2014 Report

A Surfrider Foundation Europe publication

KEEPERS OF THE COAST

Climate change: new issues, new demands

Keeper of the Coast action

Support the Keepers of the Coast network!

A stop on 5 climate change challenges

focus on 3 emblematic Keeper of the Coast victories

04 []

06[ ]

08 []

10[ ]

18 []

Climate change: new issues, new demands

Keeper of the Coast action

Support the Keepers of the Coast network!

A stop on 5 climate change challenges

focus on 3 emblematic Keeper of the Coast victories

KEEPERS OF THE COAST22 years of history, and now, the climate

#04

Because environmental and cultural heritage are dear to us and constitute the basis of

our collective history, it is our job to ensure its conservation. For 22 years, the Keepers of the Coast (KOC) program has provided that monitoring by allowing all citizens to effectively invest themselves in their regions by protecting coastlines, oceans, and their right to enjoy them. It is the territorial proximity program of Surfrider Foundation Europe (SFE) and its local representatives.

Climate change is forced upon us, and with it, new pressures and challenges ahead for societies

and individuals. It invites us to develop new strategies in order to mitigate and adapt to these consequences. In this context, it is our responsibility to put a new participative governance in place so that everyone is included in the contemplation and construction of this low-carbon oriented society. SFE is fully committed and promotes eco-responsible practices that the Keepers of the Coast spread for the benefit of their region.

The Keepers of the Cost have won great victories in saving the Mölle waves (Sweden), or participating in the protection of exceptional heritage in Pasaia (Spain) and cultural heritage in Biarritz (France).

* Conference of Parties: a meeting of policy makers from around the world under the leadership of the UN (under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change - UNFCCC) on the question of climate concerns. The 21st edition will take place in Paris from November 30th to December 11th, 2015.

#05

K E E P E R O F T H E C O A S T ’ S T R I P L E O B J E C T I V E :P R O M O T E C O N S U LTAT I O N

A N D M O B I L I S AT I O N , P R E S E R V E C O A S TA L H E R I TA G E ,

R E S P E C T T H E U S E O F M A R I T I M E A N D C O A S TA L S PA C E S

They have also invested in the field of climate change by defending the mitigation of CO2 emissions, an international ambition that has been contradicted by paradoxical oil exploration in the Mediterranean or by natural gas storage projects. They also promote commitment to true participative democracy and to take into account the usage of the territory and its particularities (offshore wind farm in Brittany, sand engine in the Netherlands).

Today we release this report by shedding light on our interventions in the climate change field, because we believe in our duty to reject confining climate issues at an international negotiations level. If the COP21* looming at the end of 2015 appears to tie a Gordian Knot, regional mobilisation in favour of mitigation and anticipation represents

monumental and perfectly current democratic demands and challenge. To challenge projects that have failed to integrate climate requirements and which have not imagined new processes for consultation adapted to these challenges, this will be the role of Surfrider Foundation Europe and their Keepers of the Coast in the years to come. This report illustrates the current state of issues that have already been experienced on a daily basis on the ground. And SFE and Keepers of the Coast’s commitment is presented through several examples.

Climate change takes place at all levels. The Keepers of the Coast program responds to this challenge and acts all over the European region. With everyone. For the benefit of everyone.

KEEPERS OF THE COASTChallenges, organisation and means

#06

Everyone, throughout Europe, has once wondered in what way they could act to protect their environment, their land, and their fellow citizens. Since 1992, the Keepers of the Coast program has answered this question with strong support from SFE and their expert abilities in communication and mobilisation thanks to their experience in connecting with all audiences, from the youngest members of the public to elected officials, along with the professionals, associations, and sporting federations in between. With more than 25 ongoing cases, numerous are the projects to which Keepers of the Coast brings an entire network of their technical and legal expertise that benefits land and defence of issues that SFE handles.

Commitment to a sustainable coastlineHarbour development, protection of a sand

dune, water quality, renewable marine energy development, waste dumping... On these themes, the Keepers of the Coast voluntarily mobilise and unite in the interest of oceans, coastlines, and recreational uses that they hold dear. Subscribed to a shared and concerted sustainable development movement and as guardians of the state of environmental health, the Keepers of the Coast are committed to the local associative and institutional spectrum. In this proactive movement, they communicate regularly with project promoters, administrations, and stakeholders. As legitimate and engaged players, they use and also benefit from the strength and experience of the SFE and the Keepers of the Coast network. The Keepers of the Coast also create volunteer programs around regional challenges that are experienced every day, and which are potentially impacting for decades to come.

