Since 2005, we have been working closely in a number of different ways with the Environment Agency (EA) to help them engage with a broad range of stakeholders on a regional basis, on the EU Water Framework Directive (WFD) and its implementation in the UK.

We ran 8 initial opening workshops across England and Wales, then followed this with a series of regional panels.  In some regions we supported the Panels to roll out a stakeholder-led engagement model, and coached Panel organisers in the skills required to ensure these were effective.

 Since then we have delivered various pieces of ad hoc work supporting the EA’s lead on the WFD and currently are working in the Thames River Basin region to support EA Leads to gain stakeholder input on the River Basin Management Plan.

This length and depth of partnership with the EA has given The Environment Council, as an organisation, a thorough appreciation for and understanding of, the EA’s unique role in England and Wales, EA stakeholder needs, and specific issues pertaining to EA responsibilities.   

This approach to the WFD has been recognised beyond the UK. The Environment Council has been advising the Cypriot Government on its approach to Stakeholder Engagement in water resource management.