The government is publishing a revised national planning policy framework, following a row with conservation groups over last year's draft plans.

BBC: Minister: Planning changes 'sorely needed'

The Final Recommendations prioritize actions for the NOC to pursue, and call for a flexible framework for coastal and marine spatial planning to address conservation, economic activity, user conflict, and sustainable use of the ocean, our coasts and the Great Lakes.

WHITEHOUSE: Final Recommendations of the Ocean Policy Task Force Announced | The White House

This new paradigm is attracting a great deal of interest in the framework of international debates not only relating to climate change, but also biodiversity conservation and sustainable use.

UNESCO: Communication and Information

"The bill will establish a new framework for Northern Ireland's seas based on marine planning, improving management for marine nature conservation and the streamlining of marine licensing, " she said.

BBC: Marine Bill

However, although the General Conference adopted this document and a Statutory Framework for the WNBR 20 years ago, many Biosphere Reserves have not yet made the transition from conservation sites to sites for sustainable development.

UNESCO: UK National Commission for UNESCO - UK supports the development of quality control processes to sharpen the focus of UNESCO Biosphere Reserves