Coastal Development

[deevon]

I read this and thought to myself that this is a perfect example of why
carrying capacity discussions are needed to acknowledge that yes, there
are points at which even a little more impact is too much.  No one wants
to be confronted with that alternative, but it absolutely is a viable
option in many situations. The developer who recognizes that this parcel
is not going to make him a million bucks and who is willing to consider
letting it go so that it can remain undisturbed is the true hero.   And
that does happen. But not unless you have someone at the table who
proposes that alternative.  Isn't that what land trusts are all about?

Regards, DeeVon Quirolo, Reef Relief

John Gourley wrote:

>  All,
>
> I would like to echo what Robert Bourke discussed about approaching
> developers/permit applicants as early on in the permitting process as
> possible. As someone who is intimately involved with the permitting of
> development projects such as those being discussed, I (somewhat)
> understand the mentality of developers/applicants and those who
> generally oppose these type projects. I have been caught in-between
> these two groups on more than one occasion.
>
> In addition to Bourke's comments I believe there is one other issue
> that is just as important - that of attitude. Despite the fact that
> one truly believes that a particular development project may "destroy
> our precious fragile coral reefs", continually bombarding the
> developer with these clichés will do nothing but alienate them to a
> point where it will be difficult to get any concessions. The message
> these broad sweeping accusations are giving to the developer is that
> you oppose the project in its entirety. How else would you expect the
> developer to react? (Granted, there will be certain projects-from-hell
> that should be openly opposed however those are not under discussion
> here.) I believe that if you can approach the developer with a calm
> demeanor and be reasonable with your requests, the chances of  being
> able to seriously discuss (and address) your concerns are greatly
> increased. Once you have the developers attention, then present them
> with specific scientifically based (if possible) concerns and (very
> important) offer viable options that will minimize the perceived
> impacts (other than moving the project to another island).   Although
> easy to suggest, this approach is difficult and will require someone
> with special people skills....... it can even be a person not involved
> with the local environmental group.  Leave the rabid environmentalists
> out of these meetings as they will do nothing but cause the developers
> eyes to glaze over and not listen to a thing being  presented.
>
> It is unrealistic to expect a development project to have no impacts.
> As such, you should be reasonable (key word) in determining the
> threshold level of impacts that you are willing to accept. Don't
> expect the permitting process to stop the project, as its purpose is
> to to minimize impacts, not necessarily modify the project to a point
> where it has no impacts. What is being suggested is not an ideal
> solution, but in the real world (especially in those countries that
> are economically challenged) these projects will go forward regardless
> of what you do and the best we can hope for is to work with the
> developer in minimizing impacts rather than alienating them. Some may
> be surprised that most developers don't want the environment destroyed
> any more than you do........ its just that they need to be educated in
> a non-threatening manner that will translate into more $$ for them.
>
> Sorry for the preaching..........
>
> John
>
> ***********************
> Robert Bourke wrote:
>
>> Coral List;
>>
>> Developments such as the one brought to our attention by Mr.
>> Jaufeerally in
>> Mauritus, Indian Ocean, or the one in St. Vincints Island are going
>> to
>> happen.  While this may be seen as deplorable to those of us
>> interested in
>> protecting coral reefs, the fact remains that economic and social
>> pressures
>> will continue to foster this type of development.  The truly sad
>> part about
>> these stories is that the application of modern coastal engineering
>> design
>> and construction techniques could largely avoid the majority of
>> adverse
>> impacts to the reef ecosystem.  As a biologist working for such a
>> coastal
>> engineering company it is very frustrating to know that such damage
>> to the
>> environment can be avoided, only to be underbid on a project by
>> other
>> engineering companies who do not take environmental issues into
>> consideration.  For those of you on the Coral List with concerns
>> about
>> coastal development issues in your own vicinity, I strongly suggest
>> that you
>> focus your efforts on the permitting of such developments at the
>> earliest
>> possible stage.  When a developer is trying to obtain permits, they
>> will
>> promise almost anything.  The trick is to get it in writing as a
>> condition
>> of the permit.  Once the permit is issued and the cranes and barges
>> on
>> en-route it is almost impossible to make positive changes in design
>> or
>> construction methods.
>>
>> Good Luck
>>
>> Bob Bourke
>> Oceanit
>> > -----Original Message-----
>> > From: Karim Jaufeerally [SMTP:KRM at intnet.mu]
>> > Sent: Friday, February 23, 2001 12:13 AM
>> > To:   coral-list at coral.aoml.noaa.gov
>> > Subject:      Blue Bay Marine Park in Mauritius
>> >
>> > Save Blue Bay Marine Park
>> >
>> > Greetings,
>> >
>> > My name is Karim Jaufeerally from Mauritius in the Indian Ocean,
>> we have =
>> > two declared marine parks both of which are under stress from =
>> > development and tourism. The least affected marine park, the Blue
>> Bay =
>> > Marine Park, is under threat from promoters who wish to build a
>> hotel =
>> > right in the middle of it.
>> >
>> > Please visit the following web site to get acquainted with the =
>> > prevailing situation and please help by letting the Mauritian
>> Government =
>> > know of your concern.
>> >
>> > http://www.intnet.mu/iels/bbmp.htm
>> >
>> > There are e-mail links directly to Government Departments
>> >
>> > Please help, every e-mail will count
>> >
>> > Many thanks
>> >
>> > Karim Jaufeerally
>> >
>> > ~~~~~~~
>> > For directions on subscribing and unsubscribing to coral-list or
>> the
>> > digests, please visit www.coral.noaa.gov, click on Popular on the
>> > menu bar, then click on Coral-List Listserver.
>> ~~~~~~~
>> For directions on subscribing and unsubscribing to coral-list or the
>>
>> digests, please visit www.coral.noaa.gov, click on Popular on the
>> menu bar, then click on Coral-List Listserver.
>
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