Thursday 5 June 2008

CZM End Test

The CZM end test was held on Wednesday 4/6/08. There were three sections to the test.

In the first section a comprehensive list of conflicts/pressure points in the coastal zone was drawn up. This included such things as tourist developments in tropical locations, offshore energy developments, marine fisheries and sea level rise.

The second section identified the possible participants in coastal zone conflict. These included relevant government departments, environmental groups, property developers, the oil and gas industry, community gruops etc.

The third section was a conflict resolution analysis of the development of the cruise ship terminal in Falmouth Docks and how a (hypothetical) Falmouth Maritime Forum (based on the existing Devon Maritme Forum) would help to resolve the conflicts arising from this development. The main conflict is between the environmental lobby and the shellfish industry on one hand and the developers (A&P) and local commercial and political interests on the other concerning the proposed dredging for the new terminal.

I intend to complete a third year at Plymouth University leading to a BSc (Hons) in Environmental Science (Marine Conservation) and go on to work in the field of marine conservation. Having spent ten years as a professional diving instructor this is something I have always aspired to, however completing this foundation degree has confirmed my interest in the wider marine environment and given me the tools to pursue a career in marine conservation actively. There are also post graduate opportunities in this field, particularly a masters program at the University of KwaZulu Natal in South Africa which as a South African I am particularly interested in. (http://www.jobs.ac.uk/)

The answer to Life, the Universe and Everything is forty two.

What IS the question?