How we work with others
River basin planning will only succeed if existing water
management groups are included in the process. Working with
existing initiatives will help to rationalise the planning process
so as to:
- ensure effective and efficient use of limited resources;
- avoid duplication of effort;
- make use of existing knowledge and information.
Many existing partnerships or networks already carry out public
participation, consultation and engagement exercises. Part of the
work of these often local initiatives may overlap with that of the
Area Advisory Groups (AAGs).
The scope and range of activities covered by existing groups
varies significantly from specific or sectoral water issues (eg
fisheries management) to broader topics extending beyond the water
environment (eg community planning).
AAGs will co-ordinate working with other initiatives in river
basin planning and where possible:
- coordinate planning processes and resources;
- utilise the contacts established by existing networks;
- take account of the results from existing participation
exercises.
Other planning processes that will be involved in river basin
planning include:
- National Park Plans
- Community planning
- Coastal planning
- Marine spatial planning
- Natura 2000 sites
- Biodiversity planning
- Agriculture
- Forestry
- Freshwater fishery management
- Catchment management planning
- Flood liaison and appraisal groups
- Strategic Environmental Assessment
- Spatial/land use
- Water and sewerage services planning
The relationship between river basin planning and some other
planning initiatives is currently being explored. Further guidance
on SEPA's role in land use planning can be found on the planning section of our website. Links to
further information on how river basin planning is working with
other planning processes and existing initiatives will be available
soon