1. Evdokia Achilleos & Jacques Delsalle
2012 Blueprint to safeguard Europe’s waters & activities on Natural Water Retention Measures
Evdokia Achilleos & Jacques Delsalle
DG Environment, Unit D.1
10th WG Floods Meeting
Brussels, 19/10/2011

2. A Blueprint to Safeguard Europe’s Water Resources

3. What is the Blueprint? Objective:
A policy response at European level
to address the implementation issues related to the current EU policy framework with a focus on water quality
to develop measures to tackle in particular water availability and water quantity problems
The Blueprint will:
Look into gaps and shortcomings of the current policy and ways to address them
Look at the evolving vulnerability of the water environment to identify measures and tools in several EU policy areas
Examine the balance between water demand and supply, taking into account the needs of both human activities and natural ecosystems
Explain how the Blueprint objective should be supported by data collection, scientific and technological development
Objective:
to ensure sufficient supply of good quality water for sustainable and equitable water use

4. Synthesis of policy recommendations building on on-going assessments
Better Implementation
Better integration
Completion
« Fitness Check»
EU water
policy
instruments
Outlook of sustainability and vulnerability of EU water resources
Impact Assessment
Policy
Options
Nov 2012
Blueprint To
Safeguard
EU Waters
Report on 2009
River Basin
Management Plans
Report on 2009
River Basin
Management
Plans
Report on 2009
River Basin
Management Plans
Report on 2009
River Basin
Management Plans
Report on 2009
River Basin
Management Plans
Report on 2009
River Basin
Management Plans
Review
Water Scarcity
& Droughts Strategy
Review
Water Scarcity
& Droughts Strategy
Review
Water Scarcity
& Droughts Strategy
Review
Water Scarcity
& Droughts
Strategy
Review
Water Scarcity
& Droughts Strategy
Climate Change
Vulnerability
& Adaptation
Climate Change
Vulnerability
& Adaptation
Climate Change
Vulnerability
& Adaptation

5. Impact Assessment Framework
EU policy instruments
Key environmental & social variables affecting water resources
sensitivity of water resources to changes in key variables
Adaptation & mitigation actions
Instrument portfolio
Implementation issues
Knowledge base
Funding
Climate change & variability
Human population & irrigation
requirements
Landscape changes
Industrial and energy emissions
Current
measures
Costs
Effectiveness
Co-benefits
Measures in the pipeline (RBMP)
Integration
Critical success factors
Additional measures required
The Blueprint impact assessment identify the broad range of pressures on water resources:
Organic/Nutrient pollution, dangerous substances
Hydromorphology/ Sediments
Disruption water cycle, droughts, floods
Over-exploitation water resources
It will build on the EEA State Of the Environment Report (SOER 2010), complemented by the EEA « State of Water » report to be published at the same time as the Blueprint
Cross-sectoral / cross-policies assessment (drivers, responses)
Common baseline, medium ( ) and long-term (2050) scenarios, sensitivity analysis.
Problem description
Identification of the key challenges
Which measures are needed as a priority
Analysis of the need to act at EU level: policy options
Objectives
General: A water (and resources) efficient society (link to Europe 2020)
Specific: Indicative targets at EU level on natural water retention, water savings, water reuse/recycling, water quality
Operational: link to policy options

6. Scenarios and targets for the protection of water resources
Water resource balances (quantity, quality) for relevant European river basins - SEEAW framework - monthly resolution - ECRINS reference system
Disaggregated information on the use of water for the base year by the different economic activities, including estimates on its environmental impact.
optimisation model, maximization of net social benefits from the use of water by economic sectors
baseline scenario / sensitivity analysis
Selection of measures
Blueprint Specific Objectives
indicative targets at EU level for reducing the vulnerability of water resources
Information on technical, non technical or structural measures affecting water availability and water use by the different economic activities, including estimates on their environmental impact.
natural water retention,
water savings,
reuse/recycling
water quality
Scenarios for land-use changes, hydrological parameters and use of water by the different economic activities
Water resource balances (quantity, quality) for relevant European river basins within the SEEAW framework at the monthly resolution under ECRINS reference system (as a result of a parallel call for tender [1])
Disaggregated information on the use of water for the base year by the different economic activities, including estimates on the impact on ecological and chemical status, as well as energy consumption, pollutant and greenhouse gases emissions.
Information on technical, non technical or structural measures affecting water availability and water use by the different economic activities, including estimates on the impact on biological, chemical and morphological status, as well as energy consumption, pollutant and greenhouse gases emissions.
Scenarios for land-use changes, hydrological parameters and use of water by the different economic activities (produced by the JRC Land Use Modelling Platform: EU Clue Scanner / LISFLOOD) including the issues of structural changes in Member States e.g. in the structure and location of population and economic activity.
[1] See information on on-going contracts and calls for tender supporting the Blueprint on

