FORTH2O – Assessing demand drivers for water outcomes
Summary
In partnership with the Forth Rivers Trust and the University of Edinburgh Business School, FMS was awarded funding by FORTH2O to deliver the research project: “Understanding demand and market pathways for water outcomes in the Forth catchment through buyer engagement”.
The research project aimed to accelerate the development of high-integrity natural capital markets for water outcomes delivered through nature-based solutions across the Forth catchment. These markets represent innovative and increasingly critical mechanisms to recognise, value, and ultimately protect Scotland’s natural capital assets – particularly rivers and waterways – and the vital, multifunctional ecosystem services they provide.
To achieve that, the project adopted a demand-side approach that explores potential buyers of water outcomes, including businesses with exposure to water-related risks, the drivers of their interest, their willingness to pay and viable buyer engagement models, including contracts. The project consisted of a research study, stakeholder mapping, and extensive stakeholder engagement. The research components of the project were delivered with the support of SAC Consulting (SRUC).
Further information about the project is available on the FORTH2O’s website.
Outputs
The following key outputs were produced as part of the project:
Funding
This work was supported through the FORTH2O Commissioning Fund. The FORTH2O Partnership (Stirling Local Policy Innovation Partnership) was funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ES/Y502364/1).
Partners
The project was delivered in partnership with the Forth Rivers Trust and the University of Edinburgh Business School. The research activities were supported by SAC Consulting (SRUC). Other stakeholders involved in the delivery of the project included SEPA, the Scottish Government, NatureScot, Scottish Enterprise, and Scottish Water.
