For everyone.
Our vision is for a healthy blue ecosystem where nature, people and the economy can thrive. But environmental recovery cannot succeed if people feel excluded from it, cannot access it, do not benefit from it, or do not have a meaningful voice in shaping it.
That is why diversity, equity and inclusion are part of our approach to nature recovery, not an add on.
There can be no single approach that works for everyone.
Our independent Regional Inclusion Maturity Assessment reinforces the need for a practical, place based approach grounded in lived experience, equitable participation and fair access to the benefits of the sea.
Our story, so far.
Where we were.
We recognise that marine and coastal recovery cannot be separated from people’s access, trust, safety, wellbeing and voice. So far, our public engagement work has involved hundreds of people through surveys, discussions, interviews, workshops and other activitie ways, surfacing concerns around sewage, pollution, access, toilets, transport, safety, cultural inclusion and wellbeing.
Where we are now.
In partnership with Sussex based Boxless BCorp, we completed an independent maturity assessment of the local authority landscape between Selsey Bill and Camber Sands. Alongside this, we have led and supported public engagement through workshops, events and conversations across the region, including work connected to the region’s first Blueprint for Seascape Recovery.
Together, this work has identified important themes for success, including informed communities, fairer access, resilient habitats, better evidence, reduced pressures, stronger policy, greater land to sea connectivity and meaningful community influence in decision making.
Where we’re going.
We are using this evidence to shape the next phase of our approach, placing the principles of Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion at the heart of our Delivery Plan, which sets out our strategic priorities for the next five years and beyond.
Community based, creative and joyful
Whatever your background, experience or relationship with the coast, there is a place for you in shaping the future of Sussex Bay. We believe this work can bring joy. Nature recovery can be about creativity, connection, curiosity, shared experiences, local pride and the simple pleasure of spending time together by the sea. If you have ideas, experiences or perspectives that could help shape this work, we would love to hear from you.
Sir David Attenborough image © The Postman