Two experts on instigating and harnessing policy (Hannah Coogan, CIWEM and Estelle Bailey, Wildlife Trust) give insights, plus a community member (Mike Potter) shares a beaver-related policy example
For groundwater flooding to progress from being under-researched and under-prioritised it will need to move the needle on policy, because policy - in a complex relationship with legislation and funding - is what actually gets stuff to happen. But how is policy instigated and how can it be harnessed? This episode aims to find out by talking to two experts with slightly different angles on policy and also featuring the case study of using beavers as a nature-based solution to flooding (and the current policy situation this approach finds itself in).
The two experts joining host Katie for this discussion are:
Hannah Coogan - the current CIWEM (Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management) President and Binnies Regional Delivery Director (Flood, Coast and Maritime). She has a wealth of experience in working within the policy-laden context of the water sector, plus has a very detailed knowledge of all the ways in which a professional membership body like CIWEM can influence policy.
Estelle Bailey - Chief Executive at Berkshire, Buckinghamshire & Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust and a Trustee at UK Green Buildings Council. She has a deep understanding of the patience (and sometimes frustration) involved in trying to address gaps in policy. She also has experience of how to use the public opinion levers of NGO's (Non Governmental Organisations) to affect policy decisions that make a real positive difference on the issues that count with the general public.
Adding his experiences of a specific issue where policy has been on a long and winding road to implementation (the use of beavers as a natural flood control measure) is Mike Potter from Slow The Flow Pickering, a pilot project that has become a beacon of hope for supporters of nature-based solutions.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in finding out what is involved in truly moving the needle on policy.