WWF's activities across Europe to assist the implementation ...d2ouvy59p0dg6k.cloudfront.net/downloads/WFD-WWFact.pdf- Implementing the EU Water Framework Directive.....2 WWF activities

WWF's activities acrossEurope to assist theimplementation of the EUWater Framework Directiveand Integrated River BasinManagement

European Freshwater ProgrammeJune 2001

WWF's activities across Europe to assist the implementation of the EU Water Framework Directive and Integrated River Basin Management

Table of contents

WWF European Freshwater Programme- WWF and its global goals .......................................................................................................................2- WWF European Freshwater Programme and targets ............................................................................2- Implementing the EU Water Framework Directive..................................................................................2

WWF activities at the international, national, regional and local level across Europe to assist theimplementation of the Water Framework Directive and Integrated River Basin Management

WWF Austria- Restoration of the Mura River and Raising Public Awareness ...............................................................5

WWF Baltic Programme- River Basin Management in the Baltic Sea Region ................................................................................6- Demonstration Projects on Sustainable Rural Development..................................................................7- The Emajogi Programme (Estonia).........................................................................................................8

WWF Belgium- Participation in an ad hoc drinking water expert advisory group for consultation

on a new regional decree on drinking water .........................................................................................10- Water for Tomorrow ("water savings" campaign) .................................................................................11

WWF Danube Carpathian Programme- Green Danube Project – General Activities. .........................................................................................13- A Public Information and Participation Programme Related to the Baia Mare Task Force..................14

WWF Germany- The Odra Floodplains Atlas...................................................................................................................16

WWF Hungary Programme- Dráva River (Drau) Biomonitoring. ........................................................................................................17- Implementation of the Water Framework Directive in the Dráva River.................................................18- Green Danube Project – Floodplain Restoration ..................................................................................19- Tisza River Programme ........................................................................................................................20

WWF Spain- LIFE project – Alcobendas: Water city for the 21st century – Demonstration

project to promote respectful use of the water in Alcobendas, Madrid .................................................21- Freshwater capacity building in WWF/Spain through the evaluation and

monitoring of the Spanish National Hydrological Plan. .........................................................................23- Doñana Model Project...........................................................................................................................24

WWF Sweden- Bi-annual freshwater / wetlands Conferences. .....................................................................................26- River restoration in Southern Sweden (Höje and Klingaälvs rivers) .....................................................27- Protection and sustainable use of Sweden's last 4 remaining "Living rivers".......................................28

WWF United Kingdom- Dissemination of Water Framework Directive Information....................................................................30- Wise Use of Floodplains (EC LIFE Environment) Project.....................................................................31- Best Practice in Stakeholder Involvement in River Basin Management ...............................................32


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WWF European Freshwater Programme

WWF and its global goals:

WWF (World Wide Fund For Nature) is the world’s largest independent conservation organisation. Ithas over 4.7 million regular supporters and a global network active in 96 countries.

WWF’s mission is to stop the degradation of the planet’s natural environment and to build a future inwhich humans live in harmony with nature, by:

• conserving the world’s biological diversity• ensuring that the use of renewable natural resources is sustainable• promoting the reduction of pollution and wasteful consumption

WWF European Freshwater Programme:

Europe’s freshwater ecosystems are under threat and there has been dramatic loss and damage toevery kind of freshwater habitat in Europe – more than half have been destroyed in the last 50 years.To help reverse this trend, WWF, with the support of the MAVA Foundation, established a EuropeanFreshwater Programme (EFP) in 1998. This Programme co-ordinates a series of activities “toconserve and restore the functions and integrity of freshwater ecosystems for the benefit of all life”.

The EFP has developed a 5-person coordination unit and a team of 33 freshwater officers in 18countries. The aim of the coordination unit is to “add value” to the national actions on freshwater andto encourage and facilitate joint actions for pan-European projects. To that effect, the EuropeanFreshwater Team developed a Programme Plan. According to it, EFP’s 30 year targets are:

• European Freshwater target 1 River and wetland ecological networks in Europe have a highdegree of natural dynamics and support viable populations of naturally occurring, breeding andmigratory species

• European Freshwater target 2 Spatial planning based on whole catchments and a re-orientation of international investments, results in reductions in water consumption and pollutionand "high" or "good status" being maintained or achieved for all internationally significantfreshwater ecosystems

• European Freshwater Target 3 European-based companies that effect water use globallybecome world leaders for ecologically-sound and equitable water management

EFP priorities are the establishment of a Freshwater Ecoregions and Species projects acrossEurasia, the development of business partnerships to promote wise use of water, and the promotionof actions for “Living Rivers” and integrated river basin management.

