The Partnership approach & assessing the benefits of catchment management. 12th & 13th September 2016 at the Rougemont Hotel, Exeter. Following the decision to leave the EU the need to come together to tackle the complex environmental problems we face such as diffuse pollution and habitat fragmentation has never been greater. This conference sets out the benefits and drawbacks of partnership working and the effectiveness of dealing with problems at a catchment scale.
The Partnership approach & assessing the benefits of catchment management. 12th & 13th September 2016 at the Rougemont Hotel, Exeter. Following the decision to leave the EU the need to come together to tackle the complex environmental problems we face such as diffuse pollution and habitat fragmentation has never been greater. This conference sets out the benefits and drawbacks of partnership working and the effectiveness of dealing with problems at a catchment scale.
The Partnership approach & assessing the benefits of catchment management. 12th & 13th September 2016 at the Rougemont Hotel, Exeter. Following the decision to leave the EU the need to come together to tackle the complex environmental problems we face such as diffuse pollution and habitat fragmentation has never been greater. This conference sets out the benefits and drawbacks of partnership working and the effectiveness of dealing with problems at a catchment scale.
The Partnership approach & assessing the benefits of catchment management. 12th & 13th September 2016 at the Rougemont Hotel, Exeter. Following the decision to leave the EU the need to come together to tackle the complex environmental problems we face such as diffuse pollution and habitat fragmentation has never been greater. This conference sets out the benefits and drawbacks of partnership working and the effectiveness of dealing with problems at a catchment scale.
The Partnership approach & assessing the benefits of catchment management. 12th & 13th September 2016 at the Rougemont Hotel, Exeter. Following the decision to leave the EU the need to come together to tackle the complex environmental problems we face such as diffuse pollution and habitat fragmentation has never been greater. This conference sets out the benefits and drawbacks of partnership working and the effectiveness of dealing with problems at a catchment scale.
The Partnership approach & assessing the benefits of catchment management. 12th & 13th September 2016 at the Rougemont Hotel, Exeter. Following the decision to leave the EU the need to come together to tackle the complex environmental problems we face such as diffuse pollution and habitat fragmentation has never been greater. This conference sets out the benefits and drawbacks of partnership working and the effectiveness of dealing with problems at a catchment scale.
This presentation was given at the EPA’s National Water Event 2019, which took place on 29 and 30 May 2019 in Galway. This presentation by Ken Taylor the Director of Land and Water Challenge is on the driving Innovation and science to underpin new mitigation measures in New Zealand
This presentation was given at the EPA’s National Water Event 2019, which took place on 29 and 30 May 2019 in Galway. This presentation by Sharon Kennedy from An Forum Uisce is on engaging society in water challenge.
CaBA Startup Conference 02 - A response to the challenge from the third sectorCaBASupport
Sets the context for the Catchment based Approach, describing the decline in ecosystem functionality and the challenge that still faces the UK in achieving improvements under the Water Framework Directive. Outlines the roles of the new CaBA Partnerships, the National Steering group, and the EA in helping to shape the next round of River Basin Managment Plans, and also in achieving improvements that go beyond WFD.
The Partnership approach & assessing the benefits of catchment management. 12th & 13th September 2016 at the Rougemont Hotel, Exeter. Following the decision to leave the EU the need to come together to tackle the complex environmental problems we face such as diffuse pollution and habitat fragmentation has never been greater. This conference sets out the benefits and drawbacks of partnership working and the effectiveness of dealing with problems at a catchment scale.
The Partnership approach & assessing the benefits of catchment management. 12th & 13th September 2016 at the Rougemont Hotel, Exeter. Following the decision to leave the EU the need to come together to tackle the complex environmental problems we face such as diffuse pollution and habitat fragmentation has never been greater. This conference sets out the benefits and drawbacks of partnership working and the effectiveness of dealing with problems at a catchment scale.
The Partnership approach & assessing the benefits of catchment management. 12th & 13th September 2016 at the Rougemont Hotel, Exeter. Following the decision to leave the EU the need to come together to tackle the complex environmental problems we face such as diffuse pollution and habitat fragmentation has never been greater. This conference sets out the benefits and drawbacks of partnership working and the effectiveness of dealing with problems at a catchment scale.
The Partnership approach & assessing the benefits of catchment management. 12th & 13th September 2016 at the Rougemont Hotel, Exeter. Following the decision to leave the EU the need to come together to tackle the complex environmental problems we face such as diffuse pollution and habitat fragmentation has never been greater. This conference sets out the benefits and drawbacks of partnership working and the effectiveness of dealing with problems at a catchment scale.
The Partnership approach & assessing the benefits of catchment management. 12th & 13th September 2016 at the Rougemont Hotel, Exeter. Following the decision to leave the EU the need to come together to tackle the complex environmental problems we face such as diffuse pollution and habitat fragmentation has never been greater. This conference sets out the benefits and drawbacks of partnership working and the effectiveness of dealing with problems at a catchment scale.
This presentation was given at the EPA’s National Water Event 2019, which took place on 29 and 30 May 2019 in Galway. This presentation by Ken Taylor the Director of Land and Water Challenge is on the driving Innovation and science to underpin new mitigation measures in New Zealand
This presentation was given at the EPA’s National Water Event 2019, which took place on 29 and 30 May 2019 in Galway. This presentation by Sharon Kennedy from An Forum Uisce is on engaging society in water challenge.
CaBA Startup Conference 02 - A response to the challenge from the third sectorCaBASupport
Sets the context for the Catchment based Approach, describing the decline in ecosystem functionality and the challenge that still faces the UK in achieving improvements under the Water Framework Directive. Outlines the roles of the new CaBA Partnerships, the National Steering group, and the EA in helping to shape the next round of River Basin Managment Plans, and also in achieving improvements that go beyond WFD.
Coastal Resiliency Planning and Ecosystem Enhancement for Northeastern Massachusetts (NFWF Hurricane Sandy Coastal Resiliency Competitive Grant Program)
Peter Phippen, Coastal Coordinator, 8 Towns and the Great Marsh/Merrimack Valley Planning Commission
Wayne Castonguay, Executive Director, Ipswich River Watershed Association
Confluence is the bi-annual newsletter of the Westcountry Rivers Trust. Confluence is packed with all of the latest news on the work of the Trust and what is happening in river restoration and conservation across the Westcountry.
The Autumn 2011 edition contained special features on the Trust's approach to fisheries management and ecosystem services - as well as the usual news updates about all of our work on fisheries, fishing and catchment management.
The EPA Catchments Unit held its 2018 annual Catchment Management Network Meeting on 14 November. All our local authorities and many other public bodies are invited to this meeting to talk about how to protect and improve Ireland's waters.
A forum organised by the Victorian Environmental Water Holder to discuss: the benefits of water for the environment, the challenges of deciding when & where to deliver water for the environment, the outcomes of research into community attitudes towards water for the environment.
Collaboration, Science, and Technology Merge to Improve Water QualityArbor Day Foundation
Collaboration, Science, and Technology Merge to Improve Water Quality
Dave Gamstetter, City of Cincinnati | Donna M. Murphy, US Forest Service Northeastern Area
In 2010 the Cincinnati Park Board (CPB) formed a partnership with the Metropolitan Sewer Department of Greater Cincinnati (MSDGC) to assist with the implementation of green solutions to meet the regulatory requirements of the consent decree using a triple bottom line approach. This presentation discusses how natural design solutions, BMPs, stormwater controls, and forests are being used to enhance green infrastructure and reduce stormwater flow on a watershed scale. The program is Project Groundwork.
Barriers & Opportunities to Payments for Ecosystem Services in EnglandAberdeen CES
Presentation given by Steve Smith from Scott Wilson URS about preliminary findings from research commissioned by Defra into barriers and opportunities for PES in England
Piloting Ecosystem Accounts in Palawan: A quick glimpse for the Media - by John Francisco Pontillas and May Lacao, Palawan Council for Sustainable Development and Technical Working Group Members for Southern Palawan (World Bank-led WAVES global partnership)
Sustainable Uplands End of Project presentation given at Moffat House Hotel, ...Mark Reed
Summary of key project findings from the RELU Sustainable Uplands project, presented to stakeholders in Dumfries and Galloway. Two short films accompany this presentation - for details, see www.see.leeds.ac.uk/sustainableuplands
Seismics and the City – Creating a Greater Christchurch – Envisioning. Engaging. Energising was held on 27th March 2015, Christchurch.
Earthquake Recovery Programme for the Natural Environment
This interactive workshop discussed the development and implementation of the earthquake recovery programme for the natural environment (NERP).
