the Scene 4 2 Strategic Context 4 3. Aim of EGCP 5 4. Objectives of EGCP 5 5 Changing Corporate Structure 6 6 6 Governance of EGCP 7. Delivery 7 7.1 Communication 8 7.2 Data Gathering 8 7.3 Green Tourism 9 7.4 Developing Influence 9 7.5 Seafood 10 8 Targeted future work 10 9. Finance 11 Appendix 1. Linking EGCPs Planned Work programme with National Objectives and 14 Local Coastal plans Appendix 2 External Policy Drivers 16 How EGCP will help deliver the Scottish Governments Priorities 2007 16 How EGCP will help deliver the Aberdeenshire Council Economic Development 17 How EGCP will help deliver the Aberdeen City Council Five Year Business Plan 18 2013/1`4—2017/18 How EGCP will help deliver the recommendations of the State of the East Grampian 19 Coast Report 2 Foreword This Business Plan sets out the envisaged activities of East Grampian Coastal Partnership (EGCP) , designed to contribute to care for the coastline, between Fraserburgh and St Cyrus, and its communities over the next year and beyond, in a way that respects its special character. The wide range of proposed projects builds on the strengths and experience of the EGCP and recognises that no one organisation can manage all coastal projects in isolation. Over the last year EGCP has changed its status to that of a company limited by guarantee without share capital that will operate on a not for profit basis. This replaces the existing informal structure and will facilitate future activities, for example by allowing the employment of staff if required to carry out some of the proposed projects in this Business Plan. EGCP Ltd will undertake community-based projects, projects on green tourism and projects on coastal management. EGCP is based at Torry in the Marine Science Division of Marine Scotland. The location is easily accessible and facilitates links with a number of bodies based in Torry and the harbour area, including Marine Scotland Science itself, Aberdeen Harbour Board, Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC) and SEPA. EGCP will be organised with a membership - both corporate and individual - led by a representative Board of Directors. The move should make the Partnership more fit for purpose, namely the delivery of Integrated Coastal Management. EGCP is currently looking for full and affiliate members; if you would like to find out more please do not hesitate to contact us for an application form. Allan Garvie, Chairman, EGCP Ltd 3 1 Setting the Scene 2 Strategic Context 2.1 Marine planning, as set out in the Marine 1.1 In 2004 the first meeting took place to (Scotland) 2010 Act , is a system to guide, investigate the creation of a local coastal regulate and address activities in the marine partnership to cover the area between environment. It is different from terrestrial Fraserburgh and St Cyrus in the North East of Scotland. 10 years on, and whilst much has planning in that the system will have to work in changed, our original aim of aiding and multiple dimensions, a fluid environment and facilitating the delivery of Integrated Coastal with a strong real time element. However, it Management along this fascinating and will need to inter-relate with the terrestrial diverse stretch of coast remains. system, and vice versa. 1.2 One of the first projects delivered by the 2.2 The Scottish National Marine Plan is at an partnership was a report investigating how advanced stage of development having been Marine Spatial Planning could be delivered by the subject of a major consultation in 2013. It a coastal partnership. This work continued is anticipated that the Scottish Government through the developments of the Marine will launch the Final Plan late in 2014. (Scotland) Act 2010 and our work on Sectoral Appendix 1 shows how EGCPs work fits with Interactions Matrices and Stakeholder Spatial the latest draft of the plan. Data gathering. This work will be at the heart 2.3 The Act provides for the functions relating of EGCP during 2014/15. to marine planning at the regional level to be 1.3 In 2004 there were no Seaside Award delegated to an appropriate body known as a Beaches in the area and few people realised Marine Planning Partnership. It is anticipated the wonderful wildlife that could be seen along that these Planning Partnerships around the coast, including the dolphins in the centre Scotland will not have uniform governance of Aberdeen at the harbour. Ten years on, all structure but will be decided by regional possible beaches have Seaside Awards and Aberdeen will in 2014 have 50 dolphin circumstances. sculptures complementing the now well known 2.4 It is intended that Marine Planning dolphins that are seen at the Aberdeen Partnerships in Scotland will be established harbour most days. over a number of years. Local Coastal 1.4 One area that still needs to be improved is Partnerships will, in the meantime, continue to the local provision of seafood in the area. At contribute to laying the foundations for the present the vast majority of the area’s seafood work of these future Partnerships, as well as is exported and it can be difficult to buy our delivery of Integrated Coastal Management catch locally. This is something that we aim to (ICM). address over the coming years. 2.5 As one of these partnerships, EGCP 1.5 The growing recognition of the stands ready to make further contributions, if environmental, socio-economic importance in asked by Marine Scotland, and, at the very coastal and marine areas is reflected in a least, intends to expand the work on the rapidly evolving policy and legislative process. Sectoral Interactions Matrix and providing data In April 2014 the Scottish Government to the NMPi, (National Marine Plan interactive) announced the first two regional marine Geographical Information System. planning partnerships. These bodies will be responsible for delivering Marine Spatial Plans 2.6 At a European Level, Marine Spatial for the Clyde and Shetland. Planning Legislation was passed on the 17th 4 of April 2014 which will require Scotland at a activities more environmentally friendly, minimum to- socially responsible and economically sound. take into account interactions between the sea and land; Involving all the parties concerned (economic and social partners, the establish means of public participation for organisations representing coastal zone stakeholders, authorities and the public residents, non-governmental organisations concerned; and the business sector) in the management process, for example by means of use the best available data and organise agreements and based on shared the sharing of information between responsibility. stakeholders; Support and involvement of relevant 3. Aim of EGCP administrative bodies at national, regional 3.1 The fundamental aim of EGCP is to assist and local level between which appropriate links should be established or mantained in the delivery of ICM between Kinnaird Head, Fraserburgh to the Aberdeenshire/Angus with the aim of improved co-ordination of the council boundary at the mouth of the River various existing policies. Partnership with North Esk, by St Cyrus. and between regional and local authorities should apply when appropriate. 3.2 ICM is now defined by the European Commission as a dynamic and continuous Use of a combination of instruments process designed to promote sustainable designed to facilitate coherence between management of coastal zones. sectoral policy objectives and coherence between planning and management. 3.3 The principles of ICM, as promoted by the European Commission are to provide:- 4. Objectives of EGCP 4.1 To deliver the aim set out in 3.1 the A broad overall perspective (thematic and Objectives of the Partnership are to:- geographic) which will take into account the 1. Promote the sustainable development of the interdependence and disparity of natural East Grampian Coast to benefit local systems and human activities with an impact communities and local tourism; on coastal areas. 2.Seek to protect, conserve, enhance and promote the natural and cultural heritage of A long-term perspective which will take into account the precautionary principle and the the East Grampian coast; needs of present and future generations. 3. Engage stakeholders and affiliated bodies through improved information networks, Adaptive management during a gradual consultation and involvement in seminars and process which will facilitate adjustment as workshops; problems and knowledge develop. This implies the need for a sound scientific basis 4. Act as a forum to discuss multi-agency concerning the evolution of the coastal zone. issues; Local specificity and the great diversity of 5. Seek to initiate, develop, deliver and European coastal zones, which will make it coordinate practical projects that meet the possible to respond to their practical needs objective of the Partnership in conjunction with with specific solutions and flexible partner organisations; measures. 6. Carry out and/or commission research relating to coastal zone management, Coastal Working with natural processes and GIS data and information building; respecting the carrying capacity of ecosystems, which will make human 7. Audit the effectiveness of the Partnership on 5 an ongoing basis; and Associates 8. Work with the Scottish Coastal Forum, other Open to all. local coastal forums and other relevant organisations to develop, implement and No voting rights but may deliver joint regional and national scale attend meetings projects. 5 Changing Corporate Structure Members th 5.1 As the EGCP moves towards its 10 Limited membership anniversary it has been crucial that the Voting rights governance and legal status of the partnership becomes more sustainable.