1. Workshop on Biodiversity and Water
SCG Meeting
23 February 2010
Dr. Ursula Schmedtje
DG Environment, European Commission

2. Background
Water Directors Meeting in Paris: water and biodiversity should be a priority for
“Frequently Asked Questions” Paper prepared by DG ENV Water Unit and Natura 2000 Unit on the links between WFD – BHD
Discussion at the SCG meeting November 2009 on a potential CIS activity with a workshop to kick-off the activity – positive feedback from MS and stakeholders
Letter sent to Water and Nature Directors asking for
support in the preparation of the workshop and nomination of experts
opinion on a joint ad hoc meeting of the Water and Nature Directors
Water Directors Meeting in Malmö: appreciated the suggestion to organise a joint ad hoc meeting with the Nature Directors, but should be confirmed after the workshop on Biodiversity and Water in 2010.

3. Summary of responses by Water and Nature Directors
Responses by Member States
DE – DK – EL – ES – FR – HU – PL – SE – UK as well as Lower Austria
Preparation of the workshop and nomination of experts
DE – EL – ES – FR – HU – UK. In addition: EEB.
Additional information
DK would like to participate in the workshop and share information.
FR could present a case study. The scope of the workshop should be extended to cover multilateral agreements, in particular the Ramsar Convention.This is also supported by DE.
Comments on the FAQ paper: DE – DK – FR.

4. Workshop Aims of the workshop
provide an overview of the existing links between the WFD and the Natura directives (FAQ Paper)
exchange information and present specific case studies exemplifying synergies and conflicts of objectives of WFD and BHD. Some key topics:
Coastal waters and ports
Large rivers and navigation
Rivers and hydromorphological alterations
Heavily modified water bodies and new modifications
Protection of wetlands and WFD implementation
broader discussion on biodiversity and water including international conventions, e.g. Ramsar Convention and CBD
identify areas where further activity is needed and guidance should be developed.

5. Preparation of the workshop
Organisation
Jointly organised by Commission (water and nature units), Member States and stakeholders
Tentative date for the workshop: June 2010
Preparatory meeting
to be held on 4 March in Brussels (DG ENV)
participants: DE – ES – FR – UK – EEB (experts both from water and nature conservation)
Offers for presenting case studies
So far: FR – DK – IE
We are looking for additional case studies!

6. Thank you for your attention.