7. Policy Options Philosophy of intervention Type of Governance
Land-use
change
Behaviour
Change
Setting
limits
Governance
Funding Instruments
Type of
EU Instrument
Soft Instruments
Regulation
Area
of intervention
Knowledge
Innovation

8. Policy options (1/7): Develop a positive role for land-use
Land use change is one of the main drivers of the degradation of water resources and vulnerability to extreme events
Identify and analyse natural water retention measures that could be widely implemented at EU level
Reforestation, soil management, sustainable urban drainage systems, floodplain restoration, etc.
Assessment of co-benefits and barriers to implementation
Define the policy instruments that can accelerate the implementation of those measures
Integration into territorial management instruments (CAP, Cohesion Policy, local planning)
Guidelines for RBMP
Payment for Ecosystem Services 8

9. Policy options (2/7): Economic incentives for a more efficient water resources management
Develop a consistent approach for the internalisation of costs from water use and water pollution
The options to be developed include:
More concrete criteria for pricing, taxation, removal of harmful subsidies, etc.
Setup of water allocation schemes (including tradable permits) in water scarce areas
Payment for ecosystem services
Certification schemes
Water efficiency in buildings and distribution networks 9

10. Policy options (3/7): Water efficiency targets and measures to protect water resources
Water accounts and scenarios developed by the European Commission (DG ENV, JRC) and EEA
As support for a policy aiming at a more resource efficient use of water (quantity + quality)
As support for a policy promoting implementation of ecosystem based approaches for water provision
As a tool for demand management at river basin level
Policy Options:
Development of targets for water efficiency (and quality improvement) in the MS at sectoral and river basin level
Provide a framework for the development of water efficiency measures, in particular reuse and recycling

11. Policy options (4/7): Governance
Input from the Fitness Check and RBMPs assessments
A set of specific suggestions to improve the governance system stemming from EU water policy
On that basis, options to be developed will aim at:
Improving the administrative setup (at both national and trans-boundary level, e.g. enhancing the role of River Basin Authorities)
Improve the efficiency of the implementation (e.g. reporting requirements) while providing the reactive capacity needed to face emerging challenges (e.g. climate change adaptation) 11

12. Policy options (5/7): Knowledge base
On-going knowledge mapping
Fitness Check / Assessment RBMP: Identification of gaps, administrative burden, areas for improvement
Trans-boundary river basins: need for coherence/transparency on water allocation
Possible options
Stronger statistics activity on pressures on water resources
River basin, seasonal focus
Increased use of satellite and land GMES observations
Enhanced Water Information System for Europe (WISE) to include policy relevant indicators
Development of a roadmap for water research under the next Framework Programme 12

13. Policy options (6/7): Innovation
Plans for an Innovation Partnership (IP) on Water Efficiency:
To identify barriers to innovation in water resource management and ways to overcome them
Multidisciplinary and multi-stakeholder approach to develop innovative solution for water challenges
The IP is being defined with stakeholders
3 work packages: Urban areas, Rural areas and Industrial users
Up to 30 Innovation sites to be established across Europe to test innovative solutions (technology, management practices, etc.)
Focus on disseminating solutions and integrating the gradual output of the partnership into DG ENV policy development and implementation cycle 13

14. Policy options (7/7): Global aspects
Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) on access to drinking water and sanitation
Relevant outcomes of the Rio+20 Conference
Supporting integrated water management in developing countries
Competitiveness & trade implications of EU policy (virtual water / life cycle impacts) 14

15. Calendar towards Blueprint adoption in November 2012
2011-III
2011-IV
2012-I
2012-II
2012-III
2012-IV
Assessment RBMP – Pressures & Measures
Water Efficiency in Buildings
WSD Gap Analysis
ClimWatAdapt
Natural water retention measures
Fitness Check 2
Water resources balances
Scenarios & Targets
Impact Assessment Policy options
Public Consultations FC
Options
Key Events FC
WWF GW
END
Adoption
IAB
ISC
15/11

16. Natural Water Retention Measures (NWRM)16

17. On-going work
DG ENV Study on “ Costs, benefits and climate proofing of natural water retention measures”
implemented by STELLA Consulting
support from JRC/IES (modelling)
Contribution to the Blueprint
Assessment of the vulnerability of water resources to climate change and other man made pressures
Developing positive role for Land Use management
In parallel with other studies launched by DG ENV to cover green infrastructure / ecosystem based adaptation approach & valuation of ecosystem services

18. Objectives of the Study
Provide estimates of the costs and benefits, and potential for increasing resilience to climate change of natural water retention measures.
including multi-functionality and impact on Ecosystem Services.
Analyse the potential of EU policy and funding instruments to promote no- regret measures.
The study will be supported by JRC land use & hydrological modelling
Implementation of a subset of measures on a European scale
estimates of the effect on local and regional hydrology.

