Freshwater mid-strategy review for the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation
The Esmée Fairbairn Foundation has just published the Resources for Change mid-point review of their Freshwater Strategy. The review was led by Neil Smith, working closely with our associates Rachael Gallagher of Evolved Research and Consulting Ltd. and Kath Daly.
Esmée continues to support vital work being done by leading NGOs across the UK, all doing their best to ‘move the dial’ for better freshwater. Click these links to see the executive summary for the conclusions and recommendations, and download the full report .
Five years into a ten year programme, the review highlights the impact that supporting organisations small and large has had, particularly on raising public awareness to help drive policy and practical change.
An in depth policy review also highlights the ‘must do better’ challenge for governments, agencies, land management and water companies.
It is clear that one charity alone cannot fund the necessary change and that a systemic approach is needed, changing attitudes, practices and investment. The challenges of climate change are magnifying the impacts of poor land and water management.
As a company, R4C has noticed a welcome focus on freshwater in recent years, with projects for a range of clients covering the River Wye, River Lugg, Hampshire’s chalk streams and others. What we’ve learnt is that the problem is wider than sewage – we also need to change how we manage the land and produce our food.