Implementing the EU Water Framework Directive:

Despite the many regional differences and needs, WWF sees the Water Framework Directive (WFD)as the best current tool to ensure rational, more "eco-efficient" use of water and wetlands across

WWF InternationalEuropean Freshwater Programmec/o WWF-DenmarkRyesgade 3FDK-2200 Copenhagen NDenmark

Tel: + 45 3536 3635Direct: + 45 3524 7841Fax: + 45 3524 [email protected]/europe/ freshwater


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Europe, in order to conserve and restore the functions and integrity of freshwater ecosystems. This iswhy many of WWF EFP's activities aim at facilitating its implementation and achieving its objectives.

At the pan-European level, there are 3 main activities designed to assist WFD implementation, whichare driven by the EFP-coordination unit with participation of freshwater officer across the continent asfollows:

1. WWF/EC Implementing the EU Water Framework Directive: A seminar series on water

The "water seminar series" project started in 1999 and it is due to end in autumn 2001. During thisperiod WWF – with support of DG Environment and the TAIEX unit of the European Commission –has organised this big multi-stakeholder public participatory process – involving approximately 300people across Europe (about 23 countries) from different water management sectors – which hastaken the form of 3 seminars on:

• Water and Agriculture (February 2000)• The role of wetlands in river basin management (November 2000)• Good practice in river basin planning (May 2001)

The seminar series will assist the implementation of the Water Framework Directive by:

• Addressing the need for greater transparency and public awareness on the WFD through theprovision of opportunities for debate on certain requirements during the final stages of itsdevelopment and during the implementation process

• Encouraging the sharing of experiences and expertise regarding key elements of the WFDbetween a large range of stakeholders involved in the management of water resources, andrepresenting different economic sectors and regions of Europe

• Developing of a guidance document that will provide tools and approaches to assist river basinmanagers in complying with the requirements of the Directive

Indeed, the seminars have allowed the identification of tools and approaches for integrated riverbasin management, with particular emphasis on the role of wetlands to achieve "good status", andpossibilities for reconciling agricultural practices with sustainable water use. This information issummarised in the seminar Synthesis Notes that accompany the Proceedings for each seminar. Theguidance document will build on this information and will be "validated" by an expert panel at aspecific "validation" workshop – order to ensure its "usefulness" in assisting river basin managersand other stakeholders in the implementation of the WFD.

EFP coordination project manager: Eva Royo Gelabert ([email protected], + 32 2 743 88 14)

2. WWF Water and Wetland Index – A rapid tool to identify the strength and weaknesses ofwater and wetland management in Europe

WWF's Water and Wetland Index investigates and scores:

• the state of the key freshwater ecosystems• the main pressures on them (e.g. from agriculture, industry, hydropower, household and tourism)• the ecological quality of habitats, the status and loss of biodiversity, water resources, and the

quality of monitoring programmes

The Index provides a "snapshot" baseline on the preparedness of governments to effectivelymanage their water resources (using the requirements of EU Water Framework Directive as a guide),and serves as a basis for determining priorities for action. The information is used to raiseawareness, to identify good examples and to lobby for change.

mailto:[email protected]


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The first phase of the Water and Wetland Index focuses on 49 indicators covering rivers, lakes, otherwetlands, biodiversity and water resources. The indicators are placed within the DPSIR framework(Driving forces – Pressure – State – Impact – Response).

First phase data were collected and assessed by national WWF officers and partner NGOs inautumn 2000 in 16 European countries (10 EU member states, Switzerland and 5 accessioncountries). Results of key indicators were launched on 19 April 2001 (see Hygum et al. 2001. Waterand Wetland Index – Assessment of 16 European Countries. WWF European FreshwaterProgramme).

During the second phase (to be launched in 2002), the Index will include the "response" indicators,thus completing the causal chain of the DPSIR framework. Second phase of the Index will focus onthe response of national authorities in managing their freshwater ecosystems and water resources.Afterwards, the Water and Wetland Index will become a regular WWF survey that will cover mostEuropean countries. Regular updates will give a description and trends of the "driving forces,pressure, state impacts and responses" on rivers, lakes, wetlands, biodiversity and water resources.

