Background

The European Marine Sand and Gravel Group (EMSAGG), established in 1998 by European professionals, is an independent body which draws together stakeholders from across industry, including dredging organisations, European Government departments and agencies, regulators, economists, resource planners, environmental bodies and academic as well as research bodies. EMSAGG provides a forum for the exchange of ideas and learning across Europe.

Marine sand and gravel continues to make an important contribution to the development of European economies, with demand expanding for numerous end uses. Planning to meet future demand, by ensuring long-term resources are available and responsibly managed, is an important factor towards achieving sustainable development at a European level.

To address this potential for increased demand around Europe, techniques for the investigation, development and management of marine sand and gravel require continuous improvement.

• EMSAGG helps identify developments and information needs for  marine sand and gravel constituents stakeholders
• EMSAGG enables exchange of information on, and experiences of, the research, licensing, execution and monitoring relating to the extraction and use of marine sand and gravel throughout Europe
• EMSAGG allows for the wider interest groups, such as clients, government, regulators, planners, economists and environmentalists to engage in sharing of information and discussion of the issues – particularly at a European level. Improved communication and understanding on the issues will be of benefit to all involved in marine sand and gravel
• EMSAGG facilitates information and knowledge building visits to European countries, to discuss developments and information needs concerning sand and gravel and to identify specific EMSAGG initiatives
• EMSAGG disseminates information to public and private marine sand and gravel stakeholders through bi-annual meetings, its bulletins, the web and its popular conference.

Why attend?

This workshop will:

• bring experts from across Europe with experience in the winning and use of marine aggregate and also consider future developments in Denmark and Northern Europe,
• learn about approaches to marine dredging and relevant policy and legislation,
• provide delegates the opportunity to meet and share experience with EMSAGG members from across Europe.

Programme

10:00     Welcome by Danish Host:
               Jørn Bo Jensen, PhD, Head of Department
              Department of Marine Geology

10:10     Welcome and introduction to EMSAGG
              Cees Laban, Marine Geological Advice
              (Chair, EMSAGG)

10:20     Marine and Land-won aggregates: Resources, location, types
              Christian H Abildtrup, Chief Geologist
              NCC – materials and construction

10:40     Current investigations
              Jørn Bo Jensen, PhD, Head of Department
              Department of Marine Geology

11:00     Networking and coffee

11:20     Marine aggregate pricing in Northern Europe 
              Ilse Herpoelaert, FPS Economie, Brussels

11:40     Regulation, policy and licencing in Denmark
              Laura Addington, The Danish Environmental Protection Agency         

12:00     Overview of UK market and policies
              Nick Everington, The Crown Estate          

12:20     Questions and discussion

13:00     Networking lunch

Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland (GEUS)