Climate Change
Coping with sea level rise and climate change
The potential flooding of The Broads from a breach in the sea wall on the north-east Norfolk coast is the most significant long-term threat to this internationally important wetland and boating area. The Broads Authority has been discussing the implications of sea level rise with local people via the Upper Thurne Working Group for the last three years or more.
The Authority strongly supports the Environment Agency’s established policy, published in the Shoreline Management Plan, to continue to defend the stretch of coast from Eccles to Great Yarmouth for the next 50 years. It is partly as a result of the pressure and support from the Broads Authority that a further £7 million of work is scheduled to take place over the next two years to continue the protection of the coast.
At its meeting on Thursday 10 April 2008 the Broads Forum, which advises the Broads Authority on key issues, welcomed the Environment Agency’s 50 year commitment.
Members stressed the unique value of The Broads, recognised in its status equivalent to that of a national park, and said it was important that this was acknowledged at the highest level. There was a need to press Government to ensure appropriate resources continue to be made available to maintain the coastal defences.
Members of the forum, which meets in public and represents many interests from across The Broads, highlighted the importance of keeping the public informed and involved in discussions on the potential impact of sea level rise and the policies on coastal defence. The forum wants to receive regular reports on research findings and the development of policy.
Jonathan Bowman, forum chairman, said: “the recent coverage in the press demonstrates the importance of debating these issues in public so that those with the greatest interest in such matters, those with houses and businesses in the area, are properly involved.”
Kerry Turner, chairman of the Broads Authority said: “The Broads Forum is exactly the type of arrangement that can help in furthering this vital dialogue amongst all interested groups and individuals. Climate change poses all of us significant challenges which we owe to ourselves and the future to meet as best we can.”
However there is a need to consider the long-term implications of sea level rise and to this end the Broads Authority has formed a high level, strategic climate change panel which brings together the Environment Agency, Natural England and the Broads Authority under the chairmanship of Professor Turner who is a climate change expert.
Its aim is to develop a longer term vision for both the coast and The Broads. At its first meeting on 14 April the three organisations supported using the Broads Forum as one of the mechanisms for keeping the public informed as research in this area proceeds.
Natural England held a climate change workshop on 18 February as part of a national programme looking at four pilot areas, one of which was The Broads character area. Its research involved national experts on a range of habitats and Natural England staff with local knowledge. The workshop was a chance for external stakeholders to help guide the early stages of this new research and the Broads Authority is ensuring that its three purposes, to care for conservation, navigation and recreation, are clearly heard.
The Broads Forum comprises 25 members drawn from over 53 organisations, including parish councils, and provides advice to the Broads Authority on key issues. It meets in public four times a year.
