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Community and Environment

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Read about our Community and Environment Research Impact Case Studies below.

REF Impact Case Study 2021

  • Submitted to: 14 – Geography and Environmental studies
  • Submitted title: Hazardous Waste and the Circular Economy

Digital image of waste next to water. The waste includes: a bicycle, washing machine, television, tyre, crisp packets, plastic, cardboard boxes, plastic bags, and smaller items.

Summary

The research of Professor Margaret Bates and Dr Terry Tudor has focussed on the effective management of solid waste such as electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) in developing countries and waster from healthcare facilities. This research has informed UK national policy development and waste management practices in countries such as Brazil, Ghana, Italy, Kenya. Nigeria and South Africa. This work has far reaching consequences in terms of dealing with huge volumes of waste, and the health and livelihoods of those communities affected.

Bates and Tudor have based their recommendations on research which explores the environmental, social and governance risks associated with the management of waste streams. They have demonstrated that these waste streams generate human health risks from bacterial and viral contamination (in the case of healthcare waste) and from inhaling toxic fumes when burning WEEE to salvage scrap metals. This research has been undertaken in conjunction with a range of public and private sector organisations and individuals including the All Party Sustainable Resource Group (2001-2020), the Chartered Institute of Wastes Management (2017-2020) and, in an advisory capacity to the E-waste Solutions Alliance for Africa, Professor Bates worked with companies such as DELL, HP, Nokia and Phillips to develop regulations, guidelines and infrastructure to support the recycling of WEEE.

Researchers
  • Professor Margaret Bates
  • Dr Terry Tudor

REF Impact Case Study 2021

  • Submitted to: 14 – Geography and Environmental studies
  • Submitted title: Shaping the Nene Valley Nature Improvement Area (NIA): conserving ecosystems, engaging communities, and transforming infrastructure planning

Photo of water at Irthlinburgh. The sun is setting and the water is reflecting the trees.

Summary

The Nene Valley Nature Improvement Area (NIA) is one of twelve flagship nature conservation initiatives designated by the United Kingdom (UK) Government in 2012. Research by Professor Jeff Ollerton, Dr Duncan McCollin and Dr Janet Jackson has supported the NIA’s focus on landscape interventions to enhance and restore diverse and threatened habitat. Their research evidenced specific needs in relation to pollinators, flora, hedgerows and urban waterways and green infrastructures.

Researchers at UON have collaborated with local government, NGOs such as the Wildlife Trust and the RSPB, businesses, and the regional economy to foster, monitor and educate on environmental conservation. The results have led to the enhancement/restoration of diverse habitats and ecosystem services across a 41,350ha area, the facilitation of new models of community engagement and supported step changes in regional policy making and green infrastructure planning. The efficacy and lasting impacts of these ecosystem restoration schemes for wildlife and communities has been recognised by subsequent awards of EU Special Protection Area and UN Ramsar designations for several restored sites.

More information about the success of the project can be found in the Nene Valley NIA Booklet and a short film that was produced by University of Northampton students.

Researchers