Rising waters | Rooted solutions
Sharing knowledge to build resilience: Ousewem at ICE/CIWEM Conference
Ousewem was proud to participate in the 3rd ICE/CIWEM Yorkshire and Humber Flooding and Water Quality Conference, showcasing our commitment to collaboration and innovation
On 27 November 2024, Ousewem was proud to participate in the 3rd ICE/CIWEM Yorkshire and Humber Flooding and Water Quality Conference in Leeds. Hosted by CIWEM, a globally recognised leader in sustainable environmental management, the event convened experts from organisations including Yorkshire Water, the Environment Agency, and City of York Council to discuss pressing challenges in flood risk and water quality.
Vicky Murray, Project manager at City of York Council presenting "Ousewem: Exploring Nature-Based Solutions and Land Management Across North Yorkshire"
Ousewem’s contributions showcased our commitment to collaboration and innovation in addressing these issues. In Session 1, Vicky Murray, our Project Manager, City of York Council, presented Ousewem: Exploring Nature-Based Solutions and Land Management Across North Yorkshire. Reflecting on the importance of such events, she shared:
Attending events like the CIWEM Yorkshire and Humber Flooding and Water Quality Conference is invaluable for fostering collaboration and sharing best practices.
"It’s an opportunity to connect with experts from across the sector, explore innovative solutions, and ensure that we’re working together to create a more resilient future. I’d like to thank CIWEM for organising such an engaging and important event and for providing a platform to highlight Ousewem’s efforts in driving sustainable flood management across Yorkshire.”
Vicky’s presentation highlighted Ousewem’s key technical innovation including development of natural flood management (NFM) mapping and the hydrological assessment tool. Showcasing the progress made in these areas, Vicky also touched on the challenges encountered in enhancing flood resilience. The session underscored the importance of these tools in supporting sustainable, evidence-based approaches to flood management.
Later in Session 4, Barry Hankin, Chief of Environmental Modelling at JBA and honorary researcher at Lancaster University, delivered Ousewem: Improving Resilience to York through Integrated Modelling of NbS. Barry demonstrated how advanced modelling, developed in partnership with Ousewem, help visualise the benefits of nature-based solutions (NbS). As a follow up to his presentation, Barry included Ousewem’s latest video, NFM Tools - Modelling, Theory, and Practice, highlighting Ousewem’s tools, demonstrating their practical applications.
Barry Hankin, Chief of Environmental Modelling at JBA and honorary researcher at Lancaster University presenting "Ousewem: Improving Resilience to York through Integrated Modelling of NbS"
As the conference concluded, it was clear that knowledge sharing remains pivotal in the fight against climate change. Ousewem’s presentations reinforced the value of combining scientific expertise with on-the-ground action to create resilient communities. Together, we are working towards a more resilient future.
