Opinion of the Committee of the Regions on:

- the "Communication from the Commission to the Council and the European Parliament on Integrated Coastal Zone Management: A Strategy for Europe", and

- the "Proposal for a European Parliament and Council Recommendation concerning the implementation of Integrated Coastal Zone Management in Europe"

(2001/C 148/07)

THE COMMITTEE OF THE REGIONS,

having regard to the Communication from the Commission to the Council and the European Parliament on Integrated Coastal Zone Management: A Strategy for Europe (COM(2000) 547 final), and the proposal for a European Parliament and Council Recommendation concerning the implementation of Integrated Coastal Zone Management in Europe [COM(2000) 545 final - 2000/0227 (COD)];

having regard to the opinion of the Committee of the Regions on Towards a European Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) Strategy: General Principles and Policy Options (CdR 59/99 fin)(1);

having regard to the decision of the Council of 26 January 2001, under Article 175 (paragraph 1) of the Treaty establishing the European Community, to consult the Committee on the subject;

having regard to the decision taken by the President on 9 October 2000, which directs Commission 4 - Spatial Planning, Urban Issues, Energy and Environment to draw up the relevant opinion;

having regard to the draft opinion (CdR 372/2000 rev. 1) adopted by Commission 4 on 7 December 2000, for which the rapporteur was Ms McNamara (IRL/EA);

whereas Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) is a process of co-ordination and co-operation between all managers, at all spatial levels, and users of coastal zone resources;

whereas ICZM requires a broad understanding of the coastal zone, coastal systems and their inter-regional nature, a recognition of its value, a programme of relevant actions and measures, a suitable framework for its implementation, comprehensive databases, appropriate expertise and adequate funding to ensure proper management and the sustainable use of coastal resources;

whereas the Commission has implemented a number of demonstration projects to enable a review of policy in coastal zones across Europe and to inform the development of an European ICZM Strategy;

whereas the COR has previously welcomed the implementation of these demonstration projects, the principles distilled, lessons learnt and the options for policy advanced,

adopted the following opinion unanimously at its 37th plenary session on 14 and 15 February 2001 (meeting of 14 February).

1. The Committee of the Regions' views and recommendation concerning the Communication

1.1. The Committee of the Regions welcomes the Communication and Proposal for a Recommendation and endorses the European Strategy for Integrated Coastal Zone Management, subject to the inclusion of additional actions and the consideration of other identified matters as set out below.

1.2. The proposal for a recommendation will give the ICZM process an impetus. However, the COR requests that the Commission would closely monitor action and progress at the national level. The activities of local and regional authorities in ICZM are dependent on the national level providing a statutory framework, as well as promoting and supporting activities at local and regional levels.

1.3. The Committee of the Regions questions the commitment of the Commission in relation to the implementation of an independent European ICZM Strategy. Whilst the general strategy of focusing on existing instruments and programmes is broadly supported, it is advocated that specific additional measures are also required. Specific polices would, at the very least, raise public awareness of ICZM issues, and assist in the creation of a coherent European ICZM Strategy. The COR re-emphasises that a general framework for ICZM would involve a guiding set of principles at a trans-national level, the framing of policy at an interregional level, and a focus on the definition and implementation of policy (including detailed "plans" or strategies) at a regional and local level. The principles listed in chapter II of the European Parliament and Council Recommendation are essential. Each Member State must be able, together with the local and regional level, to determine the need for, and the contents of the national strategy. Account must be taken of the diversity of coastal conditions as well as the differences between Member States' legislation and administrative systems.

1.4. The role of the EU as outlined in the Communication is generally welcomed. The EU role of promotion, guidance and support to local and regional administrations is the optimum approach in dealing with area-specific issues. The mainstreaming of existing EU measures and the auditing of future proposals to ensure no adverse affect on the coastal zone, is an important element in an European Strategy.

1.5. The Committee of the Regions re-emphasises the need for an European co-operation network between coastal local and regional authorities. In this regard, the Commission's recognition of the value of a European Coastal Stakeholders Forum and Practitioners Network is welcomed. The Commission is urged to take steps for their immediate formation, while taking account of and encouraging existing initiatives.

1.6. The COR is willing to play a constructive role in efforts to establish the Stakeholders Forum and the proposed Practitioners Network. The COR should be actively involved in future collaboration, discussion and dialogue, especially in drawing-up the guidelines to assist in stock-taking the impact of EU legislation and programmes at local level.

1.7. The COR stresses the need for the identification and creation of enabling mechanisms within local and regional authorities and national administrations in order to establish synergy and allow the involvement of all relevant sectors and individuals, thus increasing commitment to the process of ICZM. The COR believes that there is a definite role for the Practitioners Network in highlighting best practice and in assisting local authorities to deal with implementing ICZM and establishing appropriate, flexible management structures.

1.8. The COR encourages Europe-wide and national campaigns to raise public awareness of coastal zone issues, thereby increasing participation from all stakeholders.

1.9. The COR submits that the physical definition of the coastal zone at a local level is an essential part of an EU Strategy. The definition of the coastal zone will identify its management needs and assist in the creation of a framework for ICZM. Given the area specific nature of ICZM, the definition of the coastal zone should occur at a local and regional level, with support from the EU and national administrations.

1.10. A more cohesive and ICZM-specific programme of support and funding is required. The COR believes that the range of EU financial instruments outlined in the Communication is inadequate, and will result in a sectoral approach to funding, rather than an integrated approach. In this regard, a programme of support dedicated wholly to ICZM issues is advocated, with particular potential under Interreg III Programme, which could also encourage the development of coastal areas and of cooperation networks between the Member States and third countries.

However, in the absence of a specific funding mechanism for ICZM, the COR would strongly advocate the need to ensure that Structural Funds are systematically implemented to provide for coherent integrated development and management of all areas, including the coastal zones.

1.11. The identification of the Environment DG as a focal point within the Commission for coastal issues is welcomed. The focal point must, however, be responsible for the implementation of the European ICZM Strategy and the co-ordination of the various recommendations and proposals outlined in the Communication. To ensure a coherent and holistic approach, the Committee of the Regions contends that the most appropriate focal point would be a formal interdisciplinary team which, apart from representing the policy interests of all the relevant Directorate Generals, would promote horizontal research projects, identified by a series of thematic analyses.

1.12. The COR recognises the value of partnership with civil society in planning and management approaches and the potential it offers for the emergence of new forms of governance in coastal areas, as well as other areas of the EU territory.

1.13. The COR regrets that the projects established under the Commission's demonstration programme may not continue to exist. Moreover the Committee feels that the expertise and practices gained in these areas will be lost. The Committee therefore reaffirms the desirability of continuing existing appropriate projects and establishing further activities.

Brussels, 14 February 2001.

The President

of the Committee of the Regions

Jos Chabert

(1) OJ C 226, 8.8.2000, p. 38.