Conference topics

• T1 Circulation and transport modelling
• T2 Coastal geology: sedimentary processes, Holocene evolution and the impact of sea level rise
• T3 EU Policies and ICZM implementation in Europe (e.g. EU Maritime Policy, Flooding Directive; INSPIRE Directive; amongst others)
• T4 Global changes in the coastal zone: analysis, adaptation and mitigation, downscaling issues and relative to large scale changes
• T5 The Natura 2000 implementation in coastal zones
• T6 The Water Framework Directive (WFD) and coastal transitional waters
• T7 Natural and human interactions in the coastal zone: co-evolution or impact?
• T8 Special session on Morphodynamics of estuaries and lagoons

LITTORAL 2008 is a major and unique European coastal event attracting an international audience of coastal researchers, managers, practitioners and public administrations. This year Littoral 2008 has a unique opportunity to build upon some recent developments in coastal management. In June 2007 the European Commission confirmed that "the response to the EU ICZM Recommendation is part of a slow, but on-going process towards more integrated coastal planning and management".

In December 2007, the European Parliament and Council agreed on the final text of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive. Although now coming to an end, the EC funded project ENCORA has provided a very successful networking structure creating a new dimension to European cooperation on coastal issues. 2008 is therefore an opportune moment in time to begin to overcome the fragmentation that still exists both in coastal policy-making and research. During Littoral 2008 we will therefore have the opportunity to discuss the possibility of creating a European Coastal Platform that will provide a cooperative structure for existing national and international coastal networks.

For these reasons the Littoral event this year has been extended to four (4) days. There will be a (parallel) full day session dedicated to ENCORA, more than 30 technical sessions comprising 90 minutes for oral presentations, a large poster session, and a final session to launch the European Coastal Platform. A number of workshops and meetings will complete the event programme. In the evenings, a special cultural event will be offered to delegates, in addition to the traditional conference dinner.

We sincerely believe that the charm of Venice with its history, culture and environmental challenges over the past 1000 years is the ideal place for Littoral 2008, and we are looking forward to meeting you there in November 2008.

The co-chairs of the Scientific Committee

Pierpaolo Campostrini, David Green, Patrizia Torricelli