With 22 years of experience and constant on-the-ground monitoring, today Keepers of the Coast seizes on new challenges born from climate change. A focus on the actions of these guardians in the service of a sustainable use of our coastal areas and oceans, for everyone’s benefit!

MOBILISATIONCONSuLTATION

KOC: courses of action

The Keepers of the Coast<>SFE: a bilateral engagement

Each case that is approved by the steering committee is the subject of tailored monitoring that integrates the beneficial use of technical and legal expertise. It benefits from feedback from other cases and SFE support. This bilateral commitment is one of the keys to success in the challenges undertaken by the Keepers of the Coast.

Communicate to mobilise and win

The Keepers of the Coast program has its own website (keepersofthecoast.com) which presents challenges in progress, those already overcome, program news, etc. Evidence is also gathered, some of which translates into Keepers of the Coast cases and then new challenges to face.Few challenges are won without getting the greatest number of people behind them. SFE therefore makes available its website, blog, newsletter, dedicated Facebook account, Twitter account, and YouTube page available.

provides logistical, technical, and legal support,

helps for communication

in touch with local actors / issues = ascribes information and needs

The Keepers of the Coast in numbers 2014: 26 challenges in progress

Over 22 years:70% have been successful in adequation with our objectives in Europe and overseas.16% have been lost. 14% are in progress.

Location of Keepers of the Coast challenges since 2006.

These Keepers of the Coasts cases are the subject of SFE investigation in order to evaluate and validate their appropriateness for Surfrider goals.

#07

12

37

33

13

+08

33 (Mediterranean) 37 (Atlantic - Bay of Biscay) 13 (English Channel / North Sea) 12 (Celtic Sea) 08 (others: Baltic Sea, French Overseas Departments and Territories, etc)

Keepers of the Coast courses of action are backed by technical studies and legal action.

3 EMBLEMATIC VICTORIESConsultation, mobilisation, protecting heritage and use. These three points have led us to present these 3 victories to you which illustrate the presence of the Keepers of the Coast on a European scale, and their commitment to protecting social, cultural, and environmental heritage.

Mölle Waves (SWEDEN, 2008-12)

ObjeCtives: to save a surf spot, respecting recreational uses

The Mölle wave was discovered by Swedish surfers in the 1980’s which has since become a highly popular Scandinavian location. The marina dock extension project threatened this location, causing outrage and provoking large-scale mobilisation. Our aim: to ensure that the positive externalities of this wave are taken into account. The project’s removal marked the recognition of a location that still brings joy to Scandinavian surfers and helps bring recognition to locations.

#08

You can find all of the Keepers of the Coast challenges at www.keepersofthecoast.com

Port of Pasaia (SPAIN/FRANCE, 2010-13)

ObjeCtive: to preserve environmental heritage

In 2007, a project aimed to move the port of Pasaia outside the bay. Result: general outrage from protectors of the environment and users of the coastal areas on both sides of the boarder. The mobilisation reached local authorities, and even beyond the Basque geographical context. Arguments and consultation were added to that fact, and that eventually overcame the project, saving an exceptional environmental heritage.

PARKING CÔTE DES BASQUEs (FRANCE, 2012-14)

ObjeCtive: to protect a historic site

Launched in 2012, the underground parking structure (multi-level) construction project above the Côte des Basques -historical birthplace of European surfing- provoked an emotional outpouring followed by mobilisation. This fragile, natural heritage being put in danger united lovers of this coastal area. The Keepers of the Coast opened the debate and provided information to make sustainable transport, respect for users, and the voice of coastal areas understood. Information and awareness-raising overcame the project, which was shelved in 2014.

#09

You can find all of the Keepers of the Coast challenges at www.keepersofthecoast.com

5 Keepers of the Coast climate issuesWe chose to present five challenges to you which are directly linked with climate change. Either concluded or in progress, they illustrate Keepers of the Coast’s monitoring of territorial projects that are potentially in contradiction with the objectives of adapting to or mitigating climate change. These issues shed light on the ability of Keepers of the Coast to inform, mobilise, and participate in public debates.

From hydrocarbon prospecting to climate change and even active defences, whatever the level

of consultation, Keepers of the Coast brings their passion and commitment to every issue handled. The 5 cases we present on various issues demonstrate the variety of projects to which Keepers of the Coast adapt by developing tailored strategies and employing the appropriate means. Guided on one hand by the need for dialogue, taking into account social and environmental challenges, and, on the other hand, by the unavoidable adaptation to climate change, the Keepers of the Coast greatly support the interests of the coast, oceans, and users.

