About CoastNet

CoastNet is an international networking organisation established in 1995 that works with all coastal interests to promote the exchange of ideas, information and expertise to find long term solutions to coastal problems that benefit all.

Our vision is one of a thriving coast across the world that continues to support the many communities of people and wildlife that depend upon it without degrading the very coastal systems needed to maintain this vital resource.

To achieve our aims we work in three broad areas:

1. Information and networking
   • We promote the exchange of ideas, information and expertise through a virtual and physical networking space that embraces all coastal perspectives from all walks of life. We have a thriving membership and coastal network. See CoastNet membership.
   • We have a successful conference and workshop programme both in the UK and Europe. See CoastNet events.
   • We produce a quarterly membership magazine, The edge, containing articles, news and practice on current coastal issues. See an article from The edge (PDF).
   • Our coastal and marine portal, CoastWeb provides the latest coastal and marine news, a searchable online library of coastal information, and aims to provide a definitive source of coastal and marine information.
2. Ideas and innovation
   • We collate and publish best practice solutions for sustainable coastal management.
3. Engagement and awareness
   • We run, in partnership, public events aimed at raising awareness about coastal issues.
   • We set up and now provide the Secretariat function for the All Party Parliamentary Group on coastal and marine issues to encourage government debate and action to further sustainable coastal management. See the CoastNet Website.

CoastNet – The international dimension

There is a growing global recognition of the significance of coastal management. CoastNet reflects such international importance by forging strong links with other international networks.

In 1997, we became the UK branch of EUROCOAST, a pan- European network that stretches from the Atlantic to the Baltic. This enables CoastNet members to benefit from the transfer of practical marine management experience across Europe. We are also partners in the Encora project, a European network of partner organisations working to share knowledge, learn from mutual experience and solve problems together. In 2004 CoastNet also become one of 12 partners in a large EU project named Corepoint. Its objectives include establishing NW Europe as an internationally recognised region of excellence in coastal management.

For more information about the work of CoastNet, our wide range of conferences and workshops, or to become a member, visit the CoastNet Website.