Home News Church hosts national summit to address rivers’ crisis

Church hosts national summit to address rivers’ crisis

Provincial news Posted: 16 October 2024

The crisis facing Wales’ rivers is the focus of a national summit hosted by the Church in Wales next month.

More than 70 people from across the UK, including scientists, farmers, environmentalists and water industry representatives will come together to discuss the challenges facing watercourses in Wales and to look at ways of improving water quality.

The Restoring Welsh Rivers summit, chaired by the Archbishop of Wales, takes place over two days, November 7-8, in Cardiff, just before the UN Climate Change Conference (COP29) and Wales Climate Week.

Our hope is that we will find agreement about the principles and direction of travel required

Key themes will be presented by panellists over five sessions, followed by discussion and reflection. The themes include an overview of the latest scientific data, the state of water quality, the impact of sewage, soil and agriculture on rivers, the effect on the food chain and the possibility of nature-based solutions.

The Archbishop, Andrew John, pictured, says, “Our rivers in Wales are dying because they are being polluted. Wildlife is declining and many of our own water-based activities, such as swimming, fishing and surfing, are increasingly unsafe. We need to respond urgently and that is why the Church in Wales is bringing together key people with expertise or interest in the issue.

“There is no doubt that it is a complex matter and there are competing demands which will require strong engagement and clear articulation if conversation is both to shape public opinion and become policy or ambition in the political realm.”

Each session will be led by a panel of experts from a wide range of organisations. These include Natural Resources Wales, Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water, River Action UK, the Food, Farming & Countryside Commission and the Soil Association. Scientists from five UK universities will also contribute.

The event is hosted and funded by the Church in Wales as part of its commitment to protecting the environment.

Archbishop Andrew adds, “I am very pleased that so many key players have agreed to take part in the summit to share their experience and to hear that of others. Our hope is that we will find agreement about the principles and direction of travel required and commit to ongoing conversation where or, if, complete agreement is not possible.”

James Wallace, CEO of River Action UK, pictured, says, "We are delighted to see leadership from a key figure in Wales, the Archbishop, and be able to help plan this important gathering of cross-sector stakeholders. It is essential that we listen to each other and work together to agree a plan for the most effective and rapid ways of healing Welsh rivers, while ensuring the provision of essential services like sewage and water, and the livelihoods of farmers.

“Everyone needs abundant clean water and healthy waterways. Our economy, institutions, industry, security and food production depend on them. We hope that the example set by our host inspires the leaders of regulators, water companies, agriculture, NGOs and other influential groups to follow his example and work for the benefit of everyone with urgency."

We are looking forward to collaborating with other sectors and organisations at the summit

Fergus O’Brien, Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water’s Natural and Social Capital Manager says, “Welsh Water’s focus is on protecting the environment and delivering the best possible service to our customers.

“We are looking forward to collaborating with other sectors and organisations at the summit as there are a number of factors that contribute to river pollution.

“As a not-for-profit company that doesn’t pay out dividends to shareholders, we have been able to invest more in river water quality and improving the environment.”

Professor Bridget Emmett, Principal Scientist at the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology and President of the British Ecological Society, says, “This important summit will be an opportunity for us to focus on a crisis which affects us all – the quality of our water. Managing our soils more sustainably is a key part of solving the crisis and I am looking forward to engaging with others present to share ideas and to inspire action.”

I really believe that Wales can lead the way in dealing with the water pollution crisis that so many countries are facing

Professor Christian Dunn, from Bangor University says, “We’re incredibly lucky here in Wales that the push for cleaner rivers is bringing together so many organisations, all passionate about improving water quality, landscapes and communities.

“To have this led by the Archbishop of Wales is very special, and Bangor University is delighted to have been one of the original founders of the summit.

“Having the Archbishop leading this summit will hopefully ensure that everyone can come together in an open and honest manner to discuss, not only the problems we’re facing, but crucially the solutions we have at our disposal. I really believe that Wales can lead the way in dealing with the water pollution crisis that so many countries are facing. We can be world-leaders in tackling the societal issues and harnessing the power of Nature-based Solutions to clean up our rivers."