This is a general presentation on WLE made by Andrew Noble for his trip to visit partners and donors in July 2014. Provides an overview of the WLE program and a number of examples of its work.
Coastal Resiliency Planning and Ecosystem Enhancement for Northeastern Massachusetts (NFWF Hurricane Sandy Coastal Resiliency Competitive Grant Program)
Peter Phippen, Coastal Coordinator, 8 Towns and the Great Marsh/Merrimack Valley Planning Commission
Wayne Castonguay, Executive Director, Ipswich River Watershed Association
Confluence is the bi-annual newsletter of the Westcountry Rivers Trust. Confluence is packed with all of the latest news on the work of the Trust and what is happening in river restoration and conservation across the Westcountry.
The Autumn 2011 edition contained special features on the Trust's approach to fisheries management and ecosystem services - as well as the usual news updates about all of our work on fisheries, fishing and catchment management.
The EPA Catchments Unit held its 2018 annual Catchment Management Network Meeting on 14 November. All our local authorities and many other public bodies are invited to this meeting to talk about how to protect and improve Ireland's waters.
A forum organised by the Victorian Environmental Water Holder to discuss: the benefits of water for the environment, the challenges of deciding when & where to deliver water for the environment, the outcomes of research into community attitudes towards water for the environment.
Collaboration, Science, and Technology Merge to Improve Water QualityArbor Day Foundation
Collaboration, Science, and Technology Merge to Improve Water Quality
Dave Gamstetter, City of Cincinnati | Donna M. Murphy, US Forest Service Northeastern Area
In 2010 the Cincinnati Park Board (CPB) formed a partnership with the Metropolitan Sewer Department of Greater Cincinnati (MSDGC) to assist with the implementation of green solutions to meet the regulatory requirements of the consent decree using a triple bottom line approach. This presentation discusses how natural design solutions, BMPs, stormwater controls, and forests are being used to enhance green infrastructure and reduce stormwater flow on a watershed scale. The program is Project Groundwork.
Barriers & Opportunities to Payments for Ecosystem Services in EnglandAberdeen CES
Presentation given by Steve Smith from Scott Wilson URS about preliminary findings from research commissioned by Defra into barriers and opportunities for PES in England
Piloting Ecosystem Accounts in Palawan: A quick glimpse for the Media - by John Francisco Pontillas and May Lacao, Palawan Council for Sustainable Development and Technical Working Group Members for Southern Palawan (World Bank-led WAVES global partnership)
Sustainable Uplands End of Project presentation given at Moffat House Hotel, ...Mark Reed
Summary of key project findings from the RELU Sustainable Uplands project, presented to stakeholders in Dumfries and Galloway. Two short films accompany this presentation - for details, see www.see.leeds.ac.uk/sustainableuplands
Seismics and the City – Creating a Greater Christchurch – Envisioning. Engaging. Energising was held on 27th March 2015, Christchurch.
Earthquake Recovery Programme for the Natural Environment
This interactive workshop discussed the development and implementation of the earthquake recovery programme for the natural environment (NERP).
This is a general presentation on WLE made by Andrew Noble for his trip to visit partners and donors in July 2014. Provides an overview of the WLE program and a number of examples of its work.
SWaRMA_IRBM_Module1_#5, Experiences of IWRM implementation from Australia, An...ICIMOD
This presentation is the part of 12-day (28 January–8 February 2019) training workshop on “Multi-scale Integrated River Basin Management (IRBM) from the Hindu Kush Himalayan Perspective” organized by the Strengthening Water Resources Management in Afghanistan (SWaRMA) Initiative of the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), and targeted at participants from Afghanistan.
SWaRMA_IRBM_Module2_#7, Basin planning experience from Australia, Andrew Joh...ICIMOD
This presentation is the part of 12-day (28 January–8 February 2019) training workshop on “Multi-scale Integrated River Basin Management (IRBM) from the Hindu Kush Himalayan Perspective” organized by the Strengthening Water Resources Management in Afghanistan (SWaRMA) Initiative of the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), and targeted at participants from Afghanistan.
Reviews the key findings of the National Research Council\'s new report. Highlights possible implications for municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4) permit holders.
Natural Capital Accounting in the Caribbean eftec January 2021iweco-project
This presentation, made at a UNEP GEF IWEco Project Partners' Webinar in January 2021, gave context on the conceptual underpinnings of natural capital accounting, and the general process by which the accounts are built. Links to international initiatives, such as the United Nations System of Environmental-Economic Accounting - Ecosystem Accounts (UN SEEA-EA), which provide a standardised understanding of how accounts should be produced (such as by National Statistics Offices), and the Sustainable Development Goals, were also explored. The practical application of natural capital accounting in the Caribbean was demonstrated through the UK Government funded “Caribbean Overseas Territories Regional Natural Capital Accounting Programme”. This programme is building capacity for natural capital accounting in the five Caribbean UK Overseas Territories, working with local government departments, and other local organisations, to collect data and produce environmental statistics within the natural capital accounting framework. These statistics will be able to sit alongside other national economic indicators, such as GDP, to help support better decision making in the region.
On the 22nd June 201, Environmental experts, politicians and representatives from the agricultural sector gathered to discuss how the UK can better manage its soils for the benefit of people and the environment. The conference, Creating resilient catchments: Better Soil Management, was organised by Westcountry Rivers Trust (WRT) and brought together key bodies and individuals to understand the drivers and interests in soil management, paving the way for future collaboration.
The Defra Local Action Project has been working with local communities to enhance the value of natural capital in our towns, cities and other urban spaces to improve people’s lives, the environment & economic prosperity…For each Demonstration Area we have developed a suite of evidence and information resources to support the targeting and implementation of environmental management or enhancement actions in urban landscapes. On the 18th April 2016 the Westcountry Rivers Trust delivery team met with several key stakeholders and practitioners who work in Leicester to examine the preliminary outputs of the Local Action Project.
The 2015 Catchment Based Approach Conference was held on June 8th at Fishmonger's Hall in London. The focus of the day was the sharing of best practice between partnerships. Nick Paling from the Westcountry Rivers Trust gave a presentation entitled, 'Ecosystem Service benefits in the Urban Environment: Developing a common framework for delivery & communication' as part of the 'Delivery in the Urban Environment' session.
The Defra Local Action Project has been working with local communities to enhance the value of natural capital in our towns, cities and other urban spaces to improve people’s lives, the environment & economic prosperity…For each Demonstration Area we have developed a suite of evidence and information resources to support the targeting and implementation of environmental management or enhancement actions in urban landscapes. On the 18th April 2016 the Westcountry Rivers Trust delivery team met with several key stakeholders and practitioners who work in Manchester to examine the preliminary outputs of the Local Action Project.
The Defra Local Action Project has been working with local communities to enhance the value of natural capital in our towns, cities and other urban spaces to improve people’s lives, the environment & economic prosperity. For each Demonstration Area we have developed a suite of evidence and information resources to support the targeting and implementation of environmental management or enhancement actions in urban landscapes. On the 7th April 2016 the Westcountry Rivers Trust delivery team met with the Thames Estuary Partnership to examine the preliminary outputs of the Local Action Project.
Nick Paling's (WRT Head of Evidence & Engagement) overview presentation to the IFM- and SFCC-hosted 'Mapping Environmental Management Workshop' held in Edinburgh on the 1-2nd March 2016. To meet the growing threats to the environment and biodiversity posed by anthropogenic pressures and climate change; to make the most efficient and effective use of the limited resources available for conservation, and to fulfill our statutory conservation targets, there is now a growing imperative for conservation and fisheries management organisations to analyse and visualise spatial evidence to inform their work and to undertake landscape-scale conservation strategy development. As a result of this increased demand, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) have now become a powerful and flexible tool used by many environmental scientists, ecologists and conservation biologists engaged in a wide array of work activities.
Rapid, fine-scale remote sensing to support targeted catchment managementWestcountry Rivers Trust
Nick Paling's (WRT Head of Evidence & Engagement) presentation on the work Westcountry Rivers Trust has been do with the University of Exeter to trial rapid, low-cost remote sensing technologies (with a specially developed smartphone app, a remote controlled drone and fine-grained Structure-from-Motion – SfM – photogrammetric modelling), and assessed the potential of this approach for targeting catchment management interventions designed to mitigate sources and pathways of diffuse agricultural pollution mobilisation at a farm/field scale. The study has also examined the benefits of using this approach compared to the use of freely available topogrpahic data obtained from Tellus SW LiDAR aerial survey (funded by NERC).
