EMERGING QUESTIONS *

 

Beach systems across the province are experiencing unprecedented and intensifying development and recreational pressures, along with the looming threat of climate change impacts. Distressingly, current approaches to beach management in Nova Scotia are not up to the task. While there are some bright spots, the present course fails to meaningfully engage communities and other decision-makers, missing critical opportunities to collaborate on a new and better way forward.

 

• How can beach managers, stakeholders and communities work together to promote access on Nova Scotia’s beaches while adequately protecting and preserving them for other human uses, as wildlife habitat and for the good of future generations?

 

• How might the Beaches Act better reflect the conservation needs of the beach system? What would an appropriate legal definition of a Nova Scotian beach look like? What other legislation would need to change?

 

• Given that 95% of coastal lands are privately owned in the province, what should the government’s land acquisition priorities be? For example, wildlife at risk, potential coastal hazards, adjacency to existing beach parks, recreation opportunities, or other factors?

 

• To what extent should landowners be responsible for the protection of species at risk that spend time on their properties? What are some incentives that might encourage landowners to become engaged in coastal stewardship?

 

• Since it is anticipated that Nova Scotia’s shorelines are likely to undergo accelerated changes, what time frame should managers and decision-makers use as a lens when making planning and investment decisions? What sort of considerations might this depend upon?

 

• What is the vision for Nova Scotia’s beach systems? What might some of the goals that would help accomplish such a vision? Where is the “true grit” we need to pursue a new vision for healthy beaches in the province?

 

• Considering all of the possible facets of a new management vision for healthy beaches, which do you think we need to move forward on first? What are the priorities? How, where and when can we move forward on all of them?

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* Read the complete discussion paper here.

 

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