FutureWater provide support and technical expertise to The Nature Conservancy and Water Resources East in the creation of a Water Fund for Norfolk, in the East Anglia region of the UK. This work identifies Nature-based Solutions (NbS) to be implemented accross the county, aiming to leverage blended finance to fund their implementation. FutureWater is responsible for coordinating technical activities relating to the identification and prioritisation of interventions – these include working with a range of technical partners and stakeholders to create a knowledge base which supports the implementation of NbS accross the county.
Water Funds are a well-established model for facilitating collective action to address water security challenges through the implementation of nature-based solutions (NBS) as a complement for more traditional so-called ‘grey’ infrastructure such as pipelines and treatment plants. This assignment represents the first of many engagements in which FutureWater are employed through an umbrella agreement with the Nature for Water Facility. Via this agreement, FutureWater staff can be assigned as technical experts to help develop and direct the implementation of Water Funds across the world.
The objectives of the Norfolk Water Fund is to secure good quality, long-term water resources for all water users, while protecting the environment and showcasing the county as an international exemplar for collaborative water management. The programme seeks to demonstrate how cross-sector, integrated water management and can deliver multiple benefits and help achieve the county’s net zero targets. FutureWater’s role to date has included: developing a methodology to spatially characterise water security challenges across Norfolk; providing mapping and content inputs to a pre-feasibility report on the potential for NbS to deliver against water-related objectives; delivering a portal to show delivery of NbS projects; helping coordinate a stakeholder engagement event; and more recently, the development of reference material for a call for projects.
Related publications
2024 - Infographic
Beard, J.E. 2024. Norfolk Water Fund Summary Infographic.X
Norfolk Water Fund Summary Infographic
Beard, J.E.
2024 - Infographic
Beard, J.E. 2024. Norfolk Water Fund Business Case Report.XNorfolk Water Fund Business Case Report
Beard, J.E.
2024 - Infographic
Beard, J.E. 2024. Norfolk Water Fund Business Case Report Summary.XNorfolk Water Fund Business Case Report Summary
Beard, J.E.
