This action research project will lay the foundations for establishing and real-world testing of a new model of geospatially informed, multi-stakeholder Regional River Partnerships to deliver joined-up, catchment-scale action to increase climate resilience. Climate Ready South East Scotland’s risk assessment highlights that the region’s most significant climate risks revolve around water – namely flooding, coastal change and water scarcity. These risks are amplified by structural barriers that prevent joined-up decision making. Rivers frequently form the boundary between Local Authorities, yet flooding, water storage, invasive species, and habitat connectivity are cross-boundary issues. Different approaches taken on opposite banks of a watercourse often lead to ineffective adaptation and wasted resources. In practice, communities, businesses and ecosystems experience the cumulative impacts. Our project will create integrated geospatial mapping and a partnership framework for Regional River Partnerships that enable stakeholders across boundaries to plan and act collaboratively at a catchment scale.
Regional River Partnerships (RRP): Building Collaborative, Catchment-Scale Climate Resilience
Led by Verture with key partners from Forth Rivers Trust, West Lothian Council, City of Edinburgh Council, East Lothian Council, and Fife Council
