Healthy ecosystems deliver a range of benefits that extend beyond the natural world and into the wellbeing of communities. Our focus in this area is to understand and optimise the interactions between human and natural systems to promote healthier outcomes across the Forth Water Basin.
Key research areas:
Understanding Blue Health
We are funding partner-led research to better understand and articulate the health and wellbeing benefits associated with bluespace access and use and carrying out our own review of evidence to support this research and wider partner activity.
Maximising opportunities arising from bluespace access
We are carrying out a place-based study looking at the bluespace-related health and community wealth building opportunities available to specific communities within the Forth Water Basin with a view to understanding the barriers to bluespace use and generating insights into how these barriers can be minimised.
Mitigating the mental health and wellbeing impacts of water-related climate stress
Anxiety over flood risk and the risk of water scarcity is well documented. This study will look at the readiness of those organisations and groups most directly associated with community support around flooding and water scarcity to address mental health and wellbeing challenges for those they are supporting and for their own staff and volunteers. The study will also pilot the provision of Trauma Informed Practice training and support for these organisations.
We still have capacity to respond to partner research enquiries so if there are areas or ideas that you want to explore, please get in touch.
Optimisation Challenges
Harnessing water resources productively and sustainably in the Forth Water Basin.