Such an approach has been given recent impetus by the Independent Water Commission (Cunliffe) Review, which proposes an innovative new regional water planning framework.

Within this framework, CaBA can drive integration across the myriad existing piecemeal plans and policies, including local nature recovery strategies, the water industry’s national environmental programme, flood plans, agri-environmental initiatives and more, thereby supporting the smart targeting of outcomes that realise multiple environmental, social and economic benefits. Part of this integrating role for CaBA includes continuing to harness a nascent commercial interest in how catchments function, in order to drive investment and innovation in strategic natural capital assets. However, fully realising the potential for synergistic outcomes under a new framework will require a marked increase in funding for CaBA partnerships to continue to build capacity and expertise, coupled with a more formalised recognition and legitimacy of their role.