19. What do we mean by Natural Water Retention Measures?
restoration of floodplains, natural flood defence measures, sustainable urban drainage systems, natural water retention in upstream parts of river basins by reforestation, wetland restoration or soil management, etc.
Measures that
aim to safeguard and enhance the water storage potential of ecosystems and aquifers, by restoring natural features and characteristics of water courses.
use nature to regulate the flow and transport of water so as to smooth peaks and moderate extreme events.
are a component of a multi-functional Green Infrastructure

20. Catalog of Natural Water Retention Measures (1/4)
M1 Continuous cover forestry
M2 Maintaining and developing riparian forests
M3 Restoring and maintaining meadows and pastures
M4 Afforestation of agriculture land

21. Catalog of Natural Water Retention Measures (2/4)
M5 Buffer strips
M6 Crop practices
M7 Tillage
M8 Terracing
M9 Green cover
M10 Early sowing
M11 Filter strips and swales

22. Catalog of Natural Water Retention Measures (3/4)
M12 Permeable surfaces and filter drains
M13 Infiltration devices
M14 Basins and ponds
M15 Green roofs
M16 Artificial ground water recharge

23. Catalog of Natural Water Retention Measures (4/4)
M17 Wetland restoration
M18 Restoration of lakes
M19 Design of shallow impoundments on tributaries of reservoirs
M20 Floodplain restoration
M21 Bank structure
M22 Re-meandering
P.Vasiliadis

24. NWRM Knowledge Base Progress to Date
Database in progress (22 NWRM identified and analyzed based on reviewed information sources)
Fact Sheets assessing the information /data availability from the information sources for each measure:
Applicability
Direct Impact
Benefits and Co-Benefits (Ecosystem Services)
Cost Components
EU policy relevance

26. Factsheet components (1/5): Applicability of Measures
Climate zone
Land-use
Location (upstream ………..downstream)
Soil permeability (low ……….. high)
Soil depth (shallow very deep)
Topography (slopping, flood plain, channel)
EU relevance (geographical)

27. Factsheet components (2/5): Direct Impact on Water retention
Soil moisture
Evapotranspiration
Run-off control
Groundwater replenishment
Land-use change
Erosion
Water temperature

28. Multi-Modelling Approach for NWRM
Meteorological
Data
Maps (Topography,
channel, etc.)
Empirical parameters
Cal. Constants
LISFLOOD
Hydrological
Modelling
Preprocessing
Routines
LUMP
EUClueScanner
CAPRI PE
CLC
LU Maps
LU dependent
Parameters
River Discharge
Soil Moisture
Ground water
Discharge
Rate / State Variables

29. Main data needs for LISFLOOD modelling of NWRM
- infiltration rate (while converting arable land to grassland or forest, or on buffer strips)
- hydraulic surface roughness (e.g. for floodplain forests, grass buffer strips)
- saturated hydraulic conductivity (while converting arable land to grassland or forest area)
- bulk density (or porosity) changes when changing land use or crop practices
- organic matter changes while converting land use

30. Factsheet components (3/5): Benefits and Co-Benefits (Ecosystem Services)
Flood hazard reduction
Soil quality improvement
Ambient air temperature
Food/fibre/fuel
Water quality regulation
Air quality
Climate regulation
Cultural services
Provision of habitat

31. Factsheet components (4/5): Cost components
Land requirement: Acquisition and Compensation
Construction and rehabilitation: Investment, Design and Contingency
Construction and rehabilitation: Operation and Maintenance
Administrative costs: Enforcement costs, Monitoring, Extension of networks
Other costs: e.g. productivity losses, environmental risks, trade-offs

32. Factsheet components (5/5): EU Policy Relevance
Relevant EU policies:
Water Policy,
Nature and Biodiversity Policy,
CAP,Cohesion Policy, Disaster prevention and Adaptation policies
Relevant EU funding instruments
Life,
CAP,
Structural Funds,
Cohesion Funds
Potential Implementation barriers or critical success factors of the measures will be analyzed in relation to the policies and funding schemes

33. Current tasks Dissemination of draft Factsheets
Collect Information and Data, related to information gaps identified in the assessment of measures as well as feedback on the Factsheets
Applicability, ex-ante/ex-post assessment of costs and benefits, implmentation issues, link to EU policy instruments
Data on modelling parameters from Member States can lead to better quality results:
Data from measurements on these parameters
Assumptions used in national regional scenario studies
Modeling of selected measures and scenarios on European scale using hydrological and Land-use models to quantify impacts and potential benefits (JRC)

34. Expected outcome of the Study (April 2012)
Identification and quantification of the costs and benefits of no-regret measures. Evaluation of measure effectiveness in relation to the variability of the natural environment, socio-economic factors, and policy context.
Analysis of the potential implementation barriers or critical success factors for no-regret measures in EU policies, leading to practical policy recommendations and analysis of funding potential
Blueprint Impact Assessment

35. Thank you for your attention !
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