Presentation given at the IFM- and SFCC-hosted 'Mapping for Environmental Management Workshop' in Edinburgh on March 2nd 2016.
Collaborative delivery of green infrastructure and water management solutions (e.g. SuDS) in the urban environment can realise multiple benefits including reduced flood risk, improved water quality and biodiversity, greater amenity and enhanced community health and well-being. In March 2016, the CaBA Urban Working Group, in collaboration with the Defra Urban Ecosystem Services Project (www.urbanwater-eco.services) and Ciria (www.ciria.org), hosted a series of workshops designed to build capacity and expertise within CaBA partnerships to help drive greater collaborative delivery within the urban environment.
The Delivering Environmental Benefits for Urban Communities Conference included a ‘show and tell’ symposium designed to meet the objectives of the Urban CaBA Sub-Group: 1) champion the Catchment Partnership approach to water management in urban areas; 2) support CaBA partnerships nationwide by helping them to build capacity, expertise and engage more effectively with stakeholders, communities, developers, funders and businesses, and 3) promote the benefits and raise awareness of partnership working in the urban environment. During this session practitioners, strategic planners and academics were given 5 minute slots to introduce their work/expertise and to signpost people to their resources or further information. These 'pitches' were divided into: 1) practical delivery of interventions; 2) strategic tools/approaches (incl. CBA, targeting, design/optioneering); 3) help and guidance for urban practitioners, and 4) engagement, communications and partnership working. Speakers will be invited to say what they have done, what their objectives were and what the outcome of the work was/is intended to be.
In this 1 hour lecture Dr Nick Paling, the Westcountry Rivers Trust's Head of Data, Evidence & Communications illustrates how the pressures degrading water quality in a catchment can be assessed and their sources determined. Once done, this allows a carefully tailored and targeted plan of action to be formed to reduce these impacts.
In December 2014 WRT held a Catchment Based Approach and Catchment Restoration Fund Conference in Exeter. The North Wyke Research Institutes's Steve Granger gave a presentation on their work developing an isotopic source apportionment method for phosphate in the Taw Catchment.
In December 2014 WRT held a Catchment Based Approach and Catchment Restoration Fund Conference in Exeter. The University of Plymouth's Sean Comber gave a summary of their work with WRT to examine the effects of road run-off on the Upper River Teign.
In December 2014 WRT held a Catchment Based Approach and Catchment Restoration Fund Conference in Exeter. WRT's Scott West gave a presentation on the fishery managers toolbox for species and habitat management.
In December 2014 WRT held a Catchment Based Approach and Catchment Restoration Fund Conference in Exeter. The University of Plymouth's Peter Down gave a presentation on his work studying the hydromorphology of rivers, especially the effect of reservoirs on river substrates.
In December 2014 WRT held a Catchment Based Approach and Catchment Restoration Fund Conference in Exeter. WRT's Nick Paling gave an overview of how participatory interrogation of data and evidence can help engage catchment partners and inform/target catchment and environmental management.
In December 2014 WRT held a Catchment Based Approach and Catchment Restoration Fund Conference in Exeter. WRT's Laurence Couldrick gave an overview of the Ecosystems Approach to catchment management planning and delivery.
In December 2014 WRT held a Catchment Based Approach and Catchment Restoration Fund Conference in Exeter. The Environment Agency's Jerry Gallop gave a review of the Catchment Restoration Fund Programme over the last 3 years.
In December 2014 WRT held a Catchment Based Approach and Catchment Restoration Fund Conference in Exeter. The Environment Agency's David Baxter presented an overview of the River Basin Management Planning Process and the Catchment Based Approach
In December 2014 WRT held a Catchment Based Approach and Catchment Restoration Fund Conference in Exeter. WRT's Angela Bartlett gave a a presentation of her work undertaking detailed catchment risk assessments for water quality.
In December 2014 WRT held a Catchment Based Approach and Catchment Restoration Fund Conference in Exeter. The University of Exeter's Andy King and Jamie Stevens gave an overview of their work on fish genetics.
"Understanding the Carbon Cycle: Processes, Human Impacts, and Strategies for...MMariSelvam4
The carbon cycle is a critical component of Earth's environmental system, governing the movement and transformation of carbon through various reservoirs, including the atmosphere, oceans, soil, and living organisms. This complex cycle involves several key processes such as photosynthesis, respiration, decomposition, and carbon sequestration, each contributing to the regulation of carbon levels on the planet.
Human activities, particularly fossil fuel combustion and deforestation, have significantly altered the natural carbon cycle, leading to increased atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations and driving climate change. Understanding the intricacies of the carbon cycle is essential for assessing the impacts of these changes and developing effective mitigation strategies.
By studying the carbon cycle, scientists can identify carbon sources and sinks, measure carbon fluxes, and predict future trends. This knowledge is crucial for crafting policies aimed at reducing carbon emissions, enhancing carbon storage, and promoting sustainable practices. The carbon cycle's interplay with climate systems, ecosystems, and human activities underscores its importance in maintaining a stable and healthy planet.
In-depth exploration of the carbon cycle reveals the delicate balance required to sustain life and the urgent need to address anthropogenic influences. Through research, education, and policy, we can work towards restoring equilibrium in the carbon cycle and ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come.
Willie Nelson Net Worth: A Journey Through Music, Movies, and Business Venturesgreendigital
Willie Nelson is a name that resonates within the world of music and entertainment. Known for his unique voice, and masterful guitar skills. and an extraordinary career spanning several decades. Nelson has become a legend in the country music scene. But, his influence extends far beyond the realm of music. with ventures in acting, writing, activism, and business. This comprehensive article delves into Willie Nelson net worth. exploring the various facets of his career that have contributed to his large fortune.
Follow us on: Pinterest
Introduction
Willie Nelson net worth is a testament to his enduring influence and success in many fields. Born on April 29, 1933, in Abbott, Texas. Nelson's journey from a humble beginning to becoming one of the most iconic figures in American music is nothing short of inspirational. His net worth, which estimated to be around $25 million as of 2024. reflects a career that is as diverse as it is prolific.
Early Life and Musical Beginnings
Humble Origins
Willie Hugh Nelson was born during the Great Depression. a time of significant economic hardship in the United States. Raised by his grandparents. Nelson found solace and inspiration in music from an early age. His grandmother taught him to play the guitar. setting the stage for what would become an illustrious career.
First Steps in Music
Nelson's initial foray into the music industry was fraught with challenges. He moved to Nashville, Tennessee, to pursue his dreams, but success did not come . Working as a songwriter, Nelson penned hits for other artists. which helped him gain a foothold in the competitive music scene. His songwriting skills contributed to his early earnings. laying the foundation for his net worth.
Rise to Stardom
Breakthrough Albums
The 1970s marked a turning point in Willie Nelson's career. His albums "Shotgun Willie" (1973), "Red Headed Stranger" (1975). and "Stardust" (1978) received critical acclaim and commercial success. These albums not only solidified his position in the country music genre. but also introduced his music to a broader audience. The success of these albums played a crucial role in boosting Willie Nelson net worth.
Iconic Songs
Willie Nelson net worth is also attributed to his extensive catalog of hit songs. Tracks like "Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain," "On the Road Again," and "Always on My Mind" have become timeless classics. These songs have not only earned Nelson large royalties but have also ensured his continued relevance in the music industry.
Acting and Film Career
Hollywood Ventures
In addition to his music career, Willie Nelson has also made a mark in Hollywood. His distinctive personality and on-screen presence have landed him roles in several films and television shows. Notable appearances include roles in "The Electric Horseman" (1979), "Honeysuckle Rose" (1980), and "Barbarosa" (1982). These acting gigs have added a significant amount to Willie Nelson net worth.
Television Appearances
Nelson's char
Micro RNA genes and their likely influence in rice (Oryza sativa L.) dynamic ...Open Access Research Paper
Micro RNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs molecules having approximately 18-25 nucleotides, they are present in both plants and animals genomes. MiRNAs have diverse spatial expression patterns and regulate various developmental metabolisms, stress responses and other physiological processes. The dynamic gene expression playing major roles in phenotypic differences in organisms are believed to be controlled by miRNAs. Mutations in regions of regulatory factors, such as miRNA genes or transcription factors (TF) necessitated by dynamic environmental factors or pathogen infections, have tremendous effects on structure and expression of genes. The resultant novel gene products presents potential explanations for constant evolving desirable traits that have long been bred using conventional means, biotechnology or genetic engineering. Rice grain quality, yield, disease tolerance, climate-resilience and palatability properties are not exceptional to miRN Asmutations effects. There are new insights courtesy of high-throughput sequencing and improved proteomic techniques that organisms’ complexity and adaptations are highly contributed by miRNAs containing regulatory networks. This article aims to expound on how rice miRNAs could be driving evolution of traits and highlight the latest miRNA research progress. Moreover, the review accentuates miRNAs grey areas to be addressed and gives recommendations for further studies.
