Supporting Sussex Bay to care for coastal habitats and communities
A new movement aimed at restoring the marine environment in Sussex is launching today, 13 June.
Sussex Bay brings together organisations, groups and individuals from along 100 miles of the Sussex coastline – from Selsey in the west, to Camber Sands in the east. All of Brighton & Hove’s coastline is included in the area.
Working collaboratively, Sussex Bay aims to generate a £50 million fund for marine and fresh-water restoration projects by 2050, driven by a shared a vision of a healthy ecosystem for our ocean and coastline.
They also want to bring communities closer to their local marine environment and increase access to coastal nature and wildlife, including jobs in marine conservation.
Working in partnership for nature
Max Woodford, Assistant Director, City Development & Regeneration, said: “Brighton & Hove is pleased to be supporting this initiative and hosting the launch event in the city. We’re committed to protecting and enhancing nature and open spaces, including our coastal and marine environments. These have made the city what it is today and are the basis of our vibrant visitor economy.
“We work in partnership with many diverse organisations to support the environment, most notably as lead partner of The Living Coast UNESCO Biosphere.
“Through The Living Coast, the council has supported the development of the Sussex Bay project over the past 3 years and is thrilled to celebrate the official launch of this vital new partnership for our region.”
The Living Coast
The Living Coast spans 390 square kilometres of Sussex coast, the South Downs to beyond the Marine Conservation Zone in the Channel, and from the Adur to the Ouse River.
Martin Harris, chair of The Living Coast, said: “Since 2014 our area has been recognised by UNESCO for its outstanding natural environments and our cross-sector partnerships with organisations and communities. Together we are fostering cooperation for excellence in sustainable education and good practice.
“Sussex Bay is another fantastic illustration of how people are coming together to protect our natural heritage so all residents can enjoy the health and wellbeing benefits of the coast and be part of its future.”
Together with The Living Coast, the council supports many initiatives and projects that enable communities to be climate and biodiversity change makers. These include:
- Our City, Our World environmental education programme in schools
- The Aquifer Partnership to protect our supply and quality of groundwater
- Nature conservation of our open spaces, like Wilding Waterhall
- A Local Nature Recovery Strategy for East Sussex and Brighton & Hove
Dean Spears, Head of Blue Natural Capital for Sussex Bay, said: “We are delighted to launch in the Corn Exchange, Brighton Dome and welcome 450 people who have registered to attend, following years of collaboration amongst communities, groups, organisations and business all keen to support nature recovery in our ocean.”
More information
Sussex Bay was started by Adur & Worthing councils and is powered by civic organisations, local communities, businesses and individuals. It covers 100 miles of Sussex coastline, 11 councils and a million residents. The project has received no public funding and is core funded by the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation, with support from Rewilding Britain.
Read more about the Sussex Bay launch 13 June.
Contact Sussex Bay to find out more and get involved.
