A 360 Degree Approach to Resolving Uncertainty and Prioritising Delivery of Coastal Adaptation, Resilience and Environmental Protection for the Future Economic Growth of Jersey, Channel Isles

The island of Jersey has a rich history influenced by natural and man-made change; particularly the fortifications constructed as defensive structures during periods of conflict, from the Napoleonic period through to 1940’s. Over the next century Jersey faces a growing challenge from the predicted impacts of climate change via rising sea levels combined with increasingly intense rainfall which will result in an increase to the extents of coastal and pluvial flooding. Jersey needs to be prepared and resilient; to support a digital Island that attracts international business, providing a secure and safe location. Jersey’s shoreline policies balance the Island’s environmental legislation and economic policies, but a priority for the Government is flood avoidance, mitigation and development opportunities through planning policy and asset adaptation in a way that supports the Island’s prosperity. This includes consideration of advancing the ‘defence’ line. A 360 degree approach is taken to deliver an island wide coastal resilience plan, which includes pluvial flooding as well as coastal flooding – the outcome will be the Jersey Shoreline Management Plan (SMP). This paper presents the first ever emerging coastal flood and erosion mapping for the whole island under the jurisdiction of the Government of Jersey. The mapping is supported by shoreline planning and policy over the next 20, 50 and 100 years, which augments the plan for integrated coastal management based on the Government’s environmental, community and economic objectives for the island.