With their legitimacy as actors on the ground, and with the support of the SFE network, they advocate and thus act in favour of raising consciousness on climate change and our associative objectives. Committed to favouring reduction, the Keepers of the Coast denounce CO2 emitting projects. They also defend necessary consultation by inviting conversation and demonstrating the relevance of exchanges between actors. Faced with the challenges of climate change and energy transition, they provide a message and actions that are firmly in line with the challenges of sustainable development and climate democracy.

#10

oilprospecting in the Canary Islands []

oilplatform in the Mediterranean Sea[ ]

Natural gas storage in Landes []

Wind-poweroffshore farm in Brittany[ ]

erosionthe sand engine in the Netherlands []

p.12

p.13

p.14

p.15

p.16

#11

This project combines carbon energypolicy, a weak consultation, and putting remarkable heritage at

social, economical and environmental risk. If the Canarian government opposes it because of risks on tourism and economic objectives, local actors unite around the more global issue of protecting heritage, particularly environmental, when faced with a project that can only result in an increasein CO2 emissions. The Keeper of the Coast started a petition, collecting more than 18,000 signatures, and the group of associations organised mobilisations (12,000 and 22,000 people in Lanzarote and Fuerteventura). Postcards have been produced and distributed.

The Spanish government is called to consider the potential environmental catastrophes which would result from such prospecting. The Keeper of the Coast tirelessly organised beach cleanups, and continues to communicate, inform, and raise awareness. Creative ability has been taken advantage of through awareness-raising campaigns and mailings. A new petition has been launched, and 110,000 signatures were collected while the Spanish Supreme Court was ratifying the project. Mobilisation well beyond the Canary coasts continues so that the environmentand the necessary reduction in CO2 emissions are taken into account.

On March 16th, 2012, the Spanish government approved an oil prospecting project in the deep waters off the coasts of the Canary Islands. Publicly elected Canarian officials, user associations, and parties opposed to this project were organised against the environmental risks and also against the increase of CO2 emissions likely to happen.

DIAGNOSISIn this project,

consultation with territorial actors does not exist. In contrast

with the pressing need for climate mitigation,

this challenge perfectly illustrates the need for

co-building projects.

oilprospecting in the Canary Islands []

#12

Lack of consultation

informmobilise!

The Mediterranean Sea counts among the planet’s 25 biodiversity hot spots, with between 7 and 8%

of known marine species. Operators were planning ultra-deep offshore test drilling at 2,600 m in an area with proven seismicity. Combined with the risk of oil spills (which would touch Corsican shores and the Pelagos Sanctuary for cetaceans in 3 days), seismic prospecting by compressed air cannon endangers flora, fauna, and the environment. With a sound output of 250 dB, these discharges are sufficient to kill cetaceans or, at a minimum, damage

their communication and echolocation systems leading to their certain death. Symbols of the Mediterranean and a crucial link of the biosphere, these threatened marine mammals symbolise the dangers of these explorations that negate the need for climate change mitigation through the reduction of CO2 emissions. This challenge brought together numerous associations and gave way to uncompromising treatment of the situation, from public awareness-raising and events to lobbying, which resulted in the exploration permit not being renewed.

Since 2002, off the coast of Marseilles an annual hydrocarbon exploration permit is accorded and renewed for a 25,000 km2 area. This pursuit included in 2012 a 3D seismic campaign which is harmful to cetaceans. This fossil fuel prospecting activity, a purveyor of environmental hazards, was successfully countered!

DIAGNOSISWith regard to the need to reduce CO2 emissions and changing our methods of energy production, and with the goal of preserving biodiversity, SFE is clearly committed to a moratorium on hydrocarbon production and exploration in the Mediterranean Sea.

OILplatform in the Mediterranean Sea[ ]

#13

worsening problem

Project abandoned!

#14

Backed by EDF since 2008, this project began in 2010 with a first exploratory drilling, followed by

a second one in 2012 which allowed for the operator to acquire technical information that validated its concept. This is part of an unsustainable carbon energy logic that endangers surfing. A Keepers of the Coast case was quickly established. Objective: to protect natural heritage (Natura 2000, groundwater, dunes) not only against dual piping for water discharge and intake, but also against the pollution of marine waters. The Keepers of the Coast has fought ceaselessly: public meetings, documents presenting environmental risks and challenges, petitions, etc.

Within the Stockage-Gaz-Landes group, the Keepers of the Coast have fought against the operator’s media power. In 2012, a European appeal was filed due to the crossing of sensitive areas, and EuroSIMA (European Surf Industry Manufacturers Association) joined the group.