UNDERSTANDING WHAT GREEN WASHING IS!.pdfJulietMogola
Many companies today use green washing to lure the public into thinking they are conserving the environment but in real sense they are doing more harm. There have been such several cases from very big companies here in Kenya and also globally. This ranges from various sectors from manufacturing and goes to consumer products. Educating people on greenwashing will enable people to make better choices based on their analysis and not on what they see on marketing sites.
WRI’s brand new “Food Service Playbook for Promoting Sustainable Food Choices” gives food service operators the very latest strategies for creating dining environments that empower consumers to choose sustainable, plant-rich dishes. This research builds off our first guide for food service, now with industry experience and insights from nearly 350 academic trials.
Natural farming @ Dr. Siddhartha S. Jena.pptxsidjena70
A brief about organic farming/ Natural farming/ Zero budget natural farming/ Subash Palekar Natural farming which keeps us and environment safe and healthy. Next gen Agricultural practices of chemical free farming.
Characterization and the Kinetics of drying at the drying oven and with micro...Open Access Research Paper
The objective of this work is to contribute to valorization de Nephelium lappaceum by the characterization of kinetics of drying of seeds of Nephelium lappaceum. The seeds were dehydrated until a constant mass respectively in a drying oven and a microwawe oven. The temperatures and the powers of drying are respectively: 50, 60 and 70°C and 140, 280 and 420 W. The results show that the curves of drying of seeds of Nephelium lappaceum do not present a phase of constant kinetics. The coefficients of diffusion vary between 2.09.10-8 to 2.98. 10-8m-2/s in the interval of 50°C at 70°C and between 4.83×10-07 at 9.04×10-07 m-8/s for the powers going of 140 W with 420 W the relation between Arrhenius and a value of energy of activation of 16.49 kJ. mol-1 expressed the effect of the temperature on effective diffusivity.
Diabetes is a rapidly and serious health problem in Pakistan. This chronic condition is associated with serious long-term complications, including higher risk of heart disease and stroke. Aggressive treatment of hypertension and hyperlipideamia can result in a substantial reduction in cardiovascular events in patients with diabetes 1. Consequently pharmacist-led diabetes cardiovascular risk (DCVR) clinics have been established in both primary and secondary care sites in NHS Lothian during the past five years. An audit of the pharmaceutical care delivery at the clinics was conducted in order to evaluate practice and to standardize the pharmacists’ documentation of outcomes. Pharmaceutical care issues (PCI) and patient details were collected both prospectively and retrospectively from three DCVR clinics. The PCI`s were categorized according to a triangularised system consisting of multiple categories. These were ‘checks’, ‘changes’ (‘change in drug therapy process’ and ‘change in drug therapy’), ‘drug therapy problems’ and ‘quality assurance descriptors’ (‘timer perspective’ and ‘degree of change’). A verified medication assessment tool (MAT) for patients with chronic cardiovascular disease was applied to the patients from one of the clinics. The tool was used to quantify PCI`s and pharmacist actions that were centered on implementing or enforcing clinical guideline standards. A database was developed to be used as an assessment tool and to standardize the documentation of achievement of outcomes. Feedback on the audit of the pharmaceutical care delivery and the database was received from the DCVR clinic pharmacist at a focus group meeting.
3. Defining Evidence of Catchment Management Effectiveness
and the Water Company PR14 Business Plans
Prof Chris J Spray – UNESCO Centre for Water Law, Policy & Science
University of Dundee
4. The Holy Grail?
For some of us, the holy grail of adopting a Catchment Management approach
has seen to be all about PROVING its effectiveness…..
………. to the all-important range of key stakeholders:
Government departments
• Land owners
• Land managers (especially farmers and foresters)
• Regulatory Environmental Agencies (EA, NE, NRW, SEPA, SNH, etc)
• Drinking Water Quality regulators (DWQI)
• Economic regulators (Ofwat, WICS)
• Customer committees
• Water companies (private or public)
• Academics
• Environmental NGOs
• Anglers, Fishery boards, and other water users, and….. most importantly
• The public ………….
But why and to whom do we/they each want to ‘prove’ Effectiveness? – and
what is proof? - is it just an Operational or Financial question?
5. Testing for CM effectiveness
Over the years many accounts and projects have been set up to do this – examples
are legion…..in research, in NGOs, in partnerships, many at this event, etc…..
Targeted different aspects, including operationally:
Effectiveness of CM to improve ‘ecological status’ of water bodies under the
WFD RBMP process, incl diffuse pollution controls
Effectiveness of CM to protect drinking water supplies
• Pesticides
• Nutrients
• Faecal Indicator Organisms (FIOs)
• Water Colour / Dissolved Organic Carbon
Effectiveness of CM to promote Natural Flood Risk Management (NFM) Scotland
Effectiveness of CM to enhance Biodiversity
Effectiveness of CM to help combat Climate Change
Role in wider Strategic approach to Land use - Scottish Borders Land Use Pilot,
Welsh Environment Act (Sustainable Management of Natural Resources)
Etc.
6. • Defra’s Demonstration Test Catchment programme – 40 organisations
• NERC’s Macronutrient Cycles research programme – report June 2016
• Defra’s Mitigation Methods User Guide (2011) - 6 work packages, 83 different measures (£1.4million, 4 years)
• UKWIR Report on Quantifying the Benefits of Water Quality Catchment Management Initiatives (2012)
• UKWIR - Catchment Management: how do we know it has worked? - project RG08D204 (pers com)
• UKWIR - Catchment Management repository and database’ (2013/14, reference WR26a)
• Catchment Management Evidence Review produced by the Westcountry Rivers Trust (2013)
• Catchment Sensitive Farming Initiative (Phase 3) Evaluation Report (Feb 2015), Natural England.
• Scottish Water Sustainable Land Management Initiative – 27 measures
• ADAS Report Effectiveness of Measures database
• Environment Agency - National Water Environment Benefit Surveys (NWEBS 2007 and 2012).
• Environment Agency (2014) Water Appraisal Guidance Assessing Costs & Benefits for River Basin Management
• DPMAG Strategy and Website (Scotland)
• Indepen (July 2014) ‘Discussion paper on the potential for catchment services in England’ commissioned by 3 of
the English water companies: Wessex, Severn Trent and South West Water
A number of major Reviews and Projects have addressed effectiveness
7. Potential rewards for an Integrated CM - Holy Grail?
• The extent of activity being undertaken in catchments across the UK is vast
• Recent estimate (Indepens 2014) puts this as c£100 billion to be spent in English catchments in
the next 15 years, of which £30 billion would be on meeting the requirements of the EU Water
Framework Directive (WFD), water & waste water treatment
• Of this £30 billion for WFD, they estimate that £300 million to £1 billion costs could be avoided
by the water sector alone through adopting a wider catchment approach, as well as unvalued
wider benefits to biodiversity, flood risk reduction, & carbon management.
• E.G. claim that catchment-based approaches can in certain cases reduce water treatment costs
by 10% and 20% (figures given ‘as seen’ from 2 projects as part of review) due to reduced
suspended solids content, improved colour, and lower pesticide levels (reduced use of GAC)
• Total estimate: applying a cross-sector approach across all catchment activity, avoided costs
might range from £1 - 4 billion over this 15 year period with, in addition the creation of wider
benefits of between £2 - £5 billion to other areas such as biodiversity and flood risk reduction
Report based on literature review & interviews with key stakeholders, and the assessment of potential cost savings from the greater adoption of
catchment based approaches is very high level (estimated from national statistics derived from published sources, extrapolation of other studies
and expert judgement). This is not to challenge the figures per se, as in many cases they pick a low value for their calculations, but to stress that
this is not meant to be a detailed assessment of all costs and potential savings, and its conclusions focus on the requirement for
incentives to encourage investor-owned companies to adopt catchment-based solutions.
