The need to predict the effects of man’s intervention on the coast and to plan for the long-sustainable development of marine and coastal areas has long been recognised.
Since the late 1980s Halcrow have been at the forefront of strategic coastal, estuarine and marine management through which issues on or adjacent to the coastline are addressed. We have used the knowledge and expertise gained to also introduce the principles of strategic planning and Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) throughout the world, including the UK, Caribbean, USA and Middle East.
Halcrow's pre-eminence in this area is to be seen in the variety of strategic coastal, estuarine and marine planning projects that we have been involved with on behalf of local, regional and national governments; and major companies. These projects include Shoreline, Estuary and Beach Management Plans, Coastal Flood and Erosion Risk Management Strategies and Integrated Coastal Management Plans.
It is widely understood that the coastline is a sensitive interface between the land and the sea, the behaviour of which is governed by both local and distant conditions. It is also necessary to consider the many variables which influence the status quo, such things as coastal erosion, flood risk, water quality, environmental impact and resource exploitation. The use of coastal resources can then be strategically planned to be consistent with these processes and with man’s needs, so satisfying management objectives.
Each management authority has its own particular requirements for data management and analysis In many cases there are large amounts of data already available in a variety of archival forms, with more data being acquired routinely for monitoring purposes.
Using their own systems or other available tools to handle, appraise and analyse such information, Halcrow has the practical awareness and professional expertise to ensure that their client's needs are appropriately served.