RIVER NENE REGIONAL PARK Kathryn Hardcastle Chief Executive Officer “The Nene Integrated Catchment Management pilot – Benefits of Partnership Working and Lessons Learned”

Nene Integrated Catchment Management Plan pilot study In March 2011, Richard Benyon, Minister for Natural Environment and Fisheries, announced that these pilots should: Provide a clear understanding of the issues in the catchment Involve local communities in decision-making by sharing evidence and listening to their ideas Work out priorities for action and Seek to deliver integrated actions that address local issues in a cost effective way and protect local resources

Nene Integrated Catchment Management pilot study area

The Nene Valley Strategic Plan

Nene Integrated Catchment Management Plan pilot study issues in the Nene catchment area Growth and development (good ecological status and no deterioration a major challenge with proposed scale of growth) Mineral extraction Water abstraction & sewage treatment discharge Nature conservation – Upper Nene Gravel Pits SPA/SSSI River modification Rural areas - largely addressed through CSF, Revital-ISE & NIA

Benefits of Partnership Working Unravelling the complexities Drawing on many sources of wisdom and knowledge Tackling multiple objectives simultaneously Incorporating many perspectives to decision making The opportunity to find win-win solutions to problems Creating a sense of shared ownership and empowerment

Nene Integrated Catchment Management Plan Approach Engage partners and stakeholders early and actively seek opportunities for their involvement Draw together organisations that might not otherwise meet Prepare a draft plan to stimulate conversation and enable meaningful input from stakeholders Provide opportunities for questions, input and suggestions during plan development Record comments, including suggestions for improvement projects (environmental, aesthetic and access) And finally to create the Catchment Partnership on the back of a widely accepted plan

A dedicated lead / co-ordination role is essential Local authorities and regulators need to be on board Proposals need to be integrated into strategies and policies Partnership working is more than the sum of its parts Resources go further when shared Shared information increases opportunities for wider action Governance is essential for plans to be formally adopted Nene Integrated Catchment Management Plan pilot study Lessons learned – practicalities

Academic literature tells us ‘Be clear about purpose, secure commitment, include all relevant people, manage expectations, build respect and trust, communicate effectively, establish decision making procedures, secure good leadership.....’ Nene Integrated Catchment Management Plan pilot study Lessons learned – the human element

But ultimately; Be Authentic ‘co-production implies that citizens can play an active role in producing public goods and services of consequence to them’ Elinor Ostrom Break down the illusions of us and them / in and out! Share the problem, ask for help Sustainable partnerships rely on reciprocal relationships Dump the targets – most exemplar projects come from people overcoming institutional hurdles and operating outside of conventional working practice Rethink communication – technology removes us from direct human interaction, and our professional jargon can be alienating People are at the heart of the environment – involve them before decisions are made! Nene Integrated Catchment Management Plan pilot study Lessons learned – the human element