Leading with Science®: Tetra Tech’s Contributions to the Overseas Territories Trade & Investment Dialogue

Leading with Science®: Tetra Tech’s Contributions to the Overseas Territories Trade & Investment Dialogue

Presented as part of a trade and investment study visit co-convened by British Expertise International and Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office

Speakers:

• Nathan Holloway, Managing Director
• Rukhsana Faiz Mann, Managing Director – Environment, Sustainability & Planning
• Victoria Brayshaw, Head of Civil Engineering, Technical Development Lead & Sector Lead
• Joseph Sanders, Senior Technical Director

Tetra Tech is Leading with Science® to solve some of the world’s most complex problems. They provide innovative, sustainable, and resilient solutions for their clients' toughest challenges in water, environment, sustainable infrastructure, renewable energy, and international development.

Whilst engaging with the delegation from the Overseas Territories, Tetra Tech explored:

• Best practice for climate adaptation
• Water infrastructure and resource efficiency
• Waste-water management distribution
• Reduction, reuse and recycling in waste and energy

The discussions showcased Tetra Tech’s work in 12 of the Overseas Territories, alongside lessons from flagship UK climate adaptation and regeneration projects, including Derby Riverside, which also demonstrated applicability to the Overseas Territories. Tetra Tech also explored key mapping tools, including FusionMap, OceansMap, and WaterNet to showcase how mapping and monitoring technology are integral to infrastructure and resource efficiency.

Tetra Tech highlighted direct lessons from projects both in the Overseas Territories and beyond.

1) The importance of integrated masterplanning

Framing flood investment as regeneration widens the case and supports multiple outcomes. This can be done through masterplanning, which maps at-risk areas, tourism, and mangroves to effectively present how flood-risk investment opportunities enhance livelihood and economies.

 2) Maximise nature-based solutions measures

Combine structural defences with landscape design and habitat restoration, which, for example, can store water, reduce scour and deliver amenity.

3) Formation of multi-party partnerships

Strong partnerships allow for long-term coordination and access to grant funding. This can include the establishment of steering groups with local government, technical partners and the tourism sector to present a single proposition.

 4) Phasing projects to prove value

Phased delivery reduces financial risk, demonstrates benefits incrementally and can help unlock further funding. A rapid-win pilot in one coastal community shows returns before the wider scaling of a project.

 5) Invest in local capacities

Extensive economic appraisal and public consultation ought to underpin design choices. Funding should be allocated to the development of simple storm-surge models and to the training of local engineers to maintain and update the models.

6) Make an economic case for benefits beyond avoided damage

Preparing a business case for flood works should include regeneration, tourism and property protection. To attract blended finance, it is important to quantify the impact of tourism, jobs, ecosystem services and reduced emergency costs.

7) Engage communities early

Public consultation to shape priorities and aid construction and land use changes. Engaging early and continuously with the community, and providing clear messaging about disruptions vs the long-term benefits.

 8) Protect people, livelihoods and key infrastructure first

Prioritise protecting homes, businesses and key infrastructure by mapping hospitals, airports, ports, water and power systems as early as possible.