Michelle Ashford is Chief Operating Officer for WICS, the economic regulator for Scotland’s water. With her strong commitment to collaboration, Michelle chaired A Fresh Water Future’s project steering group independently of this role, but bringing deep expertise of water regulation with her.
I have the honour of serving as the independent chair of the Steering Group for ‘A Fresh Water Future’. This critical initiative stands out in its commitment to transparency, consensus-building and informed decision-making at the forefront of our national environmental agenda.
‘A Fresh Water Future’ is more than a plan; it’s a call to action, a response to the urgent need to address the challenges facing our water resources. This urgency cannot be overstated – our water ecosystems are at a pivotal point, facing threats that are happening now and that require immediate and collective action.
We are at a crossroads in water management. The current model, which has prevailed for over three decades, is no longer viable in the face of escalating environmental challenges. The need for ambitious action is urgent, yet we find ourselves mired in politicised debates that often lead to blame, misdirection and stagnation.
This is why ‘A Fresh Water Future’ is timely. It represents a unique opportunity to capitalise on the current high-profile debate, combining it with expert knowledge and a democratic approach to set a clear, unambiguous direction for the future.
This initiative is the culmination of a broad collaborative effort, one that has been greatly enriched by the contributions of many.
Our findings and recommendations are the product of this collective endeavour. They reflect a hard understanding and a united vision for the future of our water ecosystems. This collaborative spirit is the cornerstone of our project, ensuring that every strategy, every policy and every action we propose is grounded in a broad consensus.
As we delve into the details of ‘A Fresh Water Future’, let’s remember the importance of working together. The challenges we face are enormous but not insurmountable, and they require a united front – a coalition of dedicated individuals and groups, all committed to safeguarding our natural resources.
As we stand at this crossroads, the decisions we make and the actions we take will shape the future of water management.
Let us embrace the opportunity with the seriousness that it deserves and work together to secure a resilient and prosperous future for our water ecosystems, making a lasting, positive impact on our environment, our communities, and our future generations.
Together, let us seize this moment to enact meaningful change and leave a legacy of environmental stewardship for generations to come.