Isle Utilities Principal Consultant, Caitlin Rogers, was recently featured as a contributing author to the fourth edition of the Foundation for Water Research (FWR) newsletter. She gave her insights into Innovation and Ecosystem Services.
Isle’s Insights: Innovation and Ecosystem Services
Unlocking Nature’s Potential: Exploring Ecosystem Services and Innovation in the Water Sector
Isle Utilities Principal Consultant, Caitlin Rogers, was recently featured as a contributing author to the fourth edition of the Foundation for Water Research (FWR) newsletter. She gave her insights into Innovation and Ecosystem Services.
Highlighting Our IES Trailblazers: Feature Article: “Ecosystem Services and Nature-Based Solutions in the UK Water Sector”
In this article, Caitlin investigates the significance of ecosystem services in the UK water sector and their correlation with innovative, nature-based solutions (NbS). Analyzing word frequency in the current and future Asset Management Plans (AMP7, 2020-2025, and AMP8, 2025-2030) of UK water companies, the article raises questions about the commitment to protecting and maintaining ecosystem services.
The analysis reveals a noteworthy shift in focus from AMP7 to AMP8, with a substantial increase in mentions of “Nature-based Solutions.” This strategic shift is largely driven by Ofwat’s ambitious vision for AMP8, aiming to deliver enhanced environmental and social value through the expansion of NbS schemes and opportunities.
The article further explores ongoing initiatives, such as the ‘Mainstreaming Nature-Based Solutions to Deliver Greater Value’ project, which secured over £8 million through the Ofwat Innovation Fund. UK water companies are actively participating in NbS projects, including flood resilience endeavours and innovative technologies like microbial electrochemical treatment, algae-based wastewater treatment, and eco-friendly digital tools for carbon emission measurement.
Looking ahead, the water sector anticipates the development of digital twins for ecosystems, providing virtual representations and models to facilitate decision-making on NbS. Financial innovations are also in progress, generating economic ecosystem service value from and for NbS, as exemplified by the Wyre Catchment Natural Flood Management project—a pioneer in private investment supporting natural flood management.
We invite you to read the full article by subscribing (for free) to the Institution of Environmental Sciences here.
For more information contact Caitlin Rogers , Isle Utilities Caitlin Rogers