7d. Measures Interactions and Disbenefits
The conflict matrix analysis has highlighted that in some instances measures employed to mitigate one management problem can produce other conflict areas. For instance, managed realignment can be employed as a specific tool or measure to offset intertidal habitat loss from both direct land claim and/or coastal squeeze, in order to maintain Natura 2000 integrity as well as offsetting losses in flood assimilation capacity.
However, based on the results of the conflict matrix analysis from the TIDE estuaries, the application of this technique can in itself impact on aspects of Natura 2000 provision as well as on flood protection requirements not to mention potential provision for housing, industry and agriculture.
As such, whilst the potential of the tool to be of value as a measure to increase flood assimilation capacity and wider flood protection, as well as providing compensatory/mitigatory Natura 2000 function is evident, the success of the technique within the wider process of estuarine management requires both management focus and possibly additional stakeholder involvement.
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