Protecting critical water resources
The Courtauld 2030 Water Roadmap ('A Roadmap towards Water Security for Food & Drink Supply') sets out a vision and key pathways to address the challenges we collectively face in protecting critical water resources for food supply, for nature and for local communities.
The Water Roadmap is co-ordinated by WRAP with collective action projects delivered by a large number of water stewardship expert bodies, on-the-ground delivery agencies and UK food & drink organisations, many of whom are Courtauld 2030 signatories and supporters.
Our UK-based projects include:
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Norfolk, Cam & Ely Ouse (East Anglia)
This project includes using targeted farm support to deliver practical on-farm measures that improve water retention, reduce runoff, protect soils, enhance biodiversity and improve the resilience of the surrounding water environment.
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Medway (Kent)
Around one third of the UK’s strawberries are sourced from this region, and the regional soft fruit sector, a major water consumer, continues to grow. But the Medway, is over abstracted and highly altered; climate change and population growth impacts exert further pressures on already limited water resources.
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Tamar (South West England)
The health of the Tamar is threatened by diffuse pollution, in particular linked to soil degradation, nutrient losses from yards or fields, and historic loss of protective wetland and woodland habitats.
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Wye & Usk (West of England and Wales)
The Wye & Usk catchments are important production areas for poultry, dairy, sheep, beef, vegetables, orchard fruit, soft fruit, and cereals. But the health of both rivers is threatened by diffuse pollution – in particular, nutrient and sediment losses from agri-businesses.