| Launch of New Coastal Partnership | 4 July 2006 |
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Comhairle nan Eilean Siar is leading the establishment of the Outer Hebrides Coastal Marine Partnership to be launched in Balivanich on Thursday 6th July at a conference with the theme; “Our Coastal Future”. At the conference there will be a series of talks by national and local speakers to an audience representing commercial interests, community organisations, environmental and cultural organisations, as well as statutory agencies. Topics covered will include the principles of Integrated Coastal Zone Management, the experience of coastal partnerships from other areas in Scotland, and the problems being faced by the soft coasts on the islands due to climate change. Local industry representatives will explain the importance of fish farming, fishing and water based tourism to the economy of the islands. Cllr Angus Nicolson, Chairman of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar’s Environmental Services Committee, said: “The coastal land, sea lochs and inshore waters of the Western Isles are rich in natural resources and wildlife. Most of the population of the islands live on the coast or nearby and many people derive an income from it and the surrounding inshore waters. The diverse nature of the coastline and differing activities on land and at sea have varying effects on each other.”
Nigel Scott Tel: 01851 709389 (Work) |
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