A University of Greenwich Project on the management of the River Thames
The project examined environmental governance of the Thames between 1960 and 2010. It aimed to provide a historical account of changing modes of public participation and political legitimacy, identifying connections between forms of governance and opportunities for environmental citizenship.
A Maritime at Greenwich Project, August 2011 - July 2013, funded by the ESRC
Using documentary evidence and discussions with Thames stakeholders, research focused on two issues. Firstly, what were the democratic and environmental consequences of the shift since the 1960s away from formal representation of interests on public boards for water and port services towards professionalised management with obligations to consult stakeholders? Secondly, what was the significance of governance changes for London's relationship with other communities in the Thames region?
The researchers found no inherent link between formal representation and effective guardianship of the river environment. Within an expanded regulatory framework, stakeholder engagement allows for broader effective participation in environmental governance than earlier representative 'closed shops'. Civil society organisations have been crucial to changing expectations for both river environments and active consultation. Nevertheless, a hierarchy of interests remains. The dominant economic functions of the river and riverside continue to shape outcomes; there are still significant local concerns and planning priorities.
A decline in London's political status and direct control over river functions has been accompanied by the city's increased access to resources. Despite the Greater London Council's resistance to water reorganisation in 1973, for example, river-basin management allowed key decisions about resource allocation to be made at regional level, in place of long-standing conflicts between local authorities over London's growing water needs.
Project Advisory Committee
- Prof. Roger Knight (Greenwich Maritime Institute)
- Prof. Yvonne Rydin (Bartlett School of Planning, University College London)
- Sue Tapsell (Flood Hazard Research Centre, Middlesex University)
- Prof. David Walburn (Local Economic Policy Unit, London South Bank University)
Researchers
Dr Vanessa Taylor and Professor Sarah Palmer.
Outputs:
River Thames Research Guide
www.gre.ac.uk/riverthamesguide
Further Information
For further information about the project please contact
Dr Vanessa Taylor
runningtheriverthames@gre.ac.uk