EFP coordination project manager: Bent Hygum ([email protected], +45 35 24 78 40)

3. Wise Use of Floodplains (EC-LIFE Environment project)

The WWF EFP coordination unit, with assistance from the WWF European Policy Office, is one ofthe 20 partners in this RSPB-BirdLife led project. The Wise Use of Floodplains (WUF) project aims atdemonstrating how floodplain wetlands can contribute to the sustainable management of waterresources within river basins, which will help European countries with the implementation of theWater Framework Directive. The project has 3 specific objectives:

• To demonstrate methods to appraise the economic, social and environmental effects of flood andcoastal plain wetland restoration and management options.

• To determine how European and national policy would need to change to facilitate restoration ofthese wetlands

• To facilitate planning and implementation of floodplain restoration across Europe throughdissemination of guidelines and results

WWF EFP-coordination work in the WUF, so far, has mostly been focused on points 1 and 2 above –through the development of the Reports "A review of 12 WWF river restoration projects acrossEurope" and “Policy and Economic Analysis of Floodplain Restoration in Europe”.

See data-sheet on WWF-UK below for further details.

Information on these 3 EFP-coordination unit driven pan-European projects, including all relevantReports, WWF/EC "water" seminar Synthesis Notes and Proceedings, can be found inwww.panda.org/europe/freshwater

Nevertheless, the aim of this paper is to highlight the activities that freshwater officers inWWF's national and programme offices across Europe are carrying out themselves – at theinternational, national, regional and local level – to assist the implementation of the WaterFramework Directive and Integrated River Basin Management. Obviously, there is EFP-coordination assistance for these activities, but the sole responsibility for their execution lies in thenational and programme offices. A sample of these activities follows below in the form of data-sheets for different countries and/or programme offices


http://www.panda.org/europe/freshwater


WWF Austria

Activity title:

Restoration of the Mura River and Raising Public

Objectives:

• To improve the ecological quality of the Mura• To establish wise land use in the Mura floodp• To raise awareness and capacity for a "Livin

Main contents/Tasks:

• Two river restoration projects in the Upper M• Building up a network of "river initiatives" alo• Public information and awareness raising

Timetable:

The whole programme is ongoing. The first prestoration projects are planned for 3 to 4 years

Relevance of the activity for WFD implementa

The river restoration projects help achieving awareness raising and capacity building for a "liv

Partners/Funding:

• Local communities, local governments (Styri• Funding from WWF and local governments.

(LIFE-Programme).

Project dissemination:

We have produced:

• brochure on the Programme• folder on the restoration project in Slovenia• Two studies on the river restorations projects

We plan to produce:

Three newsletters a year (mainly for the local ne

Contact details:

Arno Mohl, WWF Austria ([email protected]

WWF Austria Tel: + 43 1 488170

5

Awareness

Riverlain

g Mura"

ura (Austria) and the lower Mura (Slovenia)ng the Mura in Austria and Slovenia

hase is designed for the next five years. The twostarting in 2002.

tion / achieving the objectives of the WFD:

the goals of the WFD ("good" ecological status);ing river" also support the ideas of the WFD.

a), other NGOs (DOPPS in Slovenia) The restoration projects will be financed by the EU

in Slovenia and Austria

twork) on the Programme's progress

t, +43 316 837 396)

Ottakringer Str. 114-116Postfach 11162 Vienna

Fax: + 43 1 488 17 [email protected]/europe/freshwater



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WWF Baltic Programme

Activity title (1):

River Basin Management in the Baltic Sea Region

Objectives:

To strengthen regional co-operation and exchange of experience regarding river basin managementand protection of wetlands.


• To provide concrete proposals for strengthening regional co-operation (currently key proposalsare establishment of BaltWet (resembling MedWet) for issues related to wetlands, lakes andcoastal lagoons, and initiating activities under Helcom Land for issues related to river basins)

• To inform about the needs for better co-operation (e.g. giving a presentation at the Balticworkshop on the Water Framework Directive, which will be held in Estonia on June 14th-15th, aswell as producing the thematic issue of Baltic Bulletin related to freshwater and wetlands)

• To actively participate in selected River Basin co-operations. Currently WWF-Sweden and WWF-Denmark are involved in the Nemunas River Basin Project, including Nemunas Delta and KursiuLagoon. This is a follow-up activity to the Helcom PITF MLW project. During the MLW project, abi-lateral management plan has been developed within a Russian-Lithuanian partnership, underWWF supervision. Despite involvement of a large number of stakeholders during the planningprocess, the need to broaden the circle of ownership to the objectives and strategies and tostrengthen the local partnership in order to ensure a full-scale implementation is apparent. Cross-border co-operations on environmental issues are still to be considered as a very young field ofwork. The new project will support a comprehensive cross-border and cross-sector dialogue,aiming at establishing national and, hopefully, bi-lateral water councils

Timetable:

Ongoing (establishment of BaltWet is foreseen to have a 4-year period for its first phase).

