The EUCC is an association, established in January 1989 in The Hague, the Netherlands and its membership covers 40 countries world wide, including all coastal states in Europe, the Mediterranean and the Black Sea region. EUCC's membership network is linking 350 coastal institutes involved in coastal management, planning, ecology, engineering, pollution control etc.; 80 voluntary conservation organisations (NGOs); 70 government agencies at national, regional and local levels; and 50 conservation site managers.

Organisation. The EUCC has 13 active National Branches and is governed by an international Council and an Executive Committee, assisted by number of national offices and four international offices: the President's Office in Aberdeen, Scotland, the International Secretariat in the Netherlands, the Baltic Office in Lithuania, and the Mediterranean Office in Barcelona, Spain. The Offices support the administration and the actions of the Union, and they provide services to the membership as well as to external bodies, including the European Union, the Council of Europe and Regional Seas Conventions in the Baltic, Mediterranean and Black Seas.

Mission. EUCC bridges the gap between scientists, conservation site managers, planners and policy makers, especially at an international level. EUCC's mission is to gather and provide information and give advice based upon the best scientific data. Information is tailored specifically to aid policy formulation and decision-making related to the coast. EUCC also promotes public awareness about coastal conservation and develops partnerships amongst a wide variety of stakeholders. EUCC combines site-related conservation activities, including site acquisition and management, with the promotion of integrated approaches towards management. More info: www.eucc.net !