Sustainable management evaluation

Question (9 marks, levelled): 'Managed retreat is the most sustainable approach to coastal management in the 21st century.' To what extent do you agree? Use evidence to support your answer.

Mark scheme (levels):

• L1 (1–3): basic statements for or against; limited terminology.
• L2 (4–6): balanced discussion — for: works with natural processes, creates salt marsh that absorbs wave energy and stores carbon, lower long-term cost, adapts to UKCP18 sea-level rise (0.3–1.1 m by 2100), e.g. Medmerry, Sussex (£28m, 183 ha new habitat); against: politically contentious, displaces residents, loss of farmland, unsuitable for high-value urban coasts (Newcastle Co. Down cannot retreat).
• L3 (7–9): integrated argument referencing ICZM and Shoreline Management Plan policy options (Hold the Line / Managed Realignment / No Active Intervention); recognises that sustainability is place-specific; concludes that managed retreat is sustainable for low-value rural coasts but hard engineering remains necessary for high-value urban frontages — best practice is an integrated, adaptive ICZM approach. Specialist terminology used accurately throughout.