8. The promised land? – New York City & the Catskills watershed system
New York City Water Supply
• Primarily a surface water supply
• 19 reservoirs & 3 controlled lakes
• System Capacity: 550 billion
gallons
• Serves 9 million people (1/2 of
population of New York State)
• Delivers approx. 1.2 billion
gallons per day to the City
• Source of water is a 2,000 square
mile watershed in parts of 8
upstate counties
9. Multiple Water Quality Issues
• Primary water quality concerns:
– Droughts
– Floods
– Turbidity
– Pathogens
– Nutrients (and algae)
• Varies by district and by reservoir
– Croton – eutrophic reservoirs
– Catskill - turbidity
10. New York City was Faced with a Decision
To filter or not to filter ( = CM), that was the question
• Concern over whether City could meet subjective criteria
– City owned less than 8% of watershed
– City regulations outdated
• Increased concern by public over safety of drinking water - Milwaukee
incident
Federal regulations require all surface waters to be filtered – Safe Drinking Water Act of
1986 and Surface Water Treatment Rule of 1989
Municipalities can request a “WAIVER” from filtration requirement if it can demonstrate
compliance with regulations through and by effective management of the watershed
Firm belief by New York City that
reliance on end-of-pipe solutions
alone not prudent; best approach
to protect water quality at source
11. Decision was made to go for CM and not filter!
• City alarmed by potential capital cost of a filtration plant (originally
estimated at $6-8 billion) as the ‘end of pipe’ solution
• $350 million annual operation and maintenance expenses
• City would invest in watershed protection programs at its source,
rather then treat at end of pipe.
Memorandum of Agreement between
multiple catchment stakeholders, consisting of:
• Land Acquisition Program
• Watershed Regulations
• Watershed Protection and Partnership Programs
Includes New York State, New York City, US EPA, 7
Counties, 60 towns & 10 villages, Numerous NGOs
Key role of Farmers Watershed council as ‘trusted
intermediary’
12. Cost effectiveness? - Catchment Approach vs ‘End of pipe’
Filtration Plant:
Projected cost - $8.0 billion capital
investment
$350 million annual operations and
maintenance ($3.5 billion for 10 years)
Catchment Spend:
Total Spent: $1.06 billion
13. Challenges for business in defining effectiveness of CM measures to protect
raw drinking water quality
The list of potential catchment measures and associated models is extremely
long - Defra User guide has 83 measures alone to protect water quality
Often aimed at different problems
They are rarely used in isolation, and
Modelling is used extensively to assess benefits that might theoretically be
realised, with parameters often taken from national data or other studies
UKWIR (2012): Quantifying the Benefits of Water Quality Catchment Initiatives
provides a methodology for measuring costs and benefits associated with catchment
management. However, while taking a holistic approach across economic,
environmental and social benefits, the report concludes that:
‘the evidence base for calculated benefits from catchment management schemes
based on evaluation studies where real impacts have been measured is scant’.
14. Water Company Duties - drinking water quality
• Water companies are expected to address all statutory drinking water quality
requirements as set out in Defra’s Statement of Obligations. In particular, the
Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI) ensures companies pay due regard to need for
public water supplies to be safe, clean and compliant with all regulatory standards.
• For PR14, all water companies are expected to ensure that their business plans
make provision to meet all their statutory obligations and that provision is made
for a sustainable level of asset maintenance to maintain public confidence in
drinking water quality.
• Defra, Ofwat, DWI have issued guidance to water companies on requirements in
relation to a range of issues, including:
• Water safety plans.
• Principles for catchment management.
• The revised standard for lead in drinking water.
• An expected new standard for disinfection by-products.
• The management of metaldehyde (along with certain other agricultural
pollutants).
15. • All companies expect to see catchment management become more widespread in
the future, as a way of delivering against their outcomes.
• Meanwhile, as PR14 is Outcome based, companies have freedom to define how to
achieve (all but 5 of) their outcomes themselves already
• PR14 Water company plans include possibly some 300 catchment schemes,
promoted for a variety of reasons - as investigations, in response to customer
surveys, to maintain company reputation, etc.
• Overall companies identified £206 million for catchment management but
impossible to say how much will be spent.
• Many companies not fully engaged - lack of apparent enthusiasm for CM due to:
• barriers of policy
• lack of regulatory flexibility
• lack of integration across sectors
• lack of data
• lack of incentives and lack of rewards.
Analysis of Water Company Business plans
16. Defining Costs and Benefits:
Importantly in terms of any attempts to measure economic effectiveness,
most of the justification has been done through customer survey exercises,
and not through direct costs, or a recognised formal cost-benefit process.
Customer surveys did not ask about Catchment Management itself, but about
‘Environmental Improvements’ in general and where they sit in relation to
other potential deliverables form water customer bills
In terms of company business plans, the single and ultimate driver is defined
as failure in Drinking Water quality standards
17. Southwest Water Business Plan
Southwest Water Business Plan – Protecting the Environment
We strive to minimise our impact on the environment and take opportunities to protect
and improve it where possible. Our customers attach a high importance to the
environment and they expect us to protect it at all times.
When compared to research findings in 2009 there is now even greater concern about
the environment. Our customers attach importance to ‘minimising any impact on the
environment for future generations’ and are generally supportive of our
environmental work although some believe this is less important than delivering
our core services
THE PROGRESS WE’VE MADE:
Improving areas of moorland and farmland to help enhance habitats and the
quality of the water in our rivers and reservoirs
CHALLENGES:
Agricultural and industrial practices can affect the quality of the water we source
(e.g. pesticides from farms).
18. Southwest Water Business Plan
Southwest Water Business Plan – Protecting the Environment
Key findings from their customer research sample:
• In their ranking of priority areas across the whole business Household customers
attached the following rankings to these environmental areas:
- protecting habitats (10th)
- catchment management (12th)
- reducing harmful abstraction (14th)
- reducing energy consumption and our carbon footprint (17th)
• Non-household customers were similar in their ranking of these priorities.
OUR PLANS 2015 - 20
Additional catchment management initiatives
19. 20
Potential local/regional priorities –
domestic
Consistency across domestic customers
Priorities
Key Priorities
Safe, clean water (40)
Reduce leakage (23)
Prevent pollution (15)
Bathing and shellfish and river quality (12)
Smart compulsory metering (10)
River water quality (9)
Reduce sewer flooding (8)
Resilience in extreme conditions (8)
Habitats (6)
Water conservation (5)
Customer contact excellence (5)
Reducing leakage a priority
because seems a pointless waste
to pay to clean the water and then
let is waste away
Preventing pollution was
also important for the future.
Keeping rivers and beaches
clean was a priority because
it’s ‘where we live’
Safe clean
water
undisputed
that should be
first, with
reducing
leakage 2nd and
preventing
pollution 3rd
I went for leakage control
because you have gone to
all the effort of cleaning it
and then you lose it. It
seems daft.
Exeter domestic
Priority
I think is it so
important to have
clean beaches. It’s
why people come
here.
Bideford domestic
I like that catchment
management. It makes
perfect sense to me.
Bideford domestic
20. Southwest Water Business Plan – stakeholder differences
Stakeholder thinking is heavily driven by their own areas of involvement/pressure:
Community groups are predominantly focussed upon cost and affordability issues.
Suppliers are heavily focussed upon investment decisions and issues concerning how
planned investment is losing out to reactive problem solving.
Environmental groups are largely concerned with environmental issues but with a
desire for more collaborative working with SWW – in particular for more upstream
thinking - prevention being a better and more sustainable approach than cure.
Note: - Customers tended to see bathing and river quality as an environmental
outcome while not everyone saw that if all the other work was done; the river and
bathing water quality would be provided for. There were a minority who recognised
that much of the work was interlinked and had to be done.
This is the opposite way of thinking to Environmental stakeholders who viewed
Upstream thinking as the necessary focus to deliver these outcomes for bathing and
river water quality.
21. Communicating the Challenge:
Customer response to What’s in the Pipeline?
Mixed response but starts to explain what SWW does which
helps make bill slightly more palatable
• Informative look at what is going to
happen over next 20 years.
• Starts to provide an explanation for
the sewerage part of the bill.
• Explains the unique challenges facing
SWW on a daily basis with challenging
terrain, low populations, long coastline
, £50 rebate.
• Widespread interest in renewable
energy and ‘clever solutions’ such
as catchment management.
• Future customers appreciated
apprenticeships.
• Future customers were unaware that
SWW dealt with sewage as well as
provided clean drinking water -‘isn’t
that South West Sewage?’
• Glossy and expensive
• Non specific
• Repetitive
• More cynical found it was ‘all about
cost’ and they already knew they paid
a lot for their water
• Some feel that the customers has to
‘stomach’ the increased bills as a
result of investment, not the
shareholders
• Future customers found paragraphs
impenetrable and preferred bullet
points
More positive Less positive
It's just
marketing
blurb.
