Malcolm Kerby - Coastal Concern Action Group
Working Together
In Managing the Coast
It is important to recognise early on what may be difficult to achieve but is key
to all that may follow, that is, understanding, for there can be no working
together without it.
Understanding is of course a two way thing and can be difficult to achieve for
affected communities never the less it is vital that they understand the
constraints within which all layers of government have to operate as well as
understanding both physical process and coastal governance. So it is a big
ask for any community.
Conversely government at all levels must understand and recognise the
hopes, fears and aspirations of said communities.
We have been fortunate here in North Norfolk in that our Local (Lead)
Authority put in the time and effort to listen to us and get round the table to
discuss all the issues with us. The outcome was a far greater understanding
by both parties of our respective positions.
From that understanding grew mutual respect and trust which in itself
developed into what I sum up and refer to as Team North Norfolk.
Let us be crystal clear here Team North Norfolk did not just ‘happen’, a great
deal of time and effort was put in by all involved.
The rewards however can be significant, many believe without the concerted
efforts of Team North Norfolk there would never have been a Pathfinder
Project of any description anywhere.
Precisely because community involvement has been at the heart of both the
creation of our Pathfinder Bid and translating that bid into reality I have no
doubt it will be viewed as a resounding success at every level.
What I believe is paramount for the future is that Central Government in all it’s
forms, including the politicians, learn from the template which our Pathfinder
will provide and create a much more inclusive, effective policy and
methodology for coast management in this country which must be rooted in
Social Justice and operated within ICZM principles.
In truth we have no option, we must all work together in the face of global
warming, climate change and sea level rise, for the coast is very much the
front line of these natural phenomena.
Malcolm Kerby
CCAG Happisburgh ‘