Several individuals seated at a table in a room, participating in a collaborative discussion

Co-production for action - reflections from the Centre for Blue Governance’s (CBG)’s Intern

Protecting our Environment School of the Environment and Life Sciences Faculty of Science and Health Research impact Research participation Sustainability Centre for Blue Governance

Hi everyone, I’m Issy and I’m currently interning for CBG, while studying part time for my MSc in Coastal and Marine Resource Management at the 91ÉçÇø (UoP). I was keen to stay connected with environmental initiatives over the summer and I recently had the opportunity to attend Clean Water South 3: Co-production and collaboration, held at the UoP on 25th June 2025.

The Clean Water South Event

This was the third Clean Water South gathering, bringing together a diverse group of participants - including water companies , community groups, local NGOs, policy makers, regulators, and academics - for a workshop styled day, centred on real-world challenges. The strong emphasis on co-production and collaboration set this event apart. Rather than simply discussing problems, the aim was to build relationships and drive tangible outcomes that could shape the future direction of the Clean Water South initiative. Six roundtable discussions structured the day, each focusing on a critical area namely; data monitoring and citizen science, chemical pollutants, integrated catchment management, demand, access, and efficiency, road runoff, monitoring and turning data into action.

A computer screen displaying a presentation focused on the importance of water and access to clean water.

First Hand look at Stormwater Management Infrastructure

Beyond the workshops, I was lucky to be part of a small group that toured some of Southern Water’s infrastructure around the wider 91ÉçÇø area. Led by Dr Nick Mills, Director of Environment and Innovation at Southern Water, the tour gave us a firsthand look at sustainable drainage systems (SUDs) and stormwater separation methods being used to reduce overflows, and minimise surface water flooding. Seeing the passion and technical expertise of the engineers involved gave me a deeper appreciation for the scale and complexity of what’s happening beneath our roads and homes.

A group of individuals wearing orange vests and hard hats, engaged in a construction or safety-related activity.
A table covered with colorful sticky notes and pens arranged neatly on its surface.

Hope for the future

One of the most powerful moments of the day came towards the end, when a few attendees made heartfelt calls for action. Our rivers and freshwater systems are struggling, and delays only compound the damage. It was a poignant reminder that events like this need to go beyond discussion—they must result in change. Encouragingly, event organisers are now working to develop a post-event policy brief or statement for local authorities, drawing on the ideas and solutions generated throughout the day. It’s a promising step forward—and a critical one!

As an intern and student, being part of Clean Water South 3 was an inspiring experience. The event showed how co-production can bring together diverse voices to build shared understanding—and more importantly, shared solutions. I’m excited to see how the ideas and momentum from the day translate into meaningful action, and I feel lucky to be even a small part of that journey.

Issy Troth, MSc in Coastal and Marine Resource Management