Sustainable Development in Urban Coastal Communities

Sustainable development in urban coastal communities faces a range of challenges. Mark Walker explores examples of sustainable development in our city of Brighton & Hove, and identify the projects that have worked, and those that may need more strategic thinking.

Our city is nestled between the sea and South Downs, an area of outstanding natural beauty, and is also recognised as a UNESCO biosphere regions. Covering 150 square miles, this is known as the living coast. The definition of sustainable development, as given in the 1987 UN World Commission report on environment and development, focuses on the goal of socially inclusive and environmentally sustainable economic growth.

Mark Walker reports.