Preparations for Water Framework Directive implementation at the national level across the European Union WWF project “Water and Wetland Index” WFD-related Results Andreas Wurzer Head of the WWF Living Waters Programme-Europe

WWF and the WFD  The WFD is the best current tool to ensure sustainable “use” of water and wetlands across Europe, in order to conserve and restore the functions and integrity of freshwater ecosystems, both in terms of its “result” (“good status”) and “process” obligations (Integrated River Basin Management-IRBM) As a result, many of WWF’s activities are aimed at facilitating timely and effective WFD implementation and the achievement of its objectives

WWF & WFD implementation Participation in the WFD CIS (guidance development and PRB testing) Collaboration with national and local authorities Demonstration projects on WFD implementation aspects (e.g. water savings) and IRBM in general Fighting against water infrastructures that jeopardise the WFD aims (e.g. SNHP) Water and Wetland Index

WWF’s Water and Wetland Index  A rapid tool to identify the strengths and weaknesses of water and wetland management in Europe  WWI runs over in two phases:  Phase I investigated and scored ecological status of selected rivers, main pressures of freshwater ecosystems, condition of threatened freshwater species, quality of monitoring programmes - 16 countries  Phase II (a reaction to phase I results) assesses: Key aspects of water policy – 23 countries “Preparedness” of governments to effectively manage their water resources using the WFD requirements as a guide – 17 countries

WWI phase II countries

What did we assess? Timing of the WFD implementation process Public participation in the WFD implementation process Human capacity for WFD implementation Snapshot of situation on 31 January 2003 Snapshot of situation on 31 January 2003 WWI phase II: Indicators

What did we assess? Existence and content of implementation plans Progress in transposition Progress in implementing the different WFD tasks Why is it important? Unstructured last-minute administrative compliance does not deliver WFD objectives WFD implementation is not a ‘step-by-step’ process: Tasks must be developed in parallel Timing (1/2)

What did we find out? Only 40% of the surveyed countries have a clear public (but incomplete) implementation strategy MS and AC are using all the available time for transposing the WFD. A few countries seem to be very late. Transposition is completed in one “country” only (Scotland) Most of the WFD implementation tasks are apparently under discussion. Setting up RBDs is the most advanced one. “Water Pricing” the less Timing (2/2)

What did we assess? Information tools and their reach to ‘interested parties’ Opportunities for public consultation Opportunities for active involvement Why is it important? Information is crucial to foster public participation Public acceptance since the beginning of the process is needed to ensure successful implementation Public participation (1/2)

What did we find out? About 50% of the countries have a good or acceptable level of information tools. About 20% have very poor information Existing arrangements for active involvement are considered as quite adequate only in 10% of the surveyed countries Public participation (2/2)

What did we assess? Analysis of existing ‘internal’ and ‘external’ capacity (future) Plans for improving existing capacity Why is it important? Understaffed administrations and/or lack of specifically trained personnel will not deliver good results Needs for human resources and means must be identified and tackled as soon as possible Human capacity (1/2)

What did we find out? Capacity assessments have or are being allegedly carried out (they are not public) in most of the countries Weak capacity (internal and external) and insufficient financial resources to ensure a satisfactory level of public participation Plans for capacity improvement either have not been made public or will be developed after the transposition Human capacity (2/2)

WWI recommendations To make the WFD “work” To make the WFD “work” Intense activity at a national level, but more transparency is needed in the whole process Links between the different WFD implementation tasks must be carefully considered     INTEGRATION!!! Urgent need to improve consultation procedures and public participation arrangements in general Urgent need to increase capacity within the public administration and among stakeholders

Finally….  To succeed and achieve the WFD goals, we need new INTEGRATED approaches & measures: Administrative changes, policy co- ordination, new partnerships, full public involvement in decision-making, softer solutions, working with nature not against it - at all levels/scales  Such approaches are more sustainable and cheaper in the long run!  New mindset needed everywhere: Key therefore are education and awareness, capacity-building, NGOs and other stakeholders, cooperation  NOT JUST BUSINESS AS USUAL!!!