North Sea Region: Priorities and Measures

Site updated 06-05-06

North Sea Region: Priorities and Measures

1. Transnational Spatial Development Strategies and Actions for Urban, Rural and Maritime Systems in the North Sea Region
Actions for polycentric and sustainable development, urban co-operation and networking and new urban-rural and inter-rural relationships through:

1.1 Elaboration and implementation of transnational polycentric spatial development strategies and polycentrism:

developing new policy perspectives for a more polycentric and balanced development of the region;
developing ways for remote, sparsely populated areas to participate in economic and social progress.

1.2 Development and implementation of urban complementarity, co-operation and networking:

developing ways for cities and regions to complement each other and co-operate;
diversifying the economic base and improving the quality of life of less dynamic towns and cities.

1.3 Development and implementation of new urban-rural and inter-rural relationships including maritime areas:

developing the role of towns in rural regions as engines for regional economic development;
achieving balanced development in rural areas and realising the full potential of maritime areas; balancing the division of functions between urban and metropolitan areas and rural regions across the North Sea area.

1.4 Development and implementation strategies using water as a spatial element in rural, urban and maritime design:

including water as a structural element in transnational spatial development strategies for sustainable development.

1.5 Co-operation on research and development matters and access to innovation support:

access to innovation, support and R&D through partnerships between universities, research institutes and higher and adult education establishments.

2. Efficient and Sustainable Transport and Communications and Improved Access to the Information Society
Developing efficient and sustainable transport and communications systems to improve the integration of urban and rural areas in transport, information and communications networks through:

2.1 Effective and sustainable transport in rural and urban areas, including maritime areas and new rural-urban connections:

sustainable transport policies and modes of transport which integrate urban and rural areas;
the effect of ICT on journey patterns and the application of ICT to improve transport services to rural areas.

2.2 Improve the integration of rural and maritime areas in national and international transport networks:

improving access to national and international transport networks including regional airports and inland waterways;
using transport for rural tourism as a means of integrating rural areas into international transport networks.

2.3 Development of spatial integrated strategies on transportation networks and the promotion of intermodal transport systems:

co-ordination, co-operation and strategic planning for waterborne transport;
developing measures and systems for effective intermodal rail-sea, road-sea and road-rail links;
planning of pipeline distribution systems for the oil and gas industry;
developing risk management strategies related to transport activities in the North Sea, including use of ICT.

2.4 Improve the access of SMEs and society in general to information and communication technologies:

stimulating innovation and use of new technologies by SMEs;
creating a regional and inter-regional framework to support uptake of new information technologies.

2.5 Improve the application of information and communication technologies with particular reference to public services:

stimulating user friendly interaction between people and digital services;
promoting use of ICT to improve public services in order to strengthen democracy and improve public participation in planning.

3. Sustainable Management and Development of the Environment, Natural Resources and Cultural Heritage
Establishing new ways to manage, use and develop the resources and cultural heritage of the region in an environmentally friendly way through:

3.1 Creative rehabilitation, protection and development of cultural and natural landscapes and townscapes:

an integrated approach to new developments, contributing to the protection and restoration of cultural, natural and historical landscapes;
regional and local solutions for implementing ecological networks such as Natura 2000, harmonised with regional development strategies.

3.2 Innovative promotion of natural assets and cultural heritage:

innovative measures to promote urban and rural cultural heritage and natural assets;
promoting environmentally friendly tourism in rural and coastal areas, to ensure its economic base and sustainability.

3.3 Development and promotion of sustainable management of natural resources and renewable energies:

strategies and action plans to minimise and manage waste in a sustainable way including renewable energy technologies that can utilise waste;
promotion of sustainable industries as key assets to the North Sea region.

3.4 Integrated and concerted sustainable management and planning of coastal zones and the North Sea:

developing an integrated approach in coastal zones;
improving the management of marine resources and promoting new industries based on North Sea resources.

4. Water Management
Developing and implementing strategies and action plans for water management and integrating them into spatial planning in the North Sea region through:

4.1 Spatial planning strategies and action plans for water catchment areas:

addressing extremes of surplus water and water shortage in river catchment areas;
activities to reverse changes which have reduced water storage and discharge functions and contributed to problems of flooding.

4.2 Integrated fresh water resource management:

pilot projects and studies to address pollution affecting water systems and soil quality;
integrated fresh water management that balances human and ecological needs to safeguard a sustainable water system.

4.3 Risk management strategies for coastal areas prone to disasters and natural threats and for the North Sea:

research into the effects of sea level rise and future spatial planning contributing to more efficient risk management strategies for coastal zones;
risk management strategies for areas sensitive to flooding to combat the effects of climate change and reduce the effect of natural disasters.