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'''Arc Manche''' (French: ''arc'', "arch"; and ''[[La Manche]]'', "the English Channel") is a cooperation network aiming to gather territories bordering the Channel in [[France]] and in [[Great Britain]], in order to advocate the shared interests of this area and to promote Franco-British cooperation. It enables local stakeholders to share [[best practices]] and to consult each other when they face common issues, especially in the [[maritime]] area. This network is also a means to support large scale bi-national projects that may benefit from [[Structural_Funds_and_Cohesion_Funds|european funds]], such as CAMIS.
{{update|date=November 2020}}
'''Arc Manche''' (French: ''arc'', "arch"; and ''[[English Channel|La Manche]]'', "the English Channel") was a partnership between territories in [[France]] and the [[United Kingdom]] bordering the Channel. Its purposes were to advocate the shared interests of this area and to promote Franco-British co-operation. It enabled local stakeholders to share [[best practices]] and to consult each other when they faced common issues, especially in the [[sea|maritime]] area. The co-operation network also provided a vehicle to drive large-scale bi-national projects, such as [[#Channel Arc Manche Integrated Strategy|CAMIS]], using [[Structural Funds and Cohesion Funds|European funds]].


Created in 1996, the network was relaunched in 2003. With the [[Brexit|withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union]], its activities ceased.
The Channel Arc Assembly is currently chaired by the [[Haute-Normandie]] region.

== General data<ref>source : ''Cross Channel'' atlas and ''Channel Spaces : A World within Europe'', P. Buléon and L. Shurmer-Smith, 2007. Regarding the data, addition of the relevant statistics from counties of Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Hampshire, West Sussex, East Sussexd, Kent, and from regions of Britanny, Lower Normandy, Upper Normandy, Picardie and Nord-Pas-de-Calais, 2002 [https://oit.emdi.certic.unicaen.fr/atlas-emdi/ Outil d’intelligence territoriale EMDI]</ref>==


== Background==
===Geography===
===Geography===


The [[English Channel]] is one of the world's busiest [[shipping lane]]s, primarily because of its strategic location as the entry/exit door to the [[European Union]]. It links the [[Atlantic Ocean]], the [[North Sea]] and the [[Baltic Sea]], which generates considerable flows in people and goods, and makes it one of the main exchange zones in Europe.
The [[English Channel]] is one of the world's busiest [[shipping lane]]s, primarily because of its strategic location as the entry/exit door to the [[European Union]]. It links the Atlantic Ocean with the [[North Sea]], which generates considerable flows in people and goods, and makes it one of the main exchange zones in Europe.


It engenders a concentration of maritime opportunities, but also risks, which explains the cooperation between French and British local authorities in areas like maritime security, [[marine pollution]] prevention or the preservation of [[biodiversity]].
It engenders a concentration of maritime opportunities, but also risks, which explains the co-operation between French and British local authorities in areas like maritime security, [[marine pollution]] prevention or the preservation of [[biodiversity]].


This area is 112,519 km<sup>2</sup> including the [[Channel Islands]].<ref>source : ''Cross Channel'' atlas and ''Channel Spaces : A World within Europe'', P. Buléon and L. Shurmer-Smith, 2007. Regarding the data, addition of the relevant statistics from counties of Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Hampshire, West Sussex, East Sussex, Kent, and from regions of Brittany, Lower Normandy, Upper Normandy, Picardie and Nord-Pas-de-Calais, 2002 [https://oit.emdi.certic.unicaen.fr/atlas-emdi/ Outil d’intelligence territoriale EMDI] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303202100/https://oit.emdi.certic.unicaen.fr/atlas-emdi/ |date=3 March 2016 }}</ref>
This area is 112,519 sqm. Large, including the 530 [[Channel_islands|islands]] it encompasses.


===Demographics===
===Demographics===


The area’s total population was 17,503,211 inhabitants in 2002, of which 5,445,000 resided in the [[United Kingdom]] and 12,058,211 in [[France]]. The [[population density]] at this time was 212,1175 inhabitants per sqm.
The area's total population was 17,503,211 inhabitants in 2002, of which 5,445,000 resided in the United Kingdom and 12,058,211 in France.


===Economy===
===Economy===


Total [[GDP]] (1998-2000) : 364,829 million Euros
Total GDP (1998–2000): 364,829 million Euros


[[GDP per capita]] (1998-2000) : 20,395 Euros
[[GDP per capita]] (1998–2000): 20,395 Euros


The economic structure of the area is heterogeneous. The North of France is a highly industrialised area, whereas the rich [[South_East_England|South East of England]] mostly relies on [[high tech]] services and the [[tourism]] sector. In France and Great Britain, the most western part of the area has a more rural economy relying on [[agriculture]] and tourism: [[Britanny]], [[Lower Normandy]], [[Cornwall]]. [[Fishing]] is also, in some parts of the area, an important activity. As a matter of fact, there are 18 maritime quarters and 50 important [[port|fishing ports]] in the area.
The economic structure of the area is heterogeneous: Northern France is a highly industrialised area, whereas the prosperous [[South East England|South East of England]] economy relies more on [[high tech]] services and the tourism sector. The western part of the area in both France and Great Britain ([[Brittany]], [[Lower Normandy]] and [[Cornwall]]) has a more rural economy relying on agriculture and tourism. Fishing is also an important activity in some parts of the area. There are 18 maritime zones and 50 important fishing ports in the area.


[[Tourism]] is a structuring activity for the area : in 2004, about 84 million tourists have travelled within the Channel area. 32 sites are listed as [[UNESCO World Heritage site|UNESCO World Heritage sites]], like the [[Jurassic Coast]], the [[Mont Saint Michel]], [[Stonehenge]] or the city of [[Le Havre]].
Tourism is a structuring activity for the area: in 2004, about 84 million tourists travelled within the Channel area. 32 sites are inscribed on the list of [[UNESCO World Heritage Site]]s, including the [[Jurassic Coast]], [[Mont Saint-Michel]], [[Stonehenge]] and the city of [[Le Havre]].


==The Channel Arc Manche partnership==
==The Channel Arc Manche partnership==
Line 32: Line 33:
===Aims===
===Aims===


The promotion of the Channel Arc Manche cooperation network originates from two main concerns :
The promotion of the Channel Arc Manche co-operation network originates from two main concerns:


# To develop the recognition of the Channel Arc among political and institutional stakeholders, may they be private, local, national or European.
# '''To develop the recognition of the Channel Arc among political and institutional stakeholders, be they private, local, national or European.''' This entails interventions at the national and European levels, the reinforcement of a common strategic vision to be able to have influence on the European regional policy, and for the specificities of this maritime space to be taken into account.
# '''To promote and intensify Franco-British co-operation''' by constituting a stakeholders' network on coastal and maritime issues, by encouraging co-operation in areas of common interest, by supporting exchanges in economic, social, cultural and administrative realms.


===Timeline===
It entails interventions at the national and European levels, the reinforcement of a common strategic vision in order to be able to have influence on the European regional policy, and for the specificities of this maritime space to be taken into account.


'''2001–2002''': consultation of local executives concerning the revival of the Channel Arc Manche.
# Promote and intensify Franco-British Cooperation


'''20th March 2003''': Common declaration, signed by the 5 French Regions bordering the Channel and 5 Southern England local authorities.
By constituting a stakeholders’ network on coastal and maritime issues, by encouraging cooperation in areas of common interest, by supporting exchanges in economic, social, cultural and administrative realms.


'''2005''': Creation of the Channel Arc Manche Assembly: [[Alain Le Vern]], President of the Haute-Normandie Region, is elected chairman and Brad Watson, councillor of West Sussex County Council becomes vice-chairman.
===Timeline===


'''2004''': [http://www.emdi.certic.unicaen.fr/en/news.html Espace Manche Development Initiative] project, which was elaborated within the framework of the [[Interreg]] European programme.
'''2001 – 2002''' : consultation of local executives concerning the revival of the Channel Arc Manche.


'''2006''': Following the lobbying efforts of the Channel Arc Manche Assembly towards the European Union, the French and British territories bordering the Channel become fully eligible to the [[cross-border cooperation]] programmes. First Conference of the Channel Arc Manche Assembly at [[Fontwell Park Racecourse|Fontwell Park]] (West Sussex). Presentation of the Channel area strategic vision, elaborated within the framework of the EMDI project.
'''20 march 2003''' : Common declaration, signed by the 5 french Regions bordering the Channel and 5 Southern England local authorities.
'''2005''' : Creation of the Channel Arc Manche Assembly : [[Alain Le Vern]], President of the Haute-Normandie Region, is elected Chairman and Brad Watson becomes Vice-Chairman.
'''2004''' : [http://www.emdi.certic.unicaen.fr/en/news.html Espace Manche Development Initiative] project, which was elaborated within the framework of the [[Interreg]] european programme.


'''2007''': Creation of the Channel's federation of regional and local ports in [[Saint-Brieuc]]. Brad Watson becomes President of the Channel Arc Manche Assembly.
'''2006''' – Following the lobbying efforts of the Channel Arc Manche Assembly towards the European Union, the French and British territories bordering the Channel become fully eligible to the [[cross-border cooperation]] programmes. First Conference of the Channel Arc Manche Assembly in Fontwell Park (West Sussex). Presentation of the Channel area strategic vision, elaborated within the framework of the EMDI project.


'''June 2008''': Publication of the book ''"Channel Spaces, a world within Europe"'', edited by Pascal Buléon and Louis Shurmer-Smith.
'''2007''' – creation of the Channel’s federation of regional and local ports in [[Saint-Brieuc]]. Brad Watson becomes president of the Channel Arc Manche Assembly.
'''2008''' : (June) publication of the book ''"Channel Spaces, a world within Europe"'', edited by Pascal Buléon and Louis Shurmer-Smith. (December) - Conference of the Channel Arc Manche Assembly in [[Folkestone]], about coastal zones’ adjustment to [[climate change]].
2009 : (June) Approval of the CAMIS (Channel Arc Manche Integrated Strategy) project, co-financed by the [http://www.interreg4a-manche.eu/ Interreg IVA France (Channel) – England] programme. In december, Channel Arc Manche Conference in [[Rouen]] : « What are the challenges for coastal economies in the Channel? Trends, current situations and local experience in coastal towns. »


'''December 2008''': Conference of the Channel Arc Manche Assembly in [[Folkestone]], with discussion about coastal zones' adjustment to [[climate change]].
2011 : Annual conference of the Channel Arc Manhe in [[Fécamp]] : "Tackling maritime pollution risks in the Channel for local authorities" parallel to the CAMIS project. Adpoption of the Fécamp Declaration.


'''June 2009''': Approval of the [[#Channel Arc Manche Integrated Strategy|CAMIS (Channel Arc Manche Integrated Strategy) project]], co-financed by the [https://web.archive.org/web/20110926091651/http://www.interreg4a-manche.eu/ Interreg IVA France (Channel) – England] programme.


'''December 2009''': Channel Arc Manche Conference in [[Rouen]] with the theme "What are the challenges for coastal economies in the Channel? Trends, current situations and local experience in coastal towns".
===Functioning===


'''2011''': Annual conference of the Channel Arc Manche in [[Fécamp]] with the theme "Tackling maritime pollution risks in the Channel for local authorities" parallel to the CAMIS project. Adpoption of the Fécamp Declaration.
The Channel Arc does not have, strictly speaking, a legal existence. It is not an organisation with powers but a soft network gathering stakeholders. However, its by-laws allow it to ensure its day-to-day running.


====Membership====
===Membership===


Full members are the French Regions and the English local authorities bordering the Channel. Associate members are all other organisations located on this territory and willing to contribute to the achievement of the Channel Arc Manche Assembly's objectives.
Full members are the French Regions and the English local authorities bordering the Channel. Associate members are all other organisations located on this territory and willing to contribute to the achievement of the Channel Arc Manche Assembly's objectives.


{| class="wikitable"
''''Full members'''' :
|+ Members of the Channel Arc Manche Partnership
|-
! colspan="2" | Full members !! rowspan="2" | Associate members
|-
! French regions !! English local authorities
|- style="vertical-align: top;"
|
* [[Nord-Pas-de-Calais|Région Nord-Pas-de-Calais]]
* [[Picardy (region)|Région Picardie]] (English: ''Picardy'')
* [[Upper Normandy|Région Haut-Normandie]] (English: ''Upper Normandy'')
* [[Lower Normandy|Région Basse-Normandie]] (English: ''Lower Normandy'')
* [[Brittany (administrative region)|Région Bretagne]] (English: ''Brittany'')
||
* [[Kent County Council]]
* [[West Sussex County Council]]
* [[Brighton and Hove City Council]]
* [[Hampshire County Council]]
* [[Southampton City Council]]
* [[Devon County Council]]
||
* [[East Sussex County Council]]
* [[Isle of Wight County Council]]
|}


===Bureau===
Regions : [[Nord-Pas-de-Calais]], [[Picardy_(region)|Picardy]], [[Upper Normandy]], [[Lower Normandy]], [[Brittany]].


The Bureau consists of the chairman and the vice-chairman of the assembly. They are elected by full members for two years, the presidency alternating between the French and the British.
County Councils : [[Kent_County_Council|Kent]], [[West_Sussex_County_Council|West Sussex]], [[Hampshire_County_Council|Hampshire]], [[Devon_County_Council|Devon]], [[Brighton_and_Hove_City_Council|Brighton and Hove]], [[Southampton_City_Council|Southampton]].


Assisted by the vice-chairman, the chairman is responsible for advocating the objectives of the Channel Arc Assembly towards European and national institutions, elaborating common declarations, and ensuring that the decisions of the assembly are implemented.
Associate members : [[East_Sussex_County_Council|East Sussex]] and the [[Isle_of_Wight_County_Council|Isle of Wight]].


===Channel Arc Manche Conference===
====Bureau====


An annual meeting takes place during the first week of July for the exchange of good practices and to identify potential areas of co-operation. The conference is attended by full and associate members, and is also open to other interested organisations.
The Bureau consists of the Chairman and the Vice Chairman of the Assembly. It is respectively [[Alain Le Vern]], is President of the [[Haute-Normandie]] Region. They are elected by full members for two years, and there is an alternation between the French and the British Presidency.


===Executive Committee===
Assisted by the vice-chairman, the Chairman must represent and advocate the objectives of the Channel Arc Assembly towards european and national institutions, elaborate common declarations, and make sure the decisions of the Assembly are implemented.


The executive committee consists of all the full members and takes the decisions necessary to achieve the objectives of the Channel Arc Manche Assembly. It meets at least twice a year and decisions are taken through consensus.
====The Channel Arc Manche Conference====


===Secretariat===
It gathers full and associate members and the other organisations interested in the Channel Arc Manche. Its yearly meeting takes place during the first week of july, and all members can exchange good practices and identify potential cooperation areas.


The Secretariat deals with day-to-day running, the preparation and the follow-up of work in the executive committee and the annual conference, as well as administering the website.
====The executive committee====
It consists of all the full members and takes the decisions necessary to the achievements of the Channel Arc Manche Assembly's objectives. It gathers at least twice a year and decisions are taken through consensus.


====Secretariat====
===Finances===


The Channel Arc Manche partnership does not hold its own budget. The means dedicated by its members to the co-operation network mostly consist of working time and limited logistic expenses. European [[structural funds]] are often requested to finance individual co-operation projects within the Channel area.
It deals with day-to-day running, the preparation and the follow up of the executive committee’s and the annual Conference’s work, as well as the website.


====Finances====
==Projects==


European funding, in particular the [[European Regional Development Fund]], enables the [[Interreg]] co-operation programmes to support Franco-British co-operation projects of different scales. Between 2007 and 2013, 173 million Euros were allocated to Franco-British co-operation in the Channel area. Along with all other projects, the Channel Arc Manche partnership supports in particular two large and structural projects for the area: the [[#Espace Manche Development Initiative|Espace Manche Development Initiative (EMDI)]] and the [[#Channel Arc Manche Integrated Strategy|Channel Arc Manche Integrated Strategy (CAMIS)]].
The Channel Arc Manche does not have a budget in itself. The means dedicated by its members to the cooperation network mostly consist of working time and limited logistic expenses. European [[structural funds]] are often requested in order to finance cooperation projects within the Channel area.


==Projects==

European funding, in particular the [[European Regional Development Fund]], enables the [[Interreg]] cooperation progarmmes to support Franco-British cooperation projects of different scales. 173 million Euros have been allocated to Franco-British cooperation in the Channel between 2007 and 2013. Along with all other projects, the Channel Arc Manche partnership supports more particularly large and structuring projects for the area such as EMDI or CAMIS.


===Espace Manche Development Initiative===
===Espace Manche Development Initiative===


The [http://www.emdi.certic.unicaen.fr/intro.html EMDI] project, which gathered 22 partners between 2004 and 2008, aimed to develop and reinforce Franco-British cooperation within the Channel area. 48 % of its budget was co-funded by the Interreg IIIB cooperation programme. It led to :
The [http://www.emdi.certic.unicaen.fr/intro.html EMDI] project, which gathered 22 partners between 2004 and 2008, aimed to develop and reinforce Franco-British co-operation within the Channel area. 48% of its budget was co-funded by the Interreg IIIB co-operation programme. It led to:


* The elaboration of a [http://www.emdi.certic.unicaen.fr/documents/strategic_vision/EMDI_DocF_BaT.pdf strategic vision document] for the Channel area.
* The elaboration of a [http://www.emdi.certic.unicaen.fr/documents/strategic_vision/EMDI_DocF_BaT.pdf strategic vision document] for the Channel area.
* The development of pilot co-operation actions : tourism, fishing, fisheries, coastal zones integrated management, maritime security, [[intermodal passenger transport|intermodal transport]], [[higher education]], [[research and development]], [[technology transfers]].

* The publication of the bilingual book [http://www.emdi.certic.unicaen.fr/documents/resume_livre.fr.pdf ''Channel Spaces, a World Within Europe''] in 2007.
* The development of pilot cooperation actions : [[tourism]], [[fishing]], [[fisheries]], coastal zones integrated management, maritime security, [[intermodal transport]], [[higher education]], [[research and development]], [[technology transfers]].
* The maps of the Channel area strategic vision.

* The publication of the bilingual book [http://www.emdi.certic.unicaen.fr/documents/resume_livre.fr.pdf « Channel Spaces, a World Within Europe »] in 2007.
* The [http://atlas-transmanche.certic.unicaen.fr/commun/lecteur2f/racine.php?base=atlas&idlangue=fr Crosschannel Atlas], a Franco-British research collaboration about the Channel area.
* The recognition by [[EU institutions]] of the Channel area as a fully pertinent area for [[cross-border cooperation]].

* The maps of the Channel area strategic vision

* The [http://atlas-transmanche.certic.unicaen.fr/commun/lecteur2f/racine.php?base=atlas&idlangue=fr Crosschannel Atlas], a Franco-British research collaboration about the Channel area.
* The recognition by [[EU institutions]] of the Channel area as a fully pertinent area for cross-border cooperation]].


===Channel Arc Manche Integrated Strategy===
===Channel Arc Manche Integrated Strategy===


The CAMIS project (2009-2013), with a 3.3 million euros budget, half of which is funded by the Interreg IVA France (Channel) England programme, gathers 10 local authorities from Britain and France and 9 organisations.
The CAMIS project (2009–2013), with a budget of 3.3 million Euros, half of which was funded by the Interreg IVA France (Channel) England programme, gathered ten local authorities from Britain and France and nine other organisations.

Aims :

* Promote the specificity of the Channel area in the local, national and Eropean spheres


Its aims were:
* Promote the specificity of the Channel area in the local, national and European spheres
* Improve the knowledge of this area in various realms (geography, economy, biology, etc.)
* Improve the knowledge of this area in various realms (geography, economy, biology, etc.)

* Develop intermodal transport
* Develop intermodal transport
* Develop innovation, [[workforce development]], economic growth.

* Create common tools to facilitate and improve the management of certain aspects of the maritime zone such as the Cross-channel Forum or the Common Resources Centre.
* Develop innovation, [[workforce development]], economic growth
* Ultimately, develop and implement an integrated maritime strategy in the Channel area.

* Create common tools in order to facilitate and improve the management of certain aspects of the maritime zone such as the Cross channel Forum or the Common resources center.

* Ultimately, develop and implement an integrated maritime strategy in the Channel area.



==References==
==References==
{{reflist}}
<references />
*[http://www.arcmanche.com/pages_arc/rub_1_e.php3?Page=p_1_2.htm Founding aims of Arc Manche]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20070929062642/http://www.arcmanche.com/pages_arc/rub_1_e.php3?Page=p_1_2.htm Founding aims of Arc Manche]
*[http://www.arcmanche.com/pages_arc/rub_3_e.php3?Page=p_3_1_1.php3&commun=1&iActID=73 The Arc Manche becomes the Arc Manche Assembly], 12 October 2005
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20060513042536/http://www.arcmanche.com/pages_arc/rub_3_e.php3?Page=p_3_1_1.php3&commun=1&iActID=73 The Arc Manche becomes the Arc Manche Assembly], 12 October 2005
*[http://www.southeast-ra.gov.uk/our_work/advocacy/europe/strategy/Annex002.pdf South East Regional Assembly – European Strategy for South East England 2001–06], published 2001
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20071008215608/http://www.southeast-ra.gov.uk/our_work/advocacy/europe/strategy/Annex002.pdf South East Regional Assembly – European Strategy for South East England 2001–06], published 2001
*[http://www.southwestuk.eu/files-manager/maritime-conference/460arc_manche_en.pdf Position of the Channel Arc Manche Assembly on the Green Paper "Towards a Maritime Policy for the Union: A European Vision of the Oceans and Seas"], 29 June 2007
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20210730075152/http://www.southwestuk.eu/files-manager/maritime-conference/460arc_manche_en.pdf Position of the Channel Arc Manche Assembly on the Green Paper "Towards a Maritime Policy for the Union: A European Vision of the Oceans and Seas"], 29 June 2007
*[http://www.emdi.certic.unicaen.fr/intro.html EMDI website]
*[http://www.emdi.certic.unicaen.fr/intro.html EMDI website]



==External links==
==External links==
*[http://www.arcmanche.com/e_intro.htm Arc Manche official website]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20070929062635/http://www.arcmanche.com/e_intro.htm Arc Manche official website]


[[Category:European Union]]
[[Category:Bottom-up regional groups within the European Union]]
[[Category:Regions of Europe]]
[[Category:Regions of Europe]]
[[Category:Politics of the United Kingdom]]
[[Category:Politics of the United Kingdom]]
[[Category:Politics of France]]
[[Category:Politics of France]]
[[Category:Geography]]
[[Category:Geography of France]]
[[Category:Geography of England]]

[[Category:France–United Kingdom relations]]
[[fr:Arc Manche]]
[[Category:Consequences of Brexit]]
[[Category:Euroregions]]
[[Category:1996 establishments in France]]
[[Category:1996 establishments in the United Kingdom]]
[[Category:2020 disestablishments in France]]
[[Category:2020 disestablishments in the United Kingdom]]

Latest revision as of 20:46, 4 August 2023

Arc Manche (French: arc, "arch"; and La Manche, "the English Channel") was a partnership between territories in France and the United Kingdom bordering the Channel. Its purposes were to advocate the shared interests of this area and to promote Franco-British co-operation. It enabled local stakeholders to share best practices and to consult each other when they faced common issues, especially in the maritime area. The co-operation network also provided a vehicle to drive large-scale bi-national projects, such as CAMIS, using European funds.

Created in 1996, the network was relaunched in 2003. With the withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union, its activities ceased.

Background

[edit]

Geography

[edit]

The English Channel is one of the world's busiest shipping lanes, primarily because of its strategic location as the entry/exit door to the European Union. It links the Atlantic Ocean with the North Sea, which generates considerable flows in people and goods, and makes it one of the main exchange zones in Europe.

It engenders a concentration of maritime opportunities, but also risks, which explains the co-operation between French and British local authorities in areas like maritime security, marine pollution prevention or the preservation of biodiversity.

This area is 112,519 km2 including the Channel Islands.[1]

Demographics

[edit]

The area's total population was 17,503,211 inhabitants in 2002, of which 5,445,000 resided in the United Kingdom and 12,058,211 in France.

Economy

[edit]

Total GDP (1998–2000): 364,829 million Euros

GDP per capita (1998–2000): 20,395 Euros

The economic structure of the area is heterogeneous: Northern France is a highly industrialised area, whereas the prosperous South East of England economy relies more on high tech services and the tourism sector. The western part of the area in both France and Great Britain (Brittany, Lower Normandy and Cornwall) has a more rural economy relying on agriculture and tourism. Fishing is also an important activity in some parts of the area. There are 18 maritime zones and 50 important fishing ports in the area.

Tourism is a structuring activity for the area: in 2004, about 84 million tourists travelled within the Channel area. 32 sites are inscribed on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Jurassic Coast, Mont Saint-Michel, Stonehenge and the city of Le Havre.

The Channel Arc Manche partnership

[edit]

Aims

[edit]

The promotion of the Channel Arc Manche co-operation network originates from two main concerns:

  1. To develop the recognition of the Channel Arc among political and institutional stakeholders, be they private, local, national or European. This entails interventions at the national and European levels, the reinforcement of a common strategic vision to be able to have influence on the European regional policy, and for the specificities of this maritime space to be taken into account.
  2. To promote and intensify Franco-British co-operation by constituting a stakeholders' network on coastal and maritime issues, by encouraging co-operation in areas of common interest, by supporting exchanges in economic, social, cultural and administrative realms.

Timeline

[edit]

2001–2002: consultation of local executives concerning the revival of the Channel Arc Manche.

20th March 2003: Common declaration, signed by the 5 French Regions bordering the Channel and 5 Southern England local authorities.

2005: Creation of the Channel Arc Manche Assembly: Alain Le Vern, President of the Haute-Normandie Region, is elected chairman and Brad Watson, councillor of West Sussex County Council becomes vice-chairman.

2004: Espace Manche Development Initiative project, which was elaborated within the framework of the Interreg European programme.

2006: Following the lobbying efforts of the Channel Arc Manche Assembly towards the European Union, the French and British territories bordering the Channel become fully eligible to the cross-border cooperation programmes. First Conference of the Channel Arc Manche Assembly at Fontwell Park (West Sussex). Presentation of the Channel area strategic vision, elaborated within the framework of the EMDI project.

2007: Creation of the Channel's federation of regional and local ports in Saint-Brieuc. Brad Watson becomes President of the Channel Arc Manche Assembly.

June 2008: Publication of the book "Channel Spaces, a world within Europe", edited by Pascal Buléon and Louis Shurmer-Smith.

December 2008: Conference of the Channel Arc Manche Assembly in Folkestone, with discussion about coastal zones' adjustment to climate change.

June 2009: Approval of the CAMIS (Channel Arc Manche Integrated Strategy) project, co-financed by the Interreg IVA France (Channel) – England programme.

December 2009: Channel Arc Manche Conference in Rouen with the theme "What are the challenges for coastal economies in the Channel? Trends, current situations and local experience in coastal towns".

2011: Annual conference of the Channel Arc Manche in Fécamp with the theme "Tackling maritime pollution risks in the Channel for local authorities" parallel to the CAMIS project. Adpoption of the Fécamp Declaration.

Membership

[edit]

Full members are the French Regions and the English local authorities bordering the Channel. Associate members are all other organisations located on this territory and willing to contribute to the achievement of the Channel Arc Manche Assembly's objectives.

Members of the Channel Arc Manche Partnership
Full members Associate members
French regions English local authorities

Bureau

[edit]

The Bureau consists of the chairman and the vice-chairman of the assembly. They are elected by full members for two years, the presidency alternating between the French and the British.

Assisted by the vice-chairman, the chairman is responsible for advocating the objectives of the Channel Arc Assembly towards European and national institutions, elaborating common declarations, and ensuring that the decisions of the assembly are implemented.

Channel Arc Manche Conference

[edit]

An annual meeting takes place during the first week of July for the exchange of good practices and to identify potential areas of co-operation. The conference is attended by full and associate members, and is also open to other interested organisations.

Executive Committee

[edit]

The executive committee consists of all the full members and takes the decisions necessary to achieve the objectives of the Channel Arc Manche Assembly. It meets at least twice a year and decisions are taken through consensus.

Secretariat

[edit]

The Secretariat deals with day-to-day running, the preparation and the follow-up of work in the executive committee and the annual conference, as well as administering the website.

Finances

[edit]

The Channel Arc Manche partnership does not hold its own budget. The means dedicated by its members to the co-operation network mostly consist of working time and limited logistic expenses. European structural funds are often requested to finance individual co-operation projects within the Channel area.

Projects

[edit]

European funding, in particular the European Regional Development Fund, enables the Interreg co-operation programmes to support Franco-British co-operation projects of different scales. Between 2007 and 2013, 173 million Euros were allocated to Franco-British co-operation in the Channel area. Along with all other projects, the Channel Arc Manche partnership supports in particular two large and structural projects for the area: the Espace Manche Development Initiative (EMDI) and the Channel Arc Manche Integrated Strategy (CAMIS).

Espace Manche Development Initiative

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The EMDI project, which gathered 22 partners between 2004 and 2008, aimed to develop and reinforce Franco-British co-operation within the Channel area. 48% of its budget was co-funded by the Interreg IIIB co-operation programme. It led to:

Channel Arc Manche Integrated Strategy

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The CAMIS project (2009–2013), with a budget of 3.3 million Euros, half of which was funded by the Interreg IVA France (Channel) England programme, gathered ten local authorities from Britain and France and nine other organisations.

Its aims were:

  • Promote the specificity of the Channel area in the local, national and European spheres
  • Improve the knowledge of this area in various realms (geography, economy, biology, etc.)
  • Develop intermodal transport
  • Develop innovation, workforce development, economic growth.
  • Create common tools to facilitate and improve the management of certain aspects of the maritime zone such as the Cross-channel Forum or the Common Resources Centre.
  • Ultimately, develop and implement an integrated maritime strategy in the Channel area.

References

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  1. ^ source : Cross Channel atlas and Channel Spaces : A World within Europe, P. Buléon and L. Shurmer-Smith, 2007. Regarding the data, addition of the relevant statistics from counties of Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Hampshire, West Sussex, East Sussex, Kent, and from regions of Brittany, Lower Normandy, Upper Normandy, Picardie and Nord-Pas-de-Calais, 2002 Outil d’intelligence territoriale EMDI Archived 3 March 2016 at the Wayback Machine
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