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 (e.g. fisheries management) to broader topics extending beyond the water environment (e.g. community planning).
Area Advisory Groups will coordinate working with other initiatives in river basin planning. Where possible AAGs will:
- coordinate planning processes and resources with existing groups;
- 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
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The relationship between river basin planning and some other planning initiatives is still being explored. Links to further information on how river basin planning is working with other planning processes and existing initiatives will be available soon.
