1. PRIORITIES OF WATER MANAGEMENT IN AUSTRIA Karl Schwaiger Acting water director

2. WWF 7 / Korea European Regional Process 15. April 2015 AUSTRIA Population: 8.353.000 inh. Area:83.871 km² Density: 100 inh./km² Capital Vienna (1,68 mio inh.)  Predominantly mountainous  High precipitation  Alps: “water tower for Europe” FACTS AND FIGURES ON AUSTRIA

3. WWF 7 / Korea European Regional Process 15. April 2015 1. Provision of high quality drinking water + environmental sound disposal of waste water 100% access to water and sanitation achieved Focus of AT development assistance Strong plea for dedicated water goals in Post- 2015 SDG Agenda KEY CHALLENGES (1) New domestic challenge: to maintain ageing water infrastructure in good state

4. WWF 7 / Korea European Regional Process 15. April 2015 2. Cooperation in shared transboundary river basins Bilateral transboundary water Commissions in place Partner in 3 International Commissions AT with long lasting experience KEY CHALLENGES (2) 2 Conventions on transboundary waters (UN, UNECE), International River Conventions (Danube, Rhine)…  provide inspiration for other basins

5. WWF 7 / Korea European Regional Process 15. April 2015 3. Comprehensive + sustainable protection of all waters irrespectively of their uses (i.a via legislation) 100% of waste water treated => nutrients and chemicals no major issue Major challenge: reconcile flood protection and hydropower generation with river ecology  Long term challenge KEY CHALLENGES (3)

6. WWF 7 / Korea European Regional Process 15. April 2015 4. Reduce risk of floods Provide more room to river, focus on non – structural measures Search for innovative solutions Permanent challenge in alpine country with high precipitation and limited space Enhanced by CC KEY CHALLENGES (4)

7. WWF 7 / Korea European Regional Process 15. April 2015 5. Mitigation of and adaptation to Climate Change Impacts on AT well known due to research Particular focus: make water supply more resilient Flood risk management Winter tourism – artificial snow Reduce CO2 emissions Enhance share of renewable energy KEY CHALLENGES (5)