Relevance of the activity for WFD implementation / achieving the objectives of the WFD:

Implementation of real action on the ground, public participation and achieving acceptance of e.g.wetland restoration activities are always very difficult processes, which are time-consuming as wellas outside the usual scope of public authorities. Co-operation across sectors and national bordersoften require a new approach to the key actors. Exchange of experiences is a very cost-effective waytowards successful implementation of the WFD.

Partners/Funding:

• The riparian countries (MoE’s), Helcom, Ramsar Bureau• Currently funding from own sources (WWF Denmark + WWF - Sweden)

WWF Baltic Programme

c/o WWF-DenmarkRyesgade 3FDK-2200 Copenhagen NDenmark

Tel: + 45 3536 3635Fax: + 45 3524 [email protected]/europe/freshwater


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• For BaltWet we hope for bi-lateral donors and e.g. EU Interreg. These sources only allow forattending meetings, and not for further activities.


Presentations at Conferences, thematic issues on the Baltic Bulletin, and various types ofdocumentation to be produced under BaltWet.

Contact details:

• Henrik Dissing, WWF Denmark, ([email protected], +45 35247836)• Lennart Gladh, WWF Sweden, Ulriksdals Slott, 170 81 Solna, Sweden

([email protected], +46 21 351050)

Activity title (2):

Demonstration Projects on Sustainable Rural Development

Objectives:

To ensure significant natural values in key Baltic wetland areas – providing acceptance at local levelfor nature protection, wetland restoration and water management.


• Contribute to local development strategies which bases on the natural values as assets• Increase understanding and knowledge of nature protection and management needs• Ensure local level acceptance of international nature protection interests• Development of concrete management plans for sustainable development• Initiating feasibility studies and implementation of wetland restoration• Promoting alternative income sources, e.g. nature tourism, as well as enabling the local areas to

promote new, environmentally-friendly business activities (capacity building activities)• Initiate improved financing options for environmentally-friendly business activities, e.g. by setting

up business incubators and micro credit schemes• Promote environmentally-friendly farming practices and organic farming• Establishment of Visitor Centres, web-sites and various types of information flow• Documentation of current situation, local as well as international issues including implementation

of various EU nature and water-related directives

Timetable:

The “Baltic Sea Regional Project” embraces activities in 4 coastal wetlands under a 3-year time-table(2001-2004). These areas are: Väinameri (Estonia), Engure-Kemeri (Latvia), Kursiu Lagoon(Lithuania/Russia), Vistula Lagoon (Russia/Poland). The approach and activities are also initiated inother areas in the Baltic Sea region, although at smaller scale and with a shorter time horizon.


In order to achieve positive actions on the ground, e.g. wetland restoration, it has to be locallyaccepted and integrated into the actual development taking place.




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Partners/Funding:

• Municipalities in the concrete areas, protected areas staff, local and national NGOs, farmerunions, MoEs and MoAs, Helcom, the World Bank, Baltic Agenda 21, Vasab, tourismorganisations etc.

• Funding mostly by bi-lateral donors (Swedish and Danish), WWF sources, private foundations,local sources.


• Providing "lessons learned" to regional fora (BA21, Helcom, Vasab)• Articles in various news media, magazines etc; press trips

Contact details:


([email protected], +46 21351050)

Activity title (3):

The Emajogi Programme (Estonia)

Objectives:

To ensure nature protection and initiate wetland restoration activities within the framework of aSustainable Development Framework for the Emajogi River Basin.


• Prepare a comprehensive program for nature conservation and sustainable rural development in theEmajõgi river catchment area, taking into consideration international requirements, e.g. WFD

• Identify the scope of the catchment area to be considered in the program and key areas and objectsto be highlighted

• Identify potential nature conservation projects to be implemented within the program, and prepareTORs and budgets, with focus on Alam-Pedja Nature Reserve and the Emajõgi Suursoo wetlandcomplex

• Formulate project proposals to be submitted to various international agencies and programs, i.e.Dancee, LIFE, Nordic Council of Ministers, etc.

