SNIFFER has a long history of working in water management and land quality research, although at the moment this is focused mainly on the water environment. We are currently running three knowledge management work streams in this area:
Our aspirations are to widen this topic area and our partnerships and we are investigating opportunities to support knowledge management in the areas of soil, biodiversity and on cross cutting issues such as climate change and WFD interactions. We welcome inquiries from potential partners interested in commissioning our services or in working with us on existing work areas.
Current Work Streams and Services
Water Framework Directive
The EC Water Framework Directive (WFD), the most significant piece of European water legislation for over twenty years, came into force in December 2000 and established a new, integrated approach to the protection, improvement and sustainable use of Europe's rivers, lakes, estuaries, coastal waters and groundwater. For more information on the WFD see UKTAG website or UK environment agencies websites.
Since 2001 SNIFFER has been involved in identifying research needs to support WFD implementation through stakeholder workshops and other knowledge exchange activities; developing and managing research contracts and dissemination activities.
UKTAG –SNIFFER partnership
Aims and objectives
Since 2003, SNIFFER has worked in partnership with the WFD-UK technical advisory group (UKTAG) to support the identification and prioritisation of research needs and the delivery of research outputs in the areas of:
- River basin characterisation;
- Ecological and morphological classification;
- Programme of measures;
- Environmental standards;
with the key aim of supporting the UK environmental regulators implement the WFD in a transparent and consistent manner across the UK.
For more information please see our proposed, active and completed projects and events.
Key audience
- Environmental regulators and administrations;
- Environmental NGOs;
- Regulated industries.
Flood Risk Management
The EC Floods Directive came into force in November 2007. This, along with the reality of recent flood events and the impact on lives and livelihoods, is a key driver for supporting work in the area of flood risk management (FRM). Although our work currently focuses on Scotland we are keen to work more closely with our other members and stakeholders in building networks, identifying knowledge gaps and delivering research management services. Future work is likely to include a greater involvement in natural flood management and supporting Local Authorities in Scotland to enable them to deliver their new responsibilities under the Flooding Bill (Scotland).
The FRM service
Aims and objectives
Since 2004 SNIFFER has been commissioned by Scottish Government to provide a research and knowledge management service building networks to support the development and implementation of the Flooding Bill (Scotland).
The RISE website is the main knowledge portal for this service.
Under this service SNIFFER aims to:
- Develop knowledge, understanding and awareness of research programmes and initiatives in the UK and EU including the CRUE eranet;
- Develop and deliver a FRM research agenda for Scotland;
- Ensure that Scotland’s research agenda and priorities are represented within UK and EU research programmes and initiatives through communication with key research funders;
- Provide a knowledge management service with a policy focus, including the continued maintenance, development and expansion of the RISE website;
- Commission and effectively manage a number of priority research projects); and
- Interpret, disseminate and communicate research findings within Scotland;
- Host an annual conference.
Key audience
- Scottish Government
- SEPA
- Scottish Local Authorities
- Environmental NGOs
- Scottish Water
- Academia
Topic area direction and strategy
This topic area is well established in the water environment and we look to strengthen links between WFD and FRM by being active in both arenas. We are keen to support knowledge exchange through facilitated workshops and dissemination events and will be looking for opportunities to use these skills in this arena. In particular we are investigating:
Soils
We are keeping a watching brief on the EU Soils Directive and are reviewing whether this is an area in which SNIFFER could usefully be involved.
Cross Cutting Issues
We are keen to support networking across boundaries and are looking to provide a forum to discuss links between climate change and WFD implementation and flooding issues. Please contact us if this is something you would be interested in hearing more about.
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