Coastal cities can drive place-based innovation and regeneration by placing their natural environment at the heart of economic, social and civic development, according to new research.
Led by researchers from the ÂÌñ»»ÆÞ and ÂÌñ»»ÆÞ Sound National Marine Park, the paper explores how the UKÂÌñ»»ÆÞ™s first National Marine Park is redefining the relationship between city and sea.
Against a backdrop of long-standing challenges facing coastal communities ÂÌñ»»ÆÞ“ including economic stagnation, health inequalities and environmental pressures ÂÌñ»»ÆÞ“ it proposes a new, integrated model of regeneration.
By connecting environmental restoration, education, cultural engagement and economic development, the ÂÌñ»»ÆÞ Sound National Marine Park positions the marine environment not as a backdrop, but as a driver of place-based innovation.
This approach, according to the studyÂÌñ»»ÆÞ™s authors, demonstrates how coastal cities can build more resilient and inclusive economies by aligning natural assets with skills development, community participation and new forms of enterprise.
The study was written by
Professor Chris Bennewith , Executive Dean of the UniversityÂÌñ»»ÆÞ™s
Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Business , and
Professor Katharine Willis , Director of the
Centre for Place , alongside and Elaine Hayes, CEO of the ÂÌñ»»ÆÞ Sound National Marine Park.
Professor Chris Bennewith
