SeaZone Local Government Regional Workshops: The Offshore Environment and Marine Spatial Information
Written by SeaZone Solutions Limited
25 July 2008
30 September – 9 October 2008 - Increasing public awareness, calls for greater accountability and emerging legislation such as the Marine Bill, are changing the way that the coastal zone and marine environment are managed.
In particular, legislation is indicating increased involvement by Local Government in marine spatial planning and regulation.
In response to these drivers SeaZone is pleased to announce a series of six Local Government Regional Workshops throughout England this autumn.
The workshops will examine Local Governments’ roles within the coastal zone and marine environment, focusing on requirements for marine spatial information and use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to assist in project planning and implementation to help secure better business efficiencies and improved decision making.
The events follow a Local Government Survey commissioned by SeaZone and undertaken with officers involved in marine and coastal protection related activities within 92 coastal Authorities in England. (Scotland and Wales are being addressed independently of this campaign). The feedback has provided some interesting results and will help inform the workshops. A Survey Results Report published July 2008 is available direct from SeaZone.
Local Government officers and associated stakeholders such as Sea Fisheries Committees, Wildlife Trusts, Coast/Estuary Forums, Emergency Services and Central Government Marine and Fisheries Agencies and other regional offices are encouraged to attend the events.
The events will include updates on the Digital National Framework, the Atlantis Initiative and key Government initiatives promoting best practice use of geographic information.
There will be a series of presentations (both SeaZone and external organisations) in the morning followed by breakout groups in the afternoon to provide delegates with opportunities of discussing the issues raised in the morning.
The events are being sponsored by British Geological Survey, Ordnance Survey and the United Kingdom Hydrographic Office.
The events will cover:
• Local Governments’ current and future role, responsibilities and activities within the marine environment in light of national and international marine legislation • Data management initiatives (e.g DNF, ATLANTIS INITIATIVE, INSPIRE etc) • Current GIS and data applications and limitations • Necessity, interest and need for marine spatial information products and services
Lunch and refreshments are inclusive and attendance by delegates will be free of charge.
Date Location Hotel Tuesday 30 September Cambridge Best Western - Gonville Wednesday 1 October Pulborough Best Western - Roundabout Friday 3 October Exeter Best Western - Lord Haldon Tuesday 7 October Hull Best Western - Willerby Manor Wednesday 8 October Newcastle Novotel - Newcastle Thursday 9 October Lancaster Best Western - Royal King Arms
If you wish to find out further details and register for the event or request a copy of Local Government Survey Results Report please contact Alastair Hobson at
This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
or tel: 0870 0130607. Further information is also available from the SeaZone website www.SeaZone.com.
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