Bideford
domestic
22. Customer concerns on why a Water Company should be doing CM
The Yorkshire Water Environment Forum has seen its role to ensure
that the company has challenged regulators to an appropriate degree
whilst recognising the need to address the National Environment Plan in
particular.
In some instances anticipated need to challenge investment that is
planned:
• In response to something that is not strictly a legal obligation
• To deliver quality enhancements where costs significantly outweigh
benefits and/or it is not beneficial to water company customers.
• To address pollution by others, contrary to the polluter pays
principle, that is not customers’ responsibility
23. Defining Effectiveness - Indicators of Success
• Costs and benefits to water companies of taking a catchment approach,
if and where analysed at all, are not transparent
• Where identified, individual catchment measures (or more commonly a
package of measures) have been assessed through their own indicators,
developed and promoted by the organization(s) involved for the specific
needs of their own project requirements, rather than by any industry
recognised standards or methodologies.
• The key ones identified are mainly direct Outputs (numbers of farms
visited, fences erected, etc.), rather than measures of actual final
Outcomes (reduction in nitrate levels, lower costs of GAC filters, etc.);
the former being easier to measure and less prone to data uncertainties
and assumptions of predictive models
24. Defining effectiveness - Indicators of Success
Different Typologies of indicators:
• Source – Mobilisation - Pathway - Receptor – In Defra’s Demonstration
Test Catchments, the methods to monitor change are split according to
those associated with these 4 aspects (McGonigle et al 2014)
• Measurement; Budgets; Risk assessment; and Modelling - UKWIR
report on Quantifying the Benefits of Water Quality Catchment
Management Initiatives (2012) follows that of Cherry et al (2008) by
identifying these 4 main methods for assessing effectiveness, along with
their perceived strengths and weaknesses.
• Farmer engagement; Farmer awareness & attitude; mitigation
measures; Reduced pollutant losses; Water quality improvements;
Ecological response; and Wider ‘ecosystem service’ benefits. -
Catchment Sensitive Farming evaluation
25. Defining Effectiveness - Indicators of Success
Seven Key Measures
1. Land manager behaviour
2. Implementation of measures on the ground
3. Nutrient /Pesticide inputs
4. Nutrient /Pesticide losses
5. Water Quality parameters of the receiving water
6. Risk
7. Financial costs and benefits to water companies
26. Defining financial effectiveness of CM measures themselves
There has been extensive work on assessing the costs of alternative means of
treatment and, to a much lesser extent the benefits derived from it.
• Each company that responded to our questionnaire was able to cost the
catchment activities they supported - salaries and associated costs of
Catchment Advisers, project funds, sampling, capex for infrastructure, etc
• Equally, it is possible to obtain costs for the ‘traditional methods of
treatment’, with energy, materials, chemicals, staff, etc. all being recorded
internally, though less simple to ascribe precise amounts to individual
plants and processes in isolation.
• Less certain (and about which companies are generally unwilling to share
detailed information) are calculations of any benefits associated with
alternative catchment measures. Those that have costed alternatives and
benefits warn these are theoretical costs based on a ‘swathe of
assumptions’ and predicted rates of change which may not be realised.
27. Some clear examples of ‘cost effectiveness’ exist
In comparison to a counterfactual (business as usual) position, some of the
CM measures proposed can be shown to be cost beneficial.
• Direct benefits to water company alone in terms of reduced capital and
revenue costs are apparent in some cases:
– Severn Trent report capex savings of c1million from additional treatment being
no longer required following the delivery of a suite of catchment-based
solutions to counter pesticide exceedance at Tittesworth;
– United Utilities and Southwest Water report similar claims for success of
catchment interventions, at least on paper;
– Measures costed by Wessex Water to control nitrates in their Eagle Lodge
catchment set against the hypothetical costs of developing and running a
nitrate removal plant. Since initiation in 2006, these catchment measures have
led to nitrate levels remaining well below those seen before action began, and
well below the drinking water standard.
28. Many more examples of uncertainty and caution
However…...…elsewhere the case is less clear with the impact of
measures either not proven or not measured.
One water company reported:
‘on the face of it though, all our catchment intervention initiatives appear to fail
and be in vain whenever there is a wet year….’
and another company reported that our:
‘catchment management projects for metaldehyde have yet to demonstrate
they can deliver the water quality improvement required at abstraction points
and which would mean new treatment processes are not required’.
In 2012 New York City built a UV Treatment plant ‘ as an additional
barrier for public health protection
29. Got a spare £600 million for metaldehyde treatment……
August 2016
Anglian Water releases colossal cost estimates for metaldehyde treatment as industry talks
about tackling the pesticides in drinking water to avoid a hefty toll on farmers and customers
• Almost £600 million pounds would be needed to set-up metaldehyde (slug pellet) treatment
for drinking water in the East of England, according to Anglian Water. The company estimates
it would cost an additional £17million every year to run, too – amounting to a 21 per cent
increase in customer bills.
At the event, Anglian Water presented findings from its catchment management initiatives
including its Slug It Out trial – the UK’s largest ever metaldehyde-free farming trial aimed at
meeting the drinking water directive.
Slug It Out achieved a 60 per cent drop in levels of metaldehyde detected in reservoir tributaries
last year, but it was not enough to meet the legislative limits in all areas. Severn Trent and
Thames Water have also run similar trials.
The results from the three companies show that even removing 100 per cent of metaldehyde
from farmland is still not sufficient to meet the drinking water legislation.
30. Got a spare £600 million for metaldehyde treatment……
• “If resolving this issue is then left to water companies alone any solution would
likely need to be ‘end of pipe’. Not all pesticides can be removed by conventional
treatment technology meaning end of pipe solutions can’t be relied upon as a
panacea.
• Even if a treatment solution is technically possible on such a large scale, our cost
estimates show that funding it would be hugely costly and unsustainable for
customers’ bills.
• We strongly believe that domestic customers should not be the financial
backstops for this.
• “A collaborative catchment approach across multiple business sectors provides
the best option to safeguard raw water quality effectively while still enabling the
agricultural sector to thrive.
• However, catchment management by its very nature involves many different
stakeholders and therefore shouldn’t be the sole responsibility of water companies
to deliver.
• More organisations need to take responsibility for catchment management as an
essential approach, and for regulators to mirror this in the regulation too.”
31. Clear that if improvement in the ecological status of receiving water bodies
under WFD are factored in (using the NWEBS and EA’s Stage 1 valuation tool),
then the case for catchment intervention is greatly strengthened.
• Environment Agency’s Water Appraisal Guidance (NWEBS) was developed
to assist the assessment of benefits for economic appraisal of measures
which affect the water environment
• Relies on a ‘benefits transfer’ approach, using information about societal
values from existing academic studies and surveys, but does not cover all
ecosystem services including less easy to establish values, such as flood
regulation, human health and carbon sequestration
• Severn Trent have explored potential costs and benefits of surface water
catchment management to prevent non-compliance with pesticide levels
at the point of abstraction using a wider ecosystem services approach
Defining effectiveness needs to include behaviour, costs & benefits
beyond water companies
32. Acknowledgements
With thanks to:
• All those Water Companies, Government Departments, Agencies, Regulators,
Customer committees and Environmental NGOs that participated and helped
with follow up discussions, and particularly to David Smith & Lewis Jones
(Southwest Water), Claire Lorenc (Essex & Suffolk / Northumbrian Water),
Luke DeVial & Fiona Bowles (Wessex), Miles Foulger (Yorkshire Water), Steven
Lambert (Sutton & East Surrey Water), Severn Trent Water, Thames Water,
Irish Government, Irish EPA and National Federation of Group Water Schemes,
and Brian Ellor (UKWIR project lead)
• Roger Sokol (Director - Bureau of Water Supply Protection, New York State
Department of Health)
• Robert Holdway (Ofwat)
• Jannette MacDonald (JHI) and members of the Steering Group
• Colleagues on the team from Westcountry Rivers Trust, CEH and Ecologic.
• Colleagues at University of Dundee.
