Progress and challenges in managing our catchments effectively

Abstract:Effective implementation of the integrated catchment management approach, catchment characterisation and suitable catchment management strategies and measures are the means of ensuring protection of satisfactory water resources and improvement of unsatisfactory water resources, and achievement of Water Framework Directive requirements. Lessons have been learned from the first-cycle River Basin Management Plans, particularly on the need for proper public and community engagement and involvement, improved governance and targeting of appropriate mitigation measures. However, challenges need to be overcome: there needs to be genuine integration of the work of discipline- or process-based sections in public bodies and better collaboration between these bodies; the environment must be at the core of sustainable intensification; appropriate mitigation measures for diffuse and small point sources will need to be analysed and targeted to the pressures; and there is a need to ensure the involvement, cooperation and co-ownership of water (and biodiversity) management by local people and communities. The approach currently being undertaken is laying a solid foundation for integrating science and people, and is a basis for optimism.