Item 2.2 Guidance Document on RBM in a Changing Climate

Item 2.2 Guidance Document on RBM in a Changing Climate Starts from the June 2008 WDs strategy paper on Climate Change and Water First distinct product of the follow up process to the White Paper on Adaptation

Item 2.2 Guidance Document on RBM in a Changing Climate The Guidance Document illustrates ways in which climate change impacts can be integrated into preparations for the second and third River Basin Management Planning (RBMP) cycles. is meant to help Member States to clearly demonstrate as a minimum how climate change projections have been considered in the assessment of pressures and impacts, monitoring programmes and appraisal of measures. is focussing on WFD implementation but also includes principles for incorporating climate change into flood and drought management.

Item 2.2 Guidance Document on RBM in a Changing Climate The Guidance Document describes 62 guiding principles for adaptation, and relates each to steps in RBMP. The principles are intentionally broad to be applicable across all Member States regardless of regional variations in potential impacts. Where feasible, entry points have been identified within existing processes and frameworks. Examples are provided to show how the principles might be applied in practice.

Item 2.2 Guidance Document on RBM in a Changing Climate Selected important messages Apart from exceptional circumstances, it is not expected that, within the timeframe of WFD implementation (i.e., up to 2027), and within the metrics used for status assessment, that a climate change signal will be statistically distinguishable from the effects of other human pressures at a level requiring reclassification of sites.

Item 2.2 Guidance Document on RBM in a Changing Climate Selected important messages (cont.) Most likely indirect pressures arising from human responses to climate change – both adaptation and mitigation - will have a greater impact (such as elevated water abstractions for irrigated agriculture, new flood defence infrastructure or effects on water quality and quantity of intense production of energy crops).

Item 2.2 Guidance Document on RBM in a Changing Climate Selected important messages (cont.) Maintain both surface and groundwater surveillance monitoring sites for long time series. Include reference sites in long term monitoring programmes to understand the extent and causes of natural variability and impact of climate change.

Item 2.2 Guidance Document on RBM in a Changing Climate Selected important messages (cont.) Given deep uncertainty about regional climate change projections and realised impacts on aquatic ecosystems, RBMP should incorporate management strategies that deliver benefits regardless of the climate outlook. Robust and adaptive RBM measures are low regret, or reversible, incorporate safety margins, employ ‘soft’ solutions, are flexible, and mindful of the actions being taken by others to either mitigate or adapt to climate change.

Item 2.2 Guidance Document on RBM in a Changing Climate Present document is to be considered as a first step. There are still issues to be adressed in more detail (groundwater; land use; …) Guidance may be complemented by additional recommendations. Feed back from users will be required and essential for stepwise developing the guidance into a best practice document.

Item 2.2 Guidance Document on RBM in a Changing Climate Guidance Document to be presented at side event at COP 15 on 16 Dec Many thanks to all who contributed, in particular to the chapter co-ordinators (UK, FR, ES, EEA, WG F)