And with fond memories of Dylan Bright
34. Understanding water company drivers and
performance commitments relating to catchment
management
Rivers Trust Autumn Conference, 12-13 September
2016
Noel Wheatley
Director, Noel Wheatley Consulting Ltd
35. Setting the scene
• PR14 saw a transformation in Ofwat’s approach to price setting:
• More emphasis on customer and stakeholder engagement in
shaping company business plans
• Companies incentivised to deliver outcomes (performance
commitments) rather than specific schemes
• Rewards for exceeding targets and penalties for falling short
• New cost recovery rules (totex) to address bias in favour of
capital solutions
• Analysis of the performance commitments agreed for 2015-20
can help in:
• Understanding a water company’s appetite for engagement
on catchment partnership work
• Identifying the scope for ensuring enhanced water company
commitment to catchment activities in future price reviews
36. Overview of Performance Commitments (PCs)
• The 18 water companies (now 17) agreed over 500 performance
commitments
• 60% of PCs have associated outcome delivery incentives (ODIs), i.e.
financial consequences for under-performance or exceeding targets
• 54% of ODIs involve both penalty and reward, 46% are penalty only.
• Potential penalties amount to £2.64bn across all companies in E &W.
Potential rewards amount to just under £1bn
• An average water and sewerage company has a suite of 37 PCs across its
water, sewerage and retail businesses, of which 22 have financial ODIs
• PCs vary considerably across companies, depending on local
circumstances, historic performance, customer engagement, company
culture, risk appetite etc
• Potential penalties range from 11–31% of company turnover and
potential rewards from 1–20%
37. Potential rewards/penalties by service area (all
companies) 2015-20
30
1916
8
6
6
5
3 2 2 1
Rewards - % of total (£998.7m)
Sewer flooding
Supply
interruptions
Leakage
Pollution incidents
Asset health
Bathing waters
Environmental
compliance
Resilience
Drinking water
quality
Customer service
Environment
30
17
10
9
8
7
4
4
4
4 2 1
Penalties - % of total (£2640.9m)
Asset health
Sewer flooding
Supply
interruptions
Leakage
Drinking water
quality
Pollution
incidents
Environmental
compliance
Resilience
Customer service
Site specific
investment
Bathing waters
Environment
40. Performance commitments on catchment
management / partnership work 2015-2020
Company Business Description Fin/Rep Pot
rew
Pot pen
Severn
Trent
Water 12 successful CM/partnership schemes
delivered
Fin £5m £6m
Severn
Trent
Sewerage 14 new partnership projects with public
sector/NGOs
Fin <£1m <£1m
Yorkshire Water &
Sewerage
16 schemes delivered by working with
others
Fin <£1m
South West Water 63% increase in farm acreage under
improved management (to 8,154), 115%
increase in farms with plans (to 1,400)
Rep
Thames Sewerage 13 water bodies improved as a result of CM
activities
Rep
Bristol Raw water quality at sources stable as a
result of CM activities
Rep
Sutton &
East Surrey
14 NEP investigations/CM schemes
delivered
Rep
41. Some issues for PR19
• How to address resilience and encourage longer-term performance
commitments
• How to ensure more comparability, e.g. common definitions of PCs.
• Balance between rewards and penalties and between business areas
(water, sewerage, retail)
• What is a proportionate number of PCs for incentivising good company
behaviour
• Should some companies be able to earn rewards for improving
performance in certain areas (e.g. pollution incidents) whilst others are
subject only to penalties?
• Should there be more consistency on potential reward/penalty per unit
of improved performance?
• How will issues such as retail competition and proposed upstream and
downstream impact on the price review process - not to mention the B-
word……
• How is evidence on CM best brought into the business planning process
45. Context
• Over the last decade extreme weather in the UK has caused major and costly socio-
economic and environmental damage:
• flooding, diffuse pollution, soil erosion and sediment pollution
• It seems clear that conventional approaches to land management do not work to
mitigate these environmental problems
• Furthermore, solutions to flooding focus on downstream palliative approaches i.e.
building flood defences, dredging channels etc…
• …and ‘solutions’ to water quality problems focus on costly treatment by water
companies
• Upstream Thinking techniques are a complementary approach which may enhance
resilience of downstream flood defences, maintain elevated baseflows during
droughts or improve water quality prior to treatment
• But what is the evidence base to support Upstream Thinking and what else do we
need to know to quantify the multiple benefits (or negatives) associated with a
radically different approach to the norm?
46. This talk demonstrates how we can quantify the role that Upstream
Thinking might play as a solution to the environmental problems that
(for the most part) we have created…
The talk focuses on two different approaches:
• Moorland restoration
• Reintroduction of the Eurasian beaver
Highlighting data collected across multiple scales to quantify water
quantity and water quality benefits
47. Mires: Dartmoor and Exmoor Peatland Restoration
Luscombe et al (2014) DOI: 10.1002/eco.1527.
Luscombe et al (2014) DOI: 10.1002/hyp.10285
Grand-Clement et al (2013) DOI: 10.1111/1365-2664.12039
Grand-Clement et al (2014) DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2014.06.091
Grand-Clement et al (2015) DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2015.06.023
Gatis et al (2015) DOI: 10.1002/eco.1643
• SW Peatlands are an important habitat,
carbon store and source of drinking water
• At risk from:
• Climate change (as most southerly blanket
bogs, provide us with an analogue for
future change further north),
• Anthropogenic drainage,
• Peat cutting,
• Over-grazing
• Erosion
• Combined, these factors have resulted in
damaged peatlands with negative impacts
on ecosystem service provision
• 2010-2015 restoration projects undertaken
across Exmoor and Dartmoor
• Focus on ditch/gully blocking
• UoE research to understanding function
pre- and post- restoration
51. Processes Driving Bare Peat Expansion pre
Restoration
Averaged cross section of
Water table
52. Hydrological Restoration - Immediate Effects
Instantaneous
water table Jump
No significant
rainfall
Discharge falls as
pool forms?
53. Restoration Effects on Water Storage during June – July
(Data Subset)
Water table
depth in the
vegetated
areas
Standing
water depth
in the bare
peat areas
Water table
depth in the
bare peat
areas
54. Simple upscaling of restoration effects on Summer
water storage across Flat Tor Pan
Using mapping data from the monitoring project and mapping project we can
estimate that:
As Ground Water
Storage increases by
9cm (in data subset)
As Permanent Surface
Water Storage increases
by 14cm (in data subset)
Ground Water Storage in
previously dry areas of
peat = 1.26 million litres.
Across restored area. Assuming a standard bulk density of 50%. A total of 2.87 million litres.
FTP is only 1.26% of the bare peat on Dartmoor.
Extra Water Stored in
bare peat areas = 1.61
million litres.
55. Devon Beaver Project: Overview
• Fenced 3 ha site in North Devon
• 1st order tributary draining from IMG
• A pair of beavers introduced in 2011
• Dramatically changed site from small
first order tributary running through wet
woodland, to a diverse mosaicked
wetland environment.
56. Devon Beaver Project: Preliminary Results- Flow Attenuation
December 2014
February 2015
57. Devon Beaver Project: Results - Flow Attenuation
• Each x is a storm
• Flow in (above beaver) is greater with
higher peak discharge
• Lag times (peak rainfall to peak flow)
much shorter above beaver site than
below
• Demonstrates flow attenuation due
to beaver activity...
58. Devon Beaver Project: Results - Water Storage
Puttock, A., Cunliffe, A. M., Anderson, K., & Brazier, R. E. (2015). Aerial photography collected with a multirotor drone
reveals impact of Eurasian beaver reintroduction on ecosystem structure. Journal of Unmanned Vehicle Systems,
150429143447007. http://doi.org/10.1139/juvs-2015-0005
60. Devon Beaver Project Results - Water Quality 2
For all variables apart from DOC, water
quality is better leaving the site, than
entering the site
DOC concns are low entering (carbon
depletion of agricultural soils?), higher
leaving – carbon cycling in the wetland
that has been created…
61. Summary and Conclusions
• Restoring structure of landscapes through Upstream Thinking approaches has a
significant impact upon hydrological function
• Moorland restoration and beaver reintroduction shown here have led to
attenuated hydrological responses and increased water storage
• There is thus a value of this work in times of drought, enhancing baseflows in rivers
and flood, when more water can be stored in these landscapes
• In addition water quality has improved alongside multiple other environmental
ecosystem services not covered within this talk
• However, proving these benefits has required significant monitoring efforts,
without which it is difficult to quantify the value of land management or
restoration approaches or compare the value of different approaches
• Our next challenge (by 2020) is to adopt these approaches across all catchments
where significant UT works will be undertaken to translate this natural,
environmental science understanding into ‘value’ for the water company
62. Thanks to all project and associated partners
Devon Beaver Project
Devon Beaver Project is led by Devon Wildlife Trust and the University of Exeter, and funded by Westland Countryside
Stewards. Particular thanks go to John Morgan, the site owner, for hosting the reintroduction project and allowing site
access for researchers. The 3D Robotics Y6 was supplied by the University of Exeter’s Environment and Sustainability
Institute (ESI) environmental monitoring drone lab.