• Communicate the objectives and activities of the program and build support for the program with theEstonian Ministry of Environment

• Identify options for implementing a rural development program in the Emajõgi River Catchmentarea, including establishing a dialogue with all relevant stakeholders in the region

• Prepare documentation for conducting surveys of natural rivers and lakes, with emphasis onmigratory fish following the Emajõgi River, including relations to nature management and naturerestoration

• Identify measures for increasing nature tourism, especially in the Alam-Pedja and Emajõgi Suursooareas

• Secure exchange of information and cooperation with all stakeholders, including localadministrations, Ministry of Environment, local inhabitants land users, fishing industry and otherNGOs active in the area

• Identify issues within the program that can be used as models and for future documentation of theimpacts from the implementation of specific and relevant policies

• Initiate specific wetland restoration activities.




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Timetable:

The Emajogi Program will be developed within 2001. Follow-up activities during coming years.Relevance of the activity for WFD implementation / achieving the objectives of the WFD:

It demonstrates development and implementation of a sustainable development framework whichprovides for full-scale, fast and efficient implementation of WFD in the catchment area.

Partners/Funding:

• Implemented by Estonian Fund for Nature. Several local partners from MoE, Tartu County,municipalities, local experts, NGOs, Alam Pedja Nature Reserve etc.

• WWF DK finances the Emajogi Program framework. WWF Sweden finances wetland restorationactivities.


The program entails a public participation programme. Further, articles are made, presentationsgiven etc.

Contact details:


([email protected], +46 21351050)




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WWF Belgium

Activity title (1):

Participation in an ad hoc drinking water expedecree on drinking water

Objectives:

To advice the Flemish government on a prtransposition of the Drinking Water Directive 98that the Water Framework Directive is enough


The Flemish Government is currently transpregional decree. Once a proposal for decreEnvironmental Council (Mina-Raad) and the So

WWF was asked by the Mina-Raad to be a meevaluate the proposal for a decree and to environmental organisations and 4 experts frogroup.

At the 4 consultation meetings, WWF had a proposal. Only WWF was really able to put thnew Water Framework Directive.

Timetable:

• Consultation meetings held between April a• Joint advice to be presented in the next ple• Advice to be sent to the Environment Minis

Relevance of the activity for WFD implemen

The involvement of WWF in this advisory expeWater Framework Directive into national / insufficiently taking into account several articles

• No reference to Article 4 of the Water deterioration of all bodies of groundwater, aIn addition, no reference was made to thabstraction and recharge of groundwater, the latest in 2015

• No reference to Article 7's "water used foraspects of monitoring and environmental ob

WWF Belgium Tel: + 32 2 340 09 99

rt advisory group for consultation on a new regional

oposal for decree on drinking water, which is the/83/EC into national/regional law – in order to ensure

integrated into the proposal for decree.

osing the Drinking Water Directive 98/83/EC into ae is being formulated, advice from the Nature andcio-Economic Council (SERV) is asked.

mber of an ad hoc technical advisory expert group tohelp formulate its joint advice. Four experts from

m the drinking water sector are part of this technical

main input in the discussions and evaluation of thee proposed drinking water decree into the light of the

nd June 2001nary session of the Mina Raad in July 2001ter in August 2001 (?).

tation / achieving the objectives of the WFD

rt group has contributed to a good transposition of theregional law. Indeed the proposal for decree was from the Water Framework Directive. Examples are:

Framework Directive, which aims at prevention ofnd which entered into practice on 22 December 2000.is same Article, which ensures a balance between

with the aim of achieving good groundwater status at

the abstraction of drinking water'" was made, wherejectives are described

608 Chausee de Waterloo1050 Brussels

Fax: + 32 2 340 09 [email protected]/europe/freshwater


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• No reference to Article 9 'on the "Recovery of costs for water services'" At the Flemishgovernmental level, the whole tarification structure is being reviewed, but with insufficient accenton the environmental costs.

Conclusion: the Flemish proposal for a drinking water decree is too much a sectorial decree, whichdoesn’t allow the Flemish water policy to implement an integrated management of water sources, asrequired by the Water Framework Directive.

Partners:

• Environmental NGOs• Experts from drinking water companies

Funding:

No specific funding (own sources).

Dissemination:

The drinking water advisory expert group of the Mina-Raad has elaborated a Report with extensiveadvice1, which will be sent to the Environment Minister. The Minister often takes into considerationthe advices coming from the Mina-Raad.

