Marine Environmental Services
Project Summary >

Green Shores – A New Approach to Coastal Design and Development Issues

2005 - Current

January 01, 1900 British Columbia

Archipelago is partnering with the Stewardship Centre for BC in the development and implementation of Green Shores (www.stewardshipcentre.bc.ca). The Green Shores approach provides resources and tools for coastal land-owners and managers to minimize impacts of planned developments and restore coastal ecosystem function to previously developed sites. Green Shores promotes the incorporation of valued ecosystem services in planning and designing shore developments.


    Green Shores enables project design that:

  1. recognizes the natural features and functions of coastal ecosystems;
  2. connects people with the shore environment;
  3. delivers triple bottom line (environment, social and economic) benefits; and
  4. recognizes that site specific, cost effective solutions can only be achieved by using an integrated design approach

    Green Shores is based on four Guiding Principles:

  1. Preserve the integrity or connectivity of coastal processes.
  2. Maintain or enhance habitat diversity and function (on a local or regional scale).
  3. Minimize or reduce pollutants to the marine environment.
  4. Reduce cumulative impacts to the coastal environment.



    Key Features:
  • A Green Shores Rating and Assessment Tool - used voluntarily to guide Green Shores design and assess design performance
  • Conceptual Designs for Shore Protection and Development - alternatives to seawall and rip rap shore protection
  • Support for Planning Language - use by local and regional governments in Official Community Plans or Development Permit Area guidelines
  • Case Examples - objective of testing and refining the Green Shores assessment process and building the inventory of conceptual designs

 

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