Value of waves at heart of int'l gathering

Global Wave Conference

Global Wave Conference 3 returns to Mexico

Surfersvillage Global Surf News, 21 March, 2013 : - - The third Global Wave Conference (GWCIII) will take place in Rosarito, Baja California, Mexico, on the May 6th, 7th2013, just north of Todos Santos Bay, one of five World Surfing Reserves.

Throughout the world surfing, waves and the communities who benefit from them are threatened by pollution, poorly planned development & other environmental threats. Over the last 20 years, a growing number of surf protection organizations, professionals and researchers have begun addressing these threats through conservation efforts, research and policy advancements.

The Global Wave Conference is an international gathering to advance the recognition of the value of waves and their protection around the world through information exchange, collaboration and establishment of a global surf protection network.

The following questions will drive the themes of the conference:

• What are the values of waves and their benefits to coastal communities?

• What are the threats facing waves?

• What strategies can be put into place to protect waves?

• How can we better work together to protect waves?

Managing Surf Protection in the 21st Century
by Brad Farmer.  Founder: Surfrider Foundation Australia / National and World Surfing Reserves / Gold Coast Surf Council

Working together with strategies to protect waves is now not an option, but a necessity.  As beach numbers increase and amenity decreases, stakeholders struggle to manage the complexities of surf beach culture and the economies it creates.   This presentation examines the past, present and future of surfing to present models for a sustainable resource; and who the main players are, or should be. 

With a multiplicity of user groups and representative organisations, the current regime falls short of the mark.  If surfing beaches and breaks are to survive - and surfing is to thrive as a:  ‘culture, recreation, sport, industry, environmental and social amenity, heritage, iconic national status and important income generator’;  then a more co-ordinated and representative approach is required. 

This presentation proposes that all major surf cities internationally consider adopting a ‘Surf Management Plan’ (SMP) via (regional) Surf Councils extending beyond National and World Surfing Reserves models.  Working with all stakeholders, it proposes a global unifying body to govern and assist surfing communities, such as an ‘International Surf Council’.

BIO:  Brad has led a storied life around many beaches of the world and his home country of Australia.  As a former Senate adviser he was instrumental in forming Coastcare. He also pioneered coastal advocacy groups such as Ocean Care Day, Surfrider Foundation Australia (SFA), National (NSR) and World Surfing Reserves (WSR). 

He was the architect of the first model of a national Surfing Reserve in 1993 as the founder and CEO of the nation’s peak coastal protection body, SFA.  As NSR Chairman, he has overseen 18 NSR (eight legislated) and five WSR as an Executive Member. A senior writer for tRACKS surfing magazine for 25 years, he also wrote the first ‘Surfing Guide to Australia’ (1985). 

His latest book with Prof Andy Short ‘Australia’s Best Beaches’ supported by Federal Government, has become a best seller.  Imprisoned by the KGB in the Soviet Arctic in 1990 as a Greenpeace oceans and anti-nuclear campaigner, he is currently developing a Surf Management Plan (SMP) with the Gold Coast City Council, administered by a newly-formed regional Surf Council (GCSC) as template for global uptake.

Check out more Global Wave Conference Information

www.surfrider.org
www.surfingreserves.org

Source: Brad Farmer

Author: The Editors

Tags: Global Wave Conference, Surfrider, Brad Farmer

Environment: Surfersvillage