SMPs Flashcards
(12 cards)
What planning tool is used to manage sediment cells in England and Wales?
Shoreline Management Plans (SMPs).
What are the four policy options within SMPs?
1) Hold the Line, 2) Advance the Line, 3) Managed Realignment, 4) No Active Intervention.
Who is responsible for coastal management strategy and funding in England?
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).
What is a Cost-Benefit Analysis (CBA) and why is it important in coastal management?
A method to compare the cost of defence schemes with the economic value of assets being protected; helps decide if investment is justified.
What is an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)?
A process that evaluates the environmental consequences of a proposed scheme before implementation to guide better, more sustainable decisions.
What are the three ‘epochs’ used in SMP planning?
1) Up to 2025, 2) 2025–2055, 3) Beyond 2055.
Why might a Hold the Line policy not be sustainable long-term?
Rising sea levels and increased costs can make it technically and economically unfeasible in the future.
Why was Mappleton protected despite a weak economic case?
Due to strong community pressure and political concerns about visible property loss.
What types of areas are less likely to receive coastal protection?
Areas with low economic value such as farmland or recreational land, due to poor CBA outcomes.
Give an example of a stakeholder conflict in coastal management.
Homeowners wanting protection vs environmental groups opposing hard engineering that harms habitats.
Why are coastal decisions often controversial?
They create perceived winners (protected communities) and losers (those left at risk or relocated), leading to emotional and political tensions.
What issues are faced in coastal management in developing countries?
Poor infrastructure, lack of funding, informal settlements, and limited government capacity to protect vulnerable communities.
