Influences on the development of river catchment planning in the Thames basin

Gardiner, John Lovel (1990) Influences on the development of river catchment planning in the Thames basin. University of Southampton, Doctoral Thesis.

Abstract

Most traditional programmes for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy take the form of ab initio analysis, design and speculation on likely or possible outcomes. The research here reported has taken the inverse viewpoint - that of a retrospective, intellectual exploration of the fundamentals underlying a complex and large-scale example of holistic environmental management. The experience and conclusions to be drawn here have been set in a global and historical context of philosophy, methodology and practice. The development of river catchment planning from major flood defence project appraisal in the Thames basin has been in response to a number of influences, not least the growing concern over continued exploitation of natural resources, physical damage and pollution of the environment. The process involves discovering the technical relationship between land use change and its effect on the water cycle, as well as the economic, social and institutional means of ensuring that the appropriate solution is properly planned and implemented. Any public investment in a river catchment is an opportunity for promoting sustainable development, by ensuring that plans for conservation and enhancement of the environment are fully supported as an integral part of the project. The philosophical approach diverges from traditional Western culture by acknowledging the absolute uncertainty of many aspects of the decision-making involved. In doing so, it provides an alternative evaluation which relies on professional guidance and the democratic process to solve the problem of including intangibles in traditional benefit-cost analysis. There is professional and legal legitimacy of the basic environmental assessment procedure utilised; economic and institutional legitimacy are being progressed, and all are much influenced by continuing public concern over the environment. The participatory observer approach to the issues allows an insight at the working level to the influences for change and their interactions, which can be readily generalised. People's resistance to change is seen in sharp contrast with rapid progress in technology, which can advance methodology when focused appropriately; elements of risk surround the initiative, and are diffused by the holistic approach. This ensures that all aspects are considered in order to establish the key issues which should determine the river catchment plan and its recommended investment profile; this guidance allows the policy of forward planning to be interpreted into design for both public and private expenditure. It is concluded that the conservation basis for sustainable development is promoted through the production of river catchment plans supported by new technology and consultation, with emphasis on `action to plan'.

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