Analysis of the current state of water-­resource management in the UK using Social Network Analysis and Agent-­Based Modelling: a case study in the Wear Catchment, County Durham

Abstract

Since the introduction of the Water Framework Directive in 2000, there has been a drive towards managing water resources at the catchment-­scale in the UK. The rationale for this approach is driven by intentions of localising environmental improvement, involving a wide range of stakeholders working in collaboration to identify water issues and potential actions to address them. However, despite this recognition, and drive towards collaborative working, there has been little focus on how the stakeholders actually come together in water-­resource management, for example: the role stakeholders play; what skills, expertise, and resources they contribute; and, how decisions are made in the collaboration. More specifically, there is an opportunity to conduct analysis and build understanding of the rules of collaboration behaviour, attitudes, activities and evolution directions. The overall aim of this research was to analyse the current state of water-resource management in the UK, focusing on cross-­boundary interactions between governmental and non-­governmental actors, specifically in the Wear Catchment, County Durham. To achieve this aim, a multi-­method approach was utilised, including social network analysis and agent-­based modelling, exploring the position and role of individual actors in the network, and how changes made to the network structure of stakeholders, could affect inter‑ and intra-­group collaborations. Ultimately, by analysing the current state of collaboration in water‑resource management, this research contributes to the wider understanding of progress made in terms of the management of water resources in the UK, including the strengths and potential flaws of the approach.