Green Ports Conference, Lisbon, 2007. OPERATING WITHIN NATURA 20000: IS A STRATEGIC APPROACH TO PORT DEVELOPMENT AND FLOOD RISK MANAGEMENT POSSIBLE?

Summary Ports and flood risk managers operate in a highly dynamic natural environment. This offers considerable advantages because offsetting packages for damage to relevant Natura 2000 habitat are a realistic option. However, consents processes are protracted and there are ongoing calls for simplification of processes to allow for quicker decision-making. One option is “habitat banking” which is not consistent with the requirements of the Habitats Directive. An alternative is to develop a strategic approach that creates a clear link between Port Master Plans and Natura 2000 management schemes. This paper explores the possibility of shifting emphasis towards a strategic approach that still fulfils the objectives and obligations of the Habitats Directive. As flood risk managers experience many of the same problems, a similar approach may be possible and there are good grounds for linking flood risk management plans to Port Master Plans. This would also appear to hold good for meeting the objectives of the Water Framework Directive.