Contact person:

Philippe Weiler, WWF Belgium ([email protected], +32 2 340 0974)

Activity title (2):

"Water for Tomorrow": A public awareness campaign on the rational use of waterCampaign held in the Flemish region and focused towards (1) households and (2) instructors andteachers from high schools, professional schools and universities dealing with the water andconstruction sectors

Objectives:

To initiate a mentality change of Flemish citizens:

• by having 5.000 requests for a new "water saving" kit designed by WWF-Belgium• by organising workshops for instructors and teachers from high schools, professional schools

and universities dealing with the water and construction sectors.• by disseminating a technical syllabus on "water saving" mechanisms to these instructors and

professors.


• Development of a "water saving" kit for households• Dissemination of 5.000 kits, only after written request by participant households etc.• Dissemination of 1.000 kits to local authorities, institutions, NGOs with citizens in their target

groups• As above for a second "water saving" kit focused on water quality (running in the future 2001-02 )

1 "Advies van 7 juni 2001 over het voorontwerp van decreet betreffende water bestemd voor menselijke aanwending"(Advice of 7th June 2001 on the Proposal for a decree concerning water allocated to human use)

mailto:[email protected]\


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• Development of a technical syllabus on "water saving" devices for instructors and teachers fromhigh schools, professional schools and universities dealing with the water and constructionsectors

• Capacity building for instructors and professors, by organising various workshops• Dissemination of 2.000 technical syllabus to all Flemish instructors and professors from these

schools• Dissemination of the technical syllabus to the regional authorities responsible for defining the

Strategic Educational Planning

Timetable:

• Public awareness campaign towards households: October 2000 -September 2001• Public awareness campaign towards instructors and professionals: October 2000 -May 2002

Relevance of the activity for WFD implementation / achieving the objectives of the WFD

• It allows the establishment of a mechanism for the "wise use of water", thus lowering the stresson water resources and aquatic ecosystems, which is highly valued in Belgium and vital for theachievement of "good status".

• It shows that in a country like Belgium, where already a lot of information on rational use of waterexists and where "water saving" devices are found normally on the market, there is still a highdemand of practical and neutral information.

Partners:

• For the awareness campaign towards households: AMINAL – the Administration forEnvironment, Land and Water management of the Flemish Government

• For the awareness campaign towards schools: VMM – the FIemish Environmental Agency of theFlemish Government.

Funding:

• For the awareness campaign towards households: Funding from AMINAL (75%) and WWF(25%)

• For the awareness campaign towards schools: Funding from VMM (60%) and WWF (40%).

Dissemination:

• Publication of a "water saving" brochure + kit (20 technical cards for households)• Publication of a technical syllabus (20 very technical cards for technical and professional

schools)• Web page www.wwf.be

Contact person:

Philippe Weiler, WWF Belgium ([email protected], +32 2 340 0974)

http://www.wwf.be/

mailto:[email protected]\


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WWF Danube Carpathian Programme

Activity title (1):

Green Danube Project – General Activities

Objectives:

WWF Danube Carpathian Programme has been working for over 10 years in the Danube RiverBasin to promote the protection of ecologically important wetlands, restoration of important damagedsites and the promotion of the concept of wise use of water and wetlands.


WWF has developed a chain of model projects – for protection, restoration and wise use of waterand wetlands – along the river, which include activities in the following areas: Morava – Dyje region(Austria, Slovakia, Czech Republic), Danube Drava confluence (Hungary, Croatia, Federal Republicof Yugoslavia), Lower Danube Islands (Bulgaria) and in the Danube Delta (Romania, Ukraine).


Besides the model projects, the following activities also support integrated river basin management:

• Report on the Evaluation of Wetlands and Floodplain areas in the Danube River Basin (carriedout by WWF for a UNDP/GEF Danube Pollution Reduction Programme, 1999)

• Report on the Economic Evaluation of the Danube Floodplain (March 1995)

• Report on the ecological consequences of the cyanide and heavy metal spill in Romania in 2000(in preparation)

• Study on “Shipping on the Danube in a new Europe”, which promotes the integration of theshipping industry with ecological needs

• Dissemination of best restoration and management practices to other WWF Project Areas and tointernational meetings and conferences (e.g. ECRR River Restoration 2000 in The Netherlands),promoting capacity building and information programmes

• Organisation of the first Pan-CEE NGO Conference on Increasing Public Participation forImplementing the Water Framework Directive in Central and Eastern Europe (with GWP, March2000, Budapest).

• Presentations on the Water Framework Directive (especially nature conservation, publicparticipation, water pricing, aspects) at various international and national events (Bratislava,Slovakia: July 1999; Szentendre, Hungary: September 2000; Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria: May2001).

