Latest Briefing in Climate, water and energy for 2011

Putting 'Good Practice' in Context - Lessons for Catchment Management

In recent years, collaborative and cross-sectoral approaches have been recommended as the most effective and equitable way to achieve better water quality in catchments. However, the realisation that such an approach is often the right thing to do does not mean that this is a simple and predictable process.

Previous research has identified several factors that promote collaborative management success including the use of adaptive management approaches, good communications between stakeholders and management of conflictive situations. However, critical assessment of past case studies shows that following good practice processes may not always result in successful outcomes (e.g. increased engagement, sustainable process, improved water quality) as other factors can intervene such as lack of funding, poor coordination, and difficulties in maintaining engagement with key stakeholders. This research addresses the need to understand the factors that may influence the efficacy, efficiency and equity of such processes.

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Published on 6 December 2011 in Sustainability and Communities , Climate, water and energy , Ecosystems and biodiversity

Briefings in Climate, water and energy for 2011

Designing effective flood warning systems in Scotland

The risks from flooding can never be completely eliminated but the harm caused by floods can be greatly reduced or mitigated by effective flood warning systems. Read more

Published on 2 November 2011 in Climate, water and energy

River Basin Planning meets Spatial Planning

The EU Water Framework Directive (WFD), seen by many as a 'Sustainability Directive', strongly emphasises the need for closer ties between river basin management and land use planning. Read more

Published on 18 August 2011 in Climate, water and energy

Encouraging land-manager contributions to protecting and enhancing the water environment

The Scottish Government recognises water as a key resource that is . Read more

Published on 9 August 2011 in Climate, water and energy

New diagnostic test for endemic cattle disease under development

Johne's Disease caused by Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis is endemic disease in cattle and its prevalence is increasing. Read more

Published on 16 February 2011 in Sustainability and Communities , Climate, water and energy , Ecosystems and biodiversity , Food, health and wellbeing

Impacts of volcanic ash originating from the eruption in Eyjafjallajökull (Iceland) on the natural resources of Scotland

The fall out of volcanic ash from the eruption of the Icelandic volcano Eyjafjallajökull caused significant travel disruption during April 2010 and raised specific concerns about the potential impacts on Scottish natural resources, such as (i) pastures and livestock; (ii) soils and (iii) surface water. Read more

Published on 8 February 2011 in Climate, water and energy , Ecosystems and biodiversity

The social benefits of reducing outcome-related risk in land-based climate change mitigation

There are three principle means of reducing emissions from agriculture: i) reducing emissions; ii) enhancing removals; and iii) displacing emissions. Read more

Published on 11 January 2011 in Climate, water and energy