1. « WFD contributions to water management
Water Directors’ meeting, Paris, 25 Nov. 2008
INBO REPORT
« WFD contributions to water management
in transboundary river basins: progress report & needs
identified by the basin organizations »
A draft report was discussed during the EUROPE-INBO 2008 « International Conference on WFD Implementation »
(Sibiu, Romania, 1-3 Oct. 2008)

2. Created in 1994 to facilitate operational exchanges between BO
EUROPE-INBO Group for WFD
Central and Eastern European Network of Basin Organizations
(CEENBO)
Mediterranean
Network
(MENBO)
188 FULL MEMBERS or PERMANENT OBSERVERS in 68 COUNTRIES

3. Why a contribution on transboundary issues ?
Many transboundary basins and aquifers in Europe
40 international river basin districts (on 110 RBD)
60 % of the EU territory
One of the most important challenges of WFD implementation
An important issue … but not enough examined within the CIS !!!

4. Strong points
For the 1st time in the world, 27 countries adopted the same basin oriented approach
Delimitation of International River Basin Districts (IRBD), coordination of characterizations, RBMPs and progr. of measures
Building up on preexisting bilateral / multilateral cooperation
Positive role of international commissions (coordination platforms)
Enlargement of international commissions & agreements (integrating WFD principles & considering the whole river basin)
WFD = a common reference frame for multilateral coordination (same objectives, steps and deadlines ; harmonisation of practices)
Reinforcement of transboundary cooperation
A tool for European integration

5. Weak points
Huge workload : 2 processes (national and international) at the same time, harmonization of methods, several languages …
Public participation : limited to a coordination of timetables
Monitoring : monitoring networks are still heterogeneous
Cartography : different projection systems
Management plans : still a patchwork of national elements
Policies : problem of different national policies, especially for shared basins between EU / non EU countries

6. Specific needs in IRBDs: recommendations
Increase human & financial resources of competent authorities
Improve decision-making process in international commissions
Support the creation of new ones
Develop urgently a joint management of transboundary aquifers
Coordinate warning networks and elaborate joint management plans for floods/droughts
Anticipate climate change and integrate adaptation measures from now at transboundary level
Strengthen the coordination of measures
Give more ambition to roof reports
Reinforce coordination with non-EU countries

7. Recommendations Involve local stakeholders
(they are frontliners for the investments & practical implementation!)
Develop common economic indicators
Develop a common approach of exemptions & extensions of delays
Launch joint training programmes for the concerned staff in IRBD
Define a common strategy for public participation
(coordinate not only the timetable but also the content !)
Define homogeneous monitoring networks
Standardize projection systems of cartography at IRBD level
Develop coordinated information systems using interoperability

8. Conclusions
WFD implementation in transboundary basins : a relevant indicator to evaluate the work done for WFD impl. in Europe
A driving force for new MS, non-EU riparian countries & outside EU
Can inspire other regions (principles are transferable)
Reinforce cooperation programmes with non-EU countries
particularly with non-EU riparian countries (the WFD objectives might not be achieved on account of their lack of organisational and financial capacity: it is a major stake for EU Member States !)
For ex : positive outcomes of the TWINBASIN programme and wish of INBO members for the continuation of the European funding support for a second phase of the programme