Scarr, Antonia Mary (2024) Is English estuarine environmental management fit for purpose, and if not, what needs to be done? PhD thesis, Birkbeck, University of London.
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Scarr A, final thesis for library.pdf - Full Version Download (4MB) |
Abstract
iv Abstract English estuaries are unique, complex systems that are important for ecological, cultural and economic reasons. They provide valuable habitat for wildlife, resilience to climate change and supply a wide range of regulating, cultural and ecosystem services. This study examines relevant literature, interviewed experts, and commissioned a citizens’ jury to analyse the question in the title of the thesis. Estuaries have a disproportionate importance to people compared to other habitats, which has resulted in high levels of use, urbanisation and industrialisation leading to environmental degradation. The literature review revealed substantial research on historical environmental pressures, but with limited focus on estuarine environments compared to marine and freshwater systems. The expert interviewees discussed siloed and ineffective management approaches, along with global economic pressure and climate changes have resulted in many estuaries becoming environmentally degraded. They thought that collaboration and social accountability was important. Estuary Partnerships provide a framework for multiple partners with a material interest in maintaining a healthy environment collaborating to provide better decision making, drive investment and deliver multiple benefits including environmental recovery. This study highlights examples of good environmental management practice. The citizens’ jury explores the concerns of communities living alongside the Thames Estuary. It found that deliberative engagement enabled the participants to comment on complex evidence and provide their own recommendations for management of the estuary. This study makes the case that estuarine habitats are always likely to be subject to intense human pressure. So, systems thinking, strategic catchment planning, collaboration, strong legislation, adaptive management, a cultural desire, and accessible evidence would support the environmental recovery of England’s estuaries. There is a need for transformative changes in English governance to manage estuaries, and their catchments, as a system with clear objectives that transcend organisations, providing a balance between human use and nature recovery.
Metadata
| Item Type: | Thesis |
|---|---|
| Copyright Holders: | The copyright of this thesis rests with the author, who asserts his/her right to be known as such according to the Copyright Designs and Patents Act 1988. No dealing with the thesis contrary to the copyright or moral rights of the author is permitted. |
| Depositing User: | Acquisitions And Metadata |
| Date Deposited: | 14 Feb 2025 14:47 |
| Last Modified: | 13 Sep 2025 23:34 |
| URI: | https://eprints.bbk.ac.uk/id/eprint/54987 |
| DOI: | https://doi.org/10.18743/PUB.00054987 |
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