WWF Danube Carpathian Programme

c/o WWF-AustriaOttakringer Str. 114-1161162 Vienna

Tel: + 43 1 488 17 253Fax: + 43 1 488 17 [email protected]/europe/freshwater


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• Active use of "Observer Status" to Expert Groups of the ICPDR planning processes in theDanube region, including "River Basin Management and Water Framework DirectiveImplementation" and "Ecological Aspects" Working Groups and overall "Steering Committee".

• Planning for the organisation of a CEE Regional Conference (November 2001 in Sofia, Bulgaria)on "Dams and Environment in the Context of the Water Framework Directive", with GWP

• Development of the Lower Danube Green Corridor Agreement, signed by Romania, Bulgaria,Moldova and Ukraine in June 2000. This initiative is the largest international action for wetlandsand floodplains in Europe including about 700,000ha of freshwater ecosystem. The aim is todevelop a system of existing protected areas, newly protected areas and restoration sites. Theimplementation of the Lower Danube Green Corridor is now under way in all countries

• Organisation of the first Summit in Environment and Sustainable Development in the CarpathianDanube region (April 2001) in Bucharest, Romania (jointly together with the Romanian President)

Partners:

All model projects are carried out with the involvement of local NGOs and include – in as much aspossible – local stakeholder and interest groups. In addition, WWF is working at the political leveltogether with the Environment Ministries and the Secretariat of the Danube River ProtectionConvention.

Contact details:

• Jasmine Bachmann, WWF DCPO ([email protected], +43 1 48817 270)• Charlie Avis, WWF DCPO, c/o WWF Hungary, Nemetvolgyi ut 78/b, H-1124 Budapest, Hungary

([email protected], +36 1 214 55 54)

Activity title (2):

A Public Information and Participation Programme Related to the Baia Mare Task Force (BMTF)

Background information:

After the cyanide and heavy metal spill in Romania in early 2000, the Baia Mare Task Force wasestablished by the EU Commissioner for Environment to assess the accidents and to developrecommendations to prevent such accidents in future. It was strongly felt that there was a need forincluding local population in this process to ensure that local people were and felt informed about theactivities and findings of the BMTF.

Objectives:

WWF developed the Public Information and Participation Programme, which aimed to fulfil at leastthe following tasks: Provide information about the BMTF’s work and findings to all appropriatestakeholders, and also to collect and transfer relevant information from stakeholders to the BMTF.Essentially it was an approach to foster trust between the BMTF and local communities throughtransparency of actions and clarity of communication.


Selected national focal points in Romania, Hungary, Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, Bulgaria andUkraine managed public information activities at the national level, provided and collectedinformation from stakeholders in local communities, ensured that all information was provided to theBMTF, disseminated information concerning the BMTF’s activities, and prepared and held




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stakeholder meetings in several countries. The purpose of these meetings was to facilitate the directexchange of information between the BMTF and local stakeholders concerning the Baia Mare spill,as well as other potentially dangerous hot-spots of a similar nature.


Partnerships!

• National working groups were established in all five countries and co-operation between differentstakeholder groups was successfully established

• The role of civil society was strengthened and their importance demonstrated to the public.Crucial in the current political situation (four of the five countries are facing accession to the EU)

• Media and public campaign contributed to the improvement of public awareness and publicparticipation regarding Tisza river basin issues and mining problems in general

• NGO web sites have been developed and/or updated, which improved accessibility to the relatedinformation

• Better management of the information via a dissemination campaign, and thus, the public feltwell informed and many stakeholders got involved

• Improved regional, national as well as international co-operation among NGOs. Co-operationamong NGOs and institutions (governments and ministries) strengthened

Timetable/Funding:

The project run from June 2000 until May 2001, and was financed through the Danish EnvironmentalProtection Agency/Environmental Assistance for Eastern Europe of the Ministry for Environment andEnergy (~ 54,000 Euro).

Contact details:

Jasmine Bachmann, WWF DCPO ([email protected], +43 1 48817 270)



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WWF Germany

Activity title:

The Odra Floodplains Atlas

Objectives:

The atlas is designed as a tool for flood proOdra river basin.


• To record, present and evaluate the curareas along the entire Odra valley, with

• To determine the general flood protecretention areas, based on the combineinformation

Timetable:

The first phase will run until end of 2002.

Relevance of the activity for WFD implem

As recommended by WFD, the project floodplains/wetlands. It has evaluated theframework. This has been done with WWF considered as a test.

