SUSCOD aims to make a step change in the application of integrated coastal zone management (ICZM). 7 partners from 5 countries will develop an innovative Integrated Coastal Zone Management (IZCM) ‘assistant'. The ICZM approach has been explored in several parts of the NSR and often the focus of these interventions has often been for public safety. Although these interventions have offered opportunities to realise the full development potential of the areas concerned, in practice a fully integrated, holistic approach has rarely been taken and this is regrettable because coastal potentials are not fully utilised.

SUSCOD brings together partners that want to change this through a well coordinated transnational team approach. This practical web based tool will allow coastal development practitioners to fully realise coastal potentials: economical, social and environmental.

Aim
SUSCOD aims to make a step change in the application of integrated coastal zone management (ICZM). In doing so coastal potentials (economical, social and environmental) can be utilized to the full advantage and broader support for coastal management measures can be secured. SUSCOD brings together partners that want to change this through a well coordinated transnational team approach. The new tool will be based on the EU's ICZM principles and build on the work of the EU ICZM expert group.

Background
Central to SUSCOD is the development of a practical tool: the ICZM-assistant and its introduction to potential users and demonstrated value at test locations. Existing tools that assess the state of ICZM are of ex ante and too much of that which is scientific in character. The development process will apply and test the assistant in a variety of pilot situations and it will allow coastal developers to assess their project at any stage in the development process and to determine points of attention to ensure the fully integrated development of their project.

The principles of Integrated Coastal Zone Management, as adopted by the EU Council and Parliament (May 2002), should in theory help to find such positive solutions. Although these interventions have offered opportunities to realise the full development potential of the areas concerned, in practice a fully integrated, holistic approach has rarely been taken.

• Risk analysis scenario's, an integrated evacuation and a warning system.
• Inventory and analysis of existing ICZM tools and indicators available. Reviewing the present status of IZCM implementation in the partner regions, including the application of IZCM tools and practical techniques as being applied in the light of challenges imposed by climate changes.
• Jointly developing a practical and innovative web-based IZCM-assistant for coastal practitioners with stakeholders participation.
• Multimedia hub and related educational materials: a course for regional and coastal development officers throughout the North Sea Region.
• Counseling to a number of other similar coastal regions in the North Sea Region.