European Union for Coastal Conservation, EUCC

The European coast has changed dramatically over the last 25 years. The explosive growth of towns, industry and tourism has harmed the coastal environment in many places. Nowhere in the world has the coastal zone been so badly affected as in Europe. Pressure on the coastal zone will increase.

The causes of this environmental degradation transgress all borders. Solutions must be sought in cooperation with all European countries. Experts from all over Europe have agreed to contribute their knowledge and expertise to the conservation management and sustainable development of the coastal zone. In January 1989 the European Union for Coastal Conservation, the largest European Coastal Network was established

EUCC membership now includes scientists, planners, politicians, managers, local and regional authorities government agencies and voluntary conservation organisations from 40 countries. Many of them actively participate in the EUCC network, in their National Branches, at congresses, workshops, seminars and on excursions.

Through the network international projects of member organisations and other institutes are stimulated and coordinated. The gap between research and decision-making is bridged by presenting managers and politicians with the results of international research and experience. Coastal authorities can profit from this international exchange and cooperation.

The process of degradation caused by seafront developments, water pollution and oil spills are an increasing threat. Not only to ecology, but also to coastal communities and tourism. Marine accidents are impacting the shores of many countries.

The EUCC is dedicated to:

• coastal zone management as a tool for environmental protection and sustainable development
• better international regulation of marine transport to control oil spills and marine accidents.
• advising national, regional and local authorities
• exchange of information and experience between its members
• furtherance of research aimed at coastal management and nature conservation
• distribution of information and the bringing out of publications
• organization of congresses, meetings and excursions

• The Inventory of Europe's Coast
• European Coastal Code
• European regions for a Safe and Clean Coast (ERSCC)
• Field Projects in Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Russia, Poland and Ukraine
• 'Green Islands' Programme (field projects, local 'days', help desk for coastal management)