The Environment Council responds to the Marine Bill White Paper
On the 8th of June The Environment Council responded to the Government's consultation on proposals for a Marine Bill, advocating stakeholder engagement, evaluation, transparency and accountability in decision-making.
A Sea Change, A Marine Bill White Paper, sets out the Government's aims to deliver sustainable development for the complex and diverse uses and users of marine resources. It proposes to do this through improved delivery of marine policies and an integrated approach to management for the enhancement and use of the marine natural environment for the benefit of current and future generations.
Key messages from The Environment Council's response:
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The aims of the Marine Bill White Paper to address multiple complex issues in a sustainable way will only be delivered through properly designed and implemented stakeholder engagement within a context of transparency and accountability. |
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Many mechanisms are suggested for interacting with stakeholders in decision-making. Before implementation, the Government must be sure of what it is trying to achieve through this engagement. Consequently, it must ensure through evaluation that the engagement method proposed will realise the maximum value of participation. |
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There is much mentioned within the Marine Bill White Paper of reform and streamlining existing systems. In undertaking this action of reform, the Government must remain committed to retaining and strengthening the engagement elements of the component systems. It must also ensure that existing stakeholders are not disenfranchised from any new engagement systems created. |
Please click here for the full response (.pdf format, 130 KB)
Materials
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The Marine Bill White Paper consultation document can be found here
For more information on how The Environment Council responds to Government direction or to find out more about our work with marine stakeholders, please contact Government Relations Manager Winsome Grigor by email or phone on 020 7632 0108.