FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:   May 5, 2004 

NEW HEINZ CENTER REPORT ON INNOVATION BY DESIGN, Improving Learning Networks in Coastal Management

A Report of the H. John Heinz III Center for Science, Economics and the Environment

When coastal managers need to learn about innovative practices and problems solving where do they turn? New and evolving technologies like the Internet, the World Wide Web, and powerful search engines play an increasingly important role in coastal management and information transfer, but tapping into personal and organizational networks is even more important. The daily work of coastal managers is focused on protecting sensitive habitats and species, reducing vulnerability of people and property to natural hazards, providing recreational needs of tourists, and promoting appropriate and sustainable development. Ready and efficient access to relevant data, information tools, and processes to solve problems and take advantage of opportunities is vital to their work, but considerable barriers and constraints exist.

Innovation By Design: Improving Learning Networks in Coastal Management is the result of 18-months deliberation by experts with experience in coastal resources management from academia, government, business and environmental organizations. This study reviews the role of coastal managers and the diverse community of organizations and individuals involved in decisions that affect coastal lands, waters, and natural resources. It describes how they learn about and apply innovative and successful processes, practices, and tools for coastal problem solving. The committee recommends how government and nongovernmental organizations can be more responsive in providing needed information in the most useful form to coastal managers so they in turn can be better stewards of our coastal resources.

Committee on Sharing Coastal Zone Management Innovations

James Good (Chair), Oregon State University

Ralph Cantral, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Charles Colgan, University of Southern Maine

Sarah W. Cooksey, Delaware Coastal Programs

Michael De Luca, Rutgers University

Jon Fisher, Texas Chemical Council

Madilyn Fletcher, University of South Carolina

Kem Lowry, Jr., University of Hawaii

Andrew Manus, Ducks Unlimited

Maya K. van Rossum, Delaware Riverkeeper Network

Robert Wayland, Consultant

Sheila D. David, Project Director

Judy Goss, Research Assistant

Innovation By Design: Improving Learning Networks in Coastal Management. A Report of the H. John Heinz III Center for Science, Economics and the Environment. XXXpp. Illus. ISBNxxxx

Single copies of this report will be available free of charge from: The Heinz Center, 1001 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Suite 735South, Washington, DC 20004. Tel: (202) 737-6307 email: goss@heinzctr.org