Introducing the Catchment Change Network
The Catchment Change Network (CCN) brings together university scientists with a broad interest in catchment management along with a wide range of practitioners to consider the assessment of future change in catchment systems.
The science of the natural environment is an uncertain science. Practitioners cannot make predictions for real problems without significant uncertainty in representing the processes involved. In catchment management, this inherent uncertainty is exacerbated by the additional complexities of future climate change, societal change and technical innovation. These are difficult to anticipate or quantify and suggest a need for an adaptive approach to management with a science need driven by existing and emerging legislation.
CCN will explore the ways in which the latest scientific methodologies can inform this process in the three Focus Areas of flood risk, water scarcity and diffuse pollution. Network activities will include mapping of future research needs in collaboration with a wide variety of potential users, the development of Guides of Best Practice in each focus area and the development of a range of professional training opportunities across our science user groups.
CCN Objectives
The major aim of the network will be to integrate modern uncertainty estimation methods linking risk and uncertainty with a move towards adaptive management at the catchment scale.
The Catchment Change Network has the following Objectives:
- To formalise a network of scientists and science users in catchment management
- To jointly develop and deliver workshops, training and special publications
- To deliver three annual conferences which will actively identify future research requirements
- To integrate our three focus area topics (flood risk, water scarcity and diffuse pollution) and promote integrated catchment management.