The project has been carried out in co-operRepublic and Poland. Collection of data,audiences has entailed a more active transb

Partners/Funding:

• WWF has needed the collaboration of and public authorities (especially watermajor role. Even if all actors do not agre

• WWF-Germany finances part of the proj


• The data collection and evaluation work• The Atlas is being distributed and prese• An international seminar on flood manag

meetings• Local projects or problems will be prese• Press trips are organised. Articles to var

Contact details:

Georg Rast, WWF-Germany Auen Institut (r

WWF Germany Tel: + 49 7222 380722

tection, nature conservation and regional planning of the

rent ecological status of the active and former floodplainthe aid of selected uniform biotopes and bioindicatorstion conditions in relation to the possible recovery ofd ecological/ water management data and area usage

entation / achieving the objectives of the WFD:

addresses the whole river basin and the remaining ecological status of theses areas in a transboundaryand its partner organisations’ own criteria, which can be

ation with public and private partners in Germany, Czech discussion of the results and presentation to largeroundary co-operation and vision.

partners at different levels. Local municipalities, NGOs management bodies) in the 3 countries have played ae among themselves or upon the results.ect and found a key private sponsor (German).

concerned many stakeholdersnted to all relevant bodiesement has been organised and will be followed by other

nted in specific publicationsious media

[email protected], + 49 7222 380722)

WWF-Auen-Institut Josefstrasse 1D –76437 Rastatt

Fax: + 49 7222 [email protected]/europe/freshwater



WWF Hungary Program

Activity title (1):

Dráva (Drau) River Biomonitoring(project proposal)


The Croatian State plans the construction of a nDráva river (at Novo Virje), which – in case of reawell as in Hungary. Knowing the effects of such Nagymaros Danube hydropower plant – the Hungthe current ecological state of the river and to be and has been financing part of the biomonitoring o

Unfortunately not all areas are covered. The wholthere are some gaps in the monitoring as well. adequate, the hydrological surveys are incomplettable level and not enough chemicals sampling taxa should be involved in the future.

Objectives:

To extend the biomonitoring for the whole of the know the current ecological status of the river.


• Monitoring methods and habitat classificationdetermination of representative habitats will Hungarian National Park and Kopacki Rit Natwill reveal those sections that lack sufficient da

• To extend the protection on the currently non-regulation (hydropower plant). The Kopacki ritThese areas should be designated as Natura

Relevance of the activity for WFD implementat

Information on the current ecological status odeterioration of its ecological status and to develoas required by the WFD.

Partners/Funding:

• Partners: WWF DCPO, WWF HU, Danube-DDrava Liga, Zelena Akcija (NGO), Euronatur.

• Funding unsecured CHF 50,000 for 2001.

Contact details:

Eszter Lanyi, WWF Hungary ([email protected]

WWF Hungary Tel: + 36 1 214 5554

17

me

ew hydropower plant on the lower section of thelisation – would severely affect nature in Croatia asconstructions – through the example of the Bos /arian State opposes it. As a result, in order to knowable to protect it, the Hungarian State has initiatedf certain section on Dráva River in Hungary.

e Croatian section lacks biomonitoring. In Hungary,Despite botanical and zoological monitoring beinge, as there is no proper detection of groundwater-points. In addition, some currently non-monitored

potentially affected Dráva river section, in order to

development for all relevant freshwater taxa, andbe carried out together with the scientists of theure Reserve in Croatia. Supplementary monitoringta.

protected Croatian Dráva section to prevent further Nature Reserve must achieve national park status.2000 sites.

ion / achieving the objectives of the WFD:

f the Dráva river is required to prevent furtherp the relevant measures to achieve "good status"-

ráva National Park, Kopacki rit Nature Reserve,

, +36 1 214 5554)

Nemetvolgyi ut 78/b1124 Budapest

Fax: + 36 1 212 [email protected]/europe/freshwater



18

Activity title (2):

Implementation of the Water Framework Directive in the Dráva River(project proposal)


WWF Hungary completed the "Water and Wetland Index" study among 18 other WWF organisationsin 2000 September. The Index evaluated the quality of water monitoring with the help of experts inthe field, scientific publications and authorities. The outcome is as follows: The quality of ourmonitoring has strengths and weaknesses. Strengths: chemical, physical monitoring and frequency.Weaknesses: Biological monitoring frequency and spatial distribution, lack of Natura 2000 sites andecological standardisation of freshwater habitats.

Objectives:

The whole Hungarian section of Dráva River is part of a national park and potential Natura 2000 site.The aim of this project is to participate and to lobby for