The Ythan Project: A Case Study on Improving Catchment Management through Community Involvement

Abstract

Increased participation in resource management decisions by a wide range of stakeholders has been widely advocated, and has recently been formally incorporated into the European Water Framework Directive. However, achieving such participation has generally proved to be problematical. In response to locally perceived needs, a project was set up in the Ythan catchment in northeast Scotland, to undertake catchment management actions with increased public involvement. This paper outlines the methods used to increase public participation in such actions, and some preliminary assessments of the effectiveness of these. The experience of the project and the lessons learnt, including some of the difficulties of ensuring fully representative stakeholder involvement, are discussed in relation to published criteria for public participation in resource management.

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to acknowledge the support and assistance received from all the organizations and individuals involved in the Ythan Project, and in particular the financial support received from the European Commission's Life Environment funds. Further information on the Ythan Project can be found at www.formantine.org.uk.