Making water policy work in the United Kingdom: A case study of practical approaches to strengthening complex, multi-tiered systems of water governance. Issue 71 (May 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Robins, L.; Burt, T.P.; Bracken, L.J.; Boardman, J.; Thompson, D.B.A.
• Is Part Of: Environmental science & policy. Issue 71(2017:May)
• Page Start: 41
• Page End: 55
• Publication Date: 2017-05
• Subjects: Policy -- Water governance -- Water resource management -- Integrated catchment management -- Brexit -- European Union -- Water Framework Directive -- Floods Directive; Environmental policy -- Periodicals; Environmental sciences -- Periodicals; Environnement -- Politique gouvernementale -- Périodiques; Sciences de l'environnement -- Périodiques; Environmental policy; Environmental sciences; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 363.70561
• DOI: 10.1016/j.envsci.2017.01.008
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1462-9011

Abstract

Highlights: Ten actions proposed for strengthening water governance in contexts with complex, multi-tiered arrangements. A case study focus on the collective water policies and approaches of the United Kingdom (UK), including those of devolved governments. We contend that these actions, individually and collectively, will transform water resources planning and management. Post-Brexit, a system-wide water policy is urgently needed to galvanise stewardship of water in the UK. It is vital to maintain and build on the substantive benefits arising from implementation of the EU Water Framework Directive and Floods Directive. Abstract: We propose a suite of actions for strengthening water governance in contexts with complex, multi-tiered arrangements. In doing so, we focus on the collective water policies and approaches of the United Kingdom (UK), including those of devolved governments, which confront a host of serious water-related challenges—from massive flooding of urban areas and agricultural lands, to pressure on aquifers from rising water demand and drought. Further complexity in addressing these challenges has emerged in the wake of the June 2016 vote to leave the European Union (EU), so-called 'Brexit', and the ensuing 'separation process' with uncertainties for institutional and governance arrangements to follow. We make ten proposals for improving and reinvigorating water policy in complex, multi-layered situations, and comment specifically on their application in the UK setting. These are: put in place a system-wide water policy; fully embrace community-led nested river basin planning and management; fully fund river basin planning and management; re-focus the policy framing; use best-available data and information; create conversational spaces and become a more water-literate society; mobilise people; support and sustain core community networks; underpin river basin plans with regulatory provisions and effective monitoring and enforcement; and address systemic institutional amnesia. Individually and collectively, we contend that these actions will have a marked effect on transforming the planning and management of water resources. A system-wide water policy that maintains and builds on the substantive biophysical and socio-economic benefits delivered through implementation of the EU Water Framework Directive, together with the more recent Floods Directive, will galvanise stewardship of water in the UK. We urge more active engagement with and empowerment of the multiplicity of system 'actors', and highlight the role of non-government actors in a post-Brexit world as conduits for reaching out to and connecting directly with a wide range of water-related actors, especially across the EU. While attention to-date has focused on a plethora of specifically water-related projects, initiatives, plans and regulations, what is really needed is a systemic, long-term view of water resource management.