SCOPAC AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

The aims and objectives of SCOPAC are to:

(a) To ensure a fully co-ordinated approach to shoreline management and related matters between neighbouring authorities on the central section of the south coast of England. (b) To eliminate the risk of shoreline management strategies carried out by one authority adversely affecting the coastline of a neighbouring authority. (c) To provide a forum for the exchange of information on the success or failure of specific types of shoreline management strategies and on future proposals. (d) To establish a close liaison with Government and other bodies concerned with shoreline management and related matters. (e) To identify aspects of overall coastal management where further research work is required and to promote such research. Pursuit of these objectives since its inception and the knowledge gained over that period has lead to the summarisation of SCOPAC's aims in the form of the "Three RS":

RESOURCES

The raising of the general public and political awareness of the national significance of the coastline, together with the allocation of appropriate resources for its management.

RESEARCH

The need to promote a co-ordinate programme of original research into the operation of natural processes at work on the shoreline.

RATIONALISATION

To improve the institutional structure and bureaucratic procedures for the delivery of statutory duties relating to coastal defence and protection.

In addition, SCOPAC considered that it was an appropriate forum for the dissemination of knowledge and experience relating to the functional characteristics of shoreline management projects, and that it could provide a network of contacts that offered mutual support for its member authorities.