A belief in a living countryside, a belief in a working countryside, a recognition of the interdependence of urban and rural areas, a commitment to protect the rural environment and enhance its qualities, and a belief that the countryside should be accessible to all are the five key principals guiding the government's rural regeneration policies. As the rural white paper outlines a new approach to addressing problems affecting rural areas British Waterways' strategy to develop a co-ordinated framework for action, partnership and investment based around its network of canals and rivers, provides an example of the way in which regeneration schemes can help to ensure sustainable economic diversification, development of local skills, and improved support for leisure, recreation and tourism. Possible amendments to PPG2 and PGG7, as well as the future role of the Countryside Agency, MAFF and regional development agencies, are also discussed.