River Otter Beaver Trial
The River Otter Beaver Trial is led by Devon Wildlife Trust, working in partnership with the University of Exeter, Clinton
Devon Estates and the Derek Gow Consultancy. Data has been provided by the Environment Agency. Expert independent
advice is also provided by the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (Roisin Campbell-Palmer and Simon Girling), Professor
John Gurnell and Gerhard Schwalbe.
Mires Project
This research was funded by South West Water through the Upstream Thinking Program and supported by the Exmoor
Mires Patnership and Dartmoor Mires Partnership (in turn supported by, Environment Agency, Natural England, Historic
England, Exmoor National Park and Dartmoor National Park).
70. ‘Weight-of-evidence’ approach
• How do you best characterise
‘the problem’
• what are the technical remedies?
• how do you best change the
attitudes of farmers?
• how do you best assess the
outcomes of targeted intervention?
74. Farmer baseline survey
One aim of the DTCs is to develop ‘communities of practice’, ultimately with
the objective of improving farm management. To do this it is important to be
aware of current farmer attitudes and activities.
Face-to face interviews with farmers within the DTCs to obtain details on:
- Current adoption of mitigation measures
- Attitudes towards future adoption
- Business characteristics
75. Attitudes to future uptake of
measures
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Grow biomass crops
Establish and maintain artificial wetlands
Establish cover crops in Autumn
Re-site gateways away from high-risk areas
Establish permanent woodlands
Establish riparian buffer strips
Farm track management
Percentage of farmers
76. Collins et al. (2016) Science of the Total Environment 547: 269-281
Tackling agricultural diffuse pollution: what might
uptake of farmer-preferred measures deliver?
Cost of mitigation Phosphorus reduction Sediment reduction
85. Acknowledgements
Defra
Demonstration Test Catchments Consortium
Farmers, Landowners, Water Companies,
Environment Agency, Natural England, Catchment
Sensitive Farming, Catchment Partnerships, River
Trusts, and Other Stakeholders
87. Ian Bateman
Land, Environment Economics and Policy Institute (LEEP)
University of Exeter, UK.
Presented at:
Rivers Trust Autumn Conference
The Partnership approach & the assessing the benefits of catchment management
13th September 2016 - Rougemont Hotel, Exeter. EX4 3SP
Valuing the environmental, social, cultural and
economic benefits of catchment management
89. • Physical environment and its changes
• Changes in market forces, prices, costs, etc.
• Policy
Brexit
Catchment management starts with land use
and its drivers
90. Cereals Beef2014
Low High
Land use is changing - for many reasons
e.g. arising from climate change 2014-63
Cereals Beef20142039Cereals Beef201420392063
91. Cereals Beef2014
Low High
Cereals Beef20142039Cereals Beef201420392063
Land use change & water quality
Nitrates Phosphates
Linking land use to water quality,
ecological quality and economic values
Water
treatment
costs
Recreation
values
Flood
damage
costs
Non-use
values
92. 1 visit
1 visit
1 visit
8 visits
How much do people value waterside recreation?
• National survey data (MENE 200,000
household diary records over 5 years):
o Home location
o Location of visited sites
o Visit frequency
o Calculate visit travel time & costs
• Obtain data on site quality
£
4 visits
• Observed choices reveal how people trade-
off between site quality and visit costs:
o As costs increase so visits fall
o As quality increases so visits rise
o Reveals recreational value of new or
improved sites
• Analysis of visit patterns
100. Results: willingness to pay
River improvement
Household willingness to pay (£) per year
General public Recreational users
High ecological quality £8.36 £7.68
High recreational quality £3.51 £6.84
101. Impacts of change on Biodiversity
Data:
Breeding Birds Survey:
Bird diversity indices
• Annual survey of UK 1km grid
squares between 1999-2011
• Total of 35,349 grid square surveys
• Well over 200 species recorded
• All data spatially & temporally
referenced
• Linked to land use, climate & other
variables
102. Data:
Breeding Birds Survey:
Bird diversity indices
• Annual survey of UK 1km grid
squares between 1999-2011
• Total of 35,349 grid square surveys
• Well over 200 species recorded
• All data spatially & temporally
referenced
• Linked to land use, climate & other
variables
Modelled linkages:
Driver change
(e.g. climate)
Land use
Biodiversity
Impacts of change on Biodiversity
103. Modelled linkages:
Driver change
(e.g. climate)
Land use
Biodiversity
Results:
Impact of climate change induced
changes in land use 2014-63:
• Some increases in upland biodiversity
• Offset by losses in lowland areas due
to greater extent and intensity of
arable production.
Changes in bird biodiversity (Simpson’s index) under the BAU (2014-2063)
Measure of
biodiversity
change
Mean* S.E. Mean
Lower 95%
CI
Upper 95% CI St. Dev.
All Birds -0.248 0.006 -0.260 -0.236 1.420
Woodland Birds -0.034 0.004 -0.041 -0.027 0.839
Farm Birds -0.032 0.004 -0.039 -0.025 0.873
Red/Amber Birds -0.092 0.002 -0.097 -0.088 0.573
Table. 13.3 Measures BAU changes in bird biodiversity for 2014-63, using Simpson’s index of bird
diversity. Positive (negative) values indicate increases (decreases) in diversity.
N = 57,230 for all GB level analyses (the number of 2km x 2km squares in Great Britain)
95%CI = 95% confidence interval around the mean
St. Dev. = Standard deviation
*All means are significantly different from zero at p<0.01 (nonparametric test applied due to
significant skew in data)
Climate change impacts
2014-63
• Targets used as decision constraints
Incorporation in decision making:
Impacts of change on Biodiversity
104. Water quality below WFD requirements in
much of the River Aire
Status Quo
Comparing benefits & costs of a catchment management scheme
105. Baseline
20% Fertiliser
reduction
20% Livestock
reduction
20% switching
arable
Load
(kg/ha)
24.9 -1.1
(-4%)
-1.5
(-6%)
-5.5
(-22%)
Concentration
(mg/L)
5.4 -0.2
(-4%)
-0.3
(-6%)
-1.2
(-21%)
Farm income
lost (£m)
-2.39
[-2.50;-2.27]
-1.89
[-2.00 ; -1.79]
-5.53
[-5.23;-5.84]
Effectiveness
(£m L /mg)
-11.3 -6.3 -4.7
The potential for and costs of water quality improvements
Similar analysis conducted for diffuse faecal pollution
Costs to farmersBenefits to societyInterventionsCost-effectiveness of interventions
106. Costs on the rural farming community
(£5.5 million)
Baseline
20% Fertiliser
reduction
20% Livestock
reduction
20% switching
arable
Load
(kg/ha)
24.9 -1.1
(-4%)
-1.5
(-6%)
-5.5
(-22%)
Concentration
(mg/L)
5.4 -0.2
(-4%)
-0.3
(-6%)
-1.2
(-21%)
DFGM
(£m)
-2.39
[-2.50;-2.27]
-1.89
[-2.00 ; -1.79]
-5.53
[-5.23;-5.84]
Effectiveness
(£m L /mg)
-11.3 -6.3 -4.7
Winners and losers:
Potential for a Payments for Ecosystem Services market
Benefits mainly for the
urban community
(£12.5 million)
CC impact
Status quo Improvement
107. Flooding
Water
Timber
N2O CO2CH4
Greenhouse gases Recreation
Biodiversity
Food
Incomes
Drivers of change:
Policy, Market &
Environment
Values
Market values
Non-market
values
Social Value
Land use
108. Bateman, I.J., Agarwala, M., Binner, A., Coombes, E., Day, B.H., Ferrini, S., Fezzi, C.,
Hutchins, M., Lovett, A.A. and Posen, P. (2016) Spatially explicit integrated modeling
and economic valuation of climate change induced land use change and its indirect
effects, Journal of Environmental Management, 181: 172-184,
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2016.06.020
Hampson, D., Ferrini, S., Rigby, D. and Bateman, I.J. (2016) River water quality: who
cares, how much and why?, presented at the 22nd Annual Conference of the European
Association of Environmental and Resource Economists (EAERE), Swiss Federal Institute
of Technology (ETH), Zurich, Switzerland, 22nd – 25th June 2016
References
109. 12th & 13th September 2016
Rougemont Hotel, Exeter