1. Basic principles for selecting the most cost-effective combinations of measures
Results of a Research Project by Ecologic and the University of Kassel
Published in: UBA-Texte 02/04 (German Version) (
Draft English version:

2. Scope, Purpose and Objective
Commissioned by the Umweltbundesamt to Ecologic and University of Kassel (07/02 – 11/03)
Starting point for the suggested approach: reporting end-2004
Probably part of the German report to the Commission by 2004 on economic analysis
Preparation of draft programmes of measures due by 2008
Suggested approach from national level to the Länder Authorities – remains to be specified, extended, developed and refined

3. Structure of the Handbook
Chapter 1: background, positioning in the WFD implementation process
Chapter 2: summary & overview of relevant guidance documents (EU and Germany)
Chapter 3: Typical pollution situations in German River Basins
Chapter 4: Overview classification of measures and instruments
Chapter 5: Selecting measures & instruments
Annexes with detailed description of 17 measures and 11 instruments

4. Distinction of Measures & Instruments
Measures & instruments: both are „measures“ in the sense of the WFD
Measures: „physical“ water management, including construction measures, predominantly local effects
Instruments: aimed at the relevant actors, including economic and legal instruments, consultative and cooperative solutions
Selection of the most relevant measures (17) and instruments (11) (data sheets in the annex)

5. Approach to Selecting Combinations
Seven-step approach, leading from initial characterisation to draft programme of measures
Selection of potential measures
Selection of effective measures
Combinations of measures and instruments
Interactions between Measures & Instruments
Calculation of costs
Determination of most cost-effective combinations
Coordination with other Sub-Basins / with other planning instruments

6. Selecting potential Measures & Instruments
Identification of potentially relevant measures: moving from pressure categories to polluter categories to deficit parameters to measures
Identification of potentially relevant instruments: determined by choice of measures

7. Combining Measures & Instruments
Combination matrix for measures: ecological effectiveness of measure combinations evaluated on a scale from (0) to (+++)
Interactions between instruments and combinations of measures analysed qualitatively or quantitatively – generally, instruments chosen to support the functioning of measures

8. Selecting cost-efficient Combinations
Selection of the most cost-efficient combinations based on five main criteria:
(A) Probability of target achievement (good status) (B) Ecological effectiveness (C) Time until effects materialise (D) Direct costs (E) Indirect economic costs
(A, B, C): primary decision criteria (effectiveness)
(D): secondary criterion (efficiency)
(E): tertiary criterion if (D) is indecisive

9. Coordination with other Regions/Plans
Integration with other sub-basins - to arrive at a selection of measures and instruments that is efficient on the RB scale
Choice of instruments requires integration between different levels of governance
Integration with other planning instruments (e.g. landscape, nature protection, flood protection, urban development, transport)
Processes need to be further specified

10. Contact for further information:
Jörg Rechenberg (UBA),
Edi Interwies (Ecologic),