Scotland’s water – natural resource can drive economic growth

Scotland can grow its water sector to the considerable benefit of our economy and it can help many countries to manage their water more effectively.

Scottish ingenuity and expertise is a valuable global commodity that will help establish Scotland as a leading player in the international water sector, Nicola Sturgeon said today.

The Deputy First Minister Scotland also confirmed that Edinburgh will host the 15th International Water Resources Association Congress in 2015.

An expert group, The Hydro Nation Forum, drawn from the water industry and other interested parties, has held its first meeting to help shape the delivery of the Hydro Nation programme.

Ms Sturgeon revealed plans to create a Water Innovation Park to develop access to facilities and support networks for the domestic industry and boost export markets.

She also announced that a team of water experts from Scottish Water, SEPA and the James Hutton Institute will travel to Malawi to share skills and ideas for the management and governance of water.

In Edinburgh, addressing the Hydro Nation, Global Ambitions Conference, the Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “In Scotland, we have, in Scottish Water, a successful, innovative public corporation.

“Scotland has positioned itself to take a leading position in tackling climate change and our commitment to the low carbon economy takes us naturally towards an emphasis on environmental and clean technology.

“Scotland can grow its water sector to the considerable benefit of our economy and it can help many countries to manage their water more effectively, protecting and improving their fresh water provision and so boosting their economic growth.

“The Hydro Nation Forum, which held its inaugural meeting today, brings together a high calibre group of water experts to give new insights and impetus to the Hydro Nation programme of action.

“Plans for a Water Innovation Park will look to build on and improve the productivity of the water industry sector, capitalise on the market potential by helping to bring new technologies through to the market.”