Stickers, mobilisations, happenings, video, exhibitions, awareness-raising... The Keepers of the Coast, the defence group, and the surf community have mobilised with determination and creativity. This has allowed David to win over Goliath and to bury the project and its environmental risks in January 2013!

EDF was planning the underground storage of 650 million m3 of natural gas in a salt dome. This implied chemically digging dozens of cavities with dissolution products and sea water. Waste water and brine would then be released into the ocean through a pipe. The announcement of this environmental disaster crystallised exemplary mobilisation. Until the project was finally abandoned!

DIAGNOSISClimate change

mitigation and local social contexts have

not been taken into account in this project’s planning.

It is important to evaluate projects in a sustainable

development context, integrating the climate

issues.

Natural gasstorage in Landes []

Deterioration of the environment

Project abandoned!

© Surfrider Australia

A iles Marines leads an offshore wind-power project at Saint-Brieuc with an investment of

2 billion euros. This suffers from partial consultation and the lack of a study on potential energy. In addition, maritime spacial planning has been incomplete, even though it is on European documents and was adopted in July 2014. All this has logically led to tension and conflicts of use between fishermen, nautical activities, sea transporters, and energy providers. This project further illustrates the lack of representation for recreational usage. In addition, public information and consultation were part of a schedule that did not leave room for real consideration of claims.

Besides, the operator put into question turbine foundations technology, potentially making the environmental impact study obsolete, as well as the problems accessing this study (public document), point to a lack of management and consultation.Associations, citizens, and professionals each make their voice heard in order to draw attention to a situation appearing to be pushed through. The Keepers of the Coast continue to mobilise and inform with the support of SFE. Objective: to ensure that each usage is taken into account and transform this challenge into a group success! The socio-economic study carried out on the waterline at Cape Fréhel falls into this context.

Brittany develops its power generation by enhancing its maritime potential. The Saint-Brieuc project suffers from a weak consultation, only held for courtesy. Likewise, the impact study seems light when taking into account swells and nautical activity. Not to mention questions arising from wind-power structures...

DIAGNOSISThe wind farm has been conceptualised without any real consultation. In the end, this case shows the importance of open dialogue upstream in order to truly take users and impacts into account.Furthermore, with the goal of mitigation and territorial integration, the exemplary nature of this debate should prove to be a relevant lever for the developpement of MRE.

inform,mobiliseand...

cooperate

Wind-poweroffshore farm in Brittany[ ]

#15

lack of consultation

© Surfrider Australia

The Netherlands have always sought to organize their territory to deal with a unique situation: 26% of its

surface area is located below sea level! Added to this is a high population density and a climate change induced rise in sea level. The sand engine constitutes a pilot project to disperse enormous quantities of sand, affecting de facto the coastline and its uses. Wishing to avoid all risks, local administrations have decided to prohibit all use of the coastline in the sand engine area. Mobilisation was therefore launched and several associations

joined forces in order to optimise the sandbar from upstream. Present from the consultation phases, the Keepers of the Coast have been quickly identified as a major spokesperson. This recognition has been enhanced by providing arguments ad hoc regarding claims for allowing surfing activities while ensuring the safety, monitoring, and sustainability of the project. Today, the project meets its coastal defence objectives without sacrificing coastal usage.

Historically vigilant in terms of sea levels and coastal erosion, the Netherlands are develloping the sand engine concept. Waves, currents, tides, and wind will displace 20 million m3 of sand from Ter Heijde across nearly 15 km over the course of 15 years. This artificial protection poses serious risks, especially for practising nautical activities.

DIAGNOSISThe specific solution of the sand engine,

fitted to Netherlands context, benefited from optimised consultation.

This challenge illustrates all Keepers of the Coast interests

and their ability to provide expertise and

dialogue in order to result in an acceptable

compromise, respecting concerns

and usage.

SAND ENGINE: WHAT’S THAT?In order to protect the coast from the onslaughts of the sea and sea level rise. How? By depositing an enormous quantity of sand along the coastline in order to form an artificial peninsula in the shape of a hook. Once construction is finished this «sand motor» is slowly eroded and scattered along the coast thanks to the natural action of currents, waves, and tides, in order to protect the coastline.

erosionthe sand engine in the Netherlands []

Closing the coastline

optimisedproject:acces

maintained!

#16

#17

mre:MITIGATING climate change

Marine Renewable Energies (MRE) are among a variety of energy solutions to reduce GHG emissions and must fall within the perspective of the European Directive on Maritime Spacial Planning context. It therefore develops an approach on coastal and maritime space ecosystem management through integrated policy, playing a true part with a precautionary approach and combining goals for climate change mitigation with societal and environmental respect aims.

ACTIVE DEFENCEADAPTATION to climate change

Rising sea levels, protection of industrial infrastructure, ports, and homes. Active defences are a local response to face the issue of accepting the effects of climate change. However, they are only a regional planning solution among others that include buffer zones and withdrawal for example. It is the ability to evaluate solutions with regard to issues and impact on environments and human activities which constitutes one of the monitoring points of the Keepers of the Coast.

The climate context, the necessary reduction of GHG emissions, and the adaptation of energy consumption and modes of production. So many emerging issues that constitute fertile ground for the development of renewable marine energy and active defences. Faced with flaws in terms of consultation, the Keepers of the Coast ensure support for democratic spacial planning issues through monitoring.

DIAGNOSISThrough the development of MRE and active defences, usage conflicts are a transverse monitoring axis. It namely involves providing consultation and public debates with essential documents aimed at integrating projects into pre-existing contexts without neglecting environmental and social conditions.

Climate monitoringother challenges in progress[ ]

K E E P E R S O F T H E C O A S T: T H E C O A S TA L S U S TA I N A B L E D E V E L O P M E N T R E A C T I O N !

The Keepers of the Coast are active guardians of the coastline. This work deserves everyone’s support. SFE lends its expertise, ability to mobilise, and communication skills. It is important that everyone supports this movement, making our coasts true stakeholders by giving them a voice, weight, and a sustainable future.To support the Keepers of the Coast, there are three ways for everyone to get involved. Take your pick!

S U P P O R T I N G T H E K E E P E R S O F T H E C O A S T M E A N S: S U P P O R T I N G T H E S U S TA I N A B I L I T Y O F O U R C O A S T L I N E S , CHOOSING TO ACT, PA R T I C I PAT I N G!

involvement for everyone

SUPPORT THE KEEPERS OF THE COAST

#18

VOCATIONAL INVOLVEMENTbeCOMe A KeePeR OF tHe COAst!

Become a Keeper of the Coast and drive local actions in favour of coastal regions and sustainable development. Have you seen pollution, degradation, or a threat on the coastline? Contact SFE with as much information as possible: an explanation of the case, photos, articles from the press, testimonies, legal documents, letters, petitions... Also, tell us about your motivation, your degree of involvement, and the goal you wish to pursue. SFE will analyse the issue, engage the necessary experts and given the case, approve it as a Keeper of the Coast one, thereby providing appropriate support.

IMPLICATION INVOLVEMENTMObiLise (YOURseLF)!

Support a Keeper of the Coast case by lending your personality, your know-how, your mobilising force, your skills, your experience, your beliefs! Do you know about an ongoing challenge that is close to your heart? Lend your support at www.keepersofthecoast.com Participate in on-the-ground action. Sign petitions. Share the case through your social networks. You can take part in the mobilisation and representation, but you can also help us organise!A strongly supported case is likely to move faster. Don’t wait!

FINANCIAL INVOLVEMENTPROviDe ResOURCes FOR tHe KeePeRs OF tHe COAst!

Help the Keepers of the Coast act in everyone’s interest! Two solutions: Visit www.keepersofthecoast.com then click on “SUPPORT US”. Contact us directly by e-mail (contact@gardiensdelacote.com) or telephone (+ 33(0)5 59 23 54 99).

www.gardiensdelacote.co

m

H

€LP THe KOC!

involvement for everyone www.gardiensdelacote.co

m

MOB

ILISe (YOURSeLF)!

#19

www.gardiensdelacote.com

BeCOMe KOC!

Keepers of the Coast2014 Report

a Surfrider Foundation Europe publication

Publication director:Stéphane Latxague

Actors on the ground:Keepers of the Coast

Author:Philippe MaisonProject head:

ya’comGraphic design:

Élise FougèrePhoto editing:

Surfrider, Élise FougèrePhotographs:

DR, Arthur Lavooy, Clément Maison, José Neto, Keepers of the Coast,

Fill (Pixabay.com), Mattia Sbrizzi, Stokkete (Shutterstock.com),

Surfrider Australia, Surfrider Foundation Europe, Bill Watts,

Cendrine Templier, ya’com Printing:

Ulzama (Spain), 100% recycled Cyclus Print paper

Keepers of the Coastwww.gardiensdelacote.com

contact@gardiensdelacote.comwww.facebook.com/keepersofthecoast

Surfrider Foundation Europe (headquarters)

33, allée Moura 64200 Biarritz-France+33(0)5 59 23 54 99

www.surfrider.eu