EU demo on ICZM: Côte d'Opale Concertation, Coordination and Cooperation

The Syndicat Mixte de la Côte d'Opale is an association of many territorial entities who feel the need for ICZM: 243 municipalities, four agglomerations, two "départements", five administrative districts, four Chambers of Commerce and a dozen intercommunal structures. The coastal zone and the hinterland cover 3 000 km², stretching over 130 km of coastline and a population of 670 000. The area has three harbour towns, dense maritime traffic in and across the Channel, highly valuable natural assets, and the nearby Lille-Roubaix-Tourcoing metropolis. The authorities of the project area wish to adopt management options to preserve the potential of their resources and territory. At the same time, they have to repair the environmental damage of certain hasty sectoral developments carried out in the 1960-70s and before.

Results anticipated:

• Adoption of a coordinated and integrated management approach between the partners of the Syndicat Mixte de la Côte d'Opale. Improving the spatial consistency of decisions and consideration of the environment at all levels.
• Preparation of an ICZM plan for the Côte d'Opale, reflecting the principles and criteria of sustainable development.
• Provision of tools and procedures for the management partners.
• Sharing of lessons learnt in the framework of the demonstration programme.