people on Hastings beach with a boat in the water

Agents of Change

The Agents of Change project worked alongside coastal communities from 2017–2023 to help make Marine Protected Areas matter.

Agents of Change was a community focused initiative that sought to understand the importance of our seas to those that live beside them.

Our Agents of Change programme was part of the Marine CoLABoration, funded by the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation and co-funded by the LIFE programme of the European Union. The project supported coastal communities in driving action which benefitted everyone, including the ocean.

    Making Marine Protected Areas matter

    This film shows the Agents of Change project approach, using our work in Norfolk as an example. In the film, you'll see how the project helped communities navigate discussions around fisheries management deliberations at the Cromer Shoal Chalk Beds Marine Conservation Zone.

    The Cromer Shoal Chalk Beds Marine Conservation Zone

    Thought to be the longest chalk reef in Europe, possibly the world, the Cromer Shoal Chalk Beds support an utterly unique array of plants and animals. In fact, a purple sponge - Parpal Dumplin' - was discovered on the reef in 2011, previously unknown anywhere else in the world!

    The importance of the reef was recognised in 2016 when it was designated as a Marine Conservation Zone. The designation intended to protect the incredible habitats and creatures beneath the surface.

    The Agents of Change project worked with locals to help managers of the Conservation Zone decide the best way forward in collaboration with the local community, including through a Stakeholder Group. We also raised awareness of the Cromer Shoal Chalk Beds in local schools and the wider community about the amazing wildlife, seascapes and marine cultural heritage of the area.

    The success of the Agents of Change project

    There are hundreds of case studies around the world showing that Marine Protected Areas benefit local communities in lots of different ways. The designation of these areas of protection are often a point of contention for local communities, but we worked to break down those barriers and build support through Agents of Change. We tailored our approach at each location depending on local needs and aspirations.

    We worked closely with local policymakers and authorities to communicate the asks of the local community. We also supported authorities in communicating effectively with local communities.

    Cromer chalk bed  |  Image credit: Samantha Bean

    Agents of Change was funded by the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation and co-funded by the LIFE programme of the European Union.

    Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or CINEA. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.

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