Severn Estuary PartnershipSevern Estuary Strategy
The 2017-2027 Severn Estuary Strategy was developed by our members and estuary stakeholder to:
“Champion an integrated approach to the sustainable use and enjoyment of the Severn Estuary”
The aims of this Strategy are to:
- Update and streamline the 2001 Severn Estuary Strategy;
- Provide a strategic policy framework for the Severn Estuary;
- Provide context to inform and support decision-making; and,
- Facilitate the Marine & Coastal Act (2009) obligations related to cross-border integration, land-sea integration and taking an ecosystem-based approach to management.
This Strategy is guided by a Vision, which sets out what we (and you) would like the estuary to look like in the future. The document is split under five key Principles (outlined below), based on the UK High-Level Marine Objectives. Under each Principle are a series of Objectives, Outcomes and Actions. A Habitats Regulation Assessment of the Actions has been carried out. The Strategy will have a 10-year timeframe between 2017-2027, but will be flexible enough to change priorities in light of any new and emerging evidence. The Actions outlined in this Strategy have been taken forward and incorporated into the SEP Business Plan (2018-2023). The Strategy consultation process has informed the priorities that SEP will focus on over the next 5-year period.
Five Key Principles
One
Achieving a sustainable marine economy.
Two
Ensuring a strong, healthy and just society.
Three
Living within environmental limits.
Four
Promoting good governance.
Five
Using sound science responsibly.
Consultation Documents
The consultation period ran for six weeks starting on 22nd September and ending on 3rd November.
In 2001, the Partnership produced the first Severn Estuary Strategy. Whilst the 2001 Strategy aimed to “bring together all those involved in the development, management and use of the estuary within a framework which encourages the integration of their interests and responsibilities to achieve common objective”, this was reviewed in the context of new and emerging policies and developments in the marine and coastal sector. The Partnership has developed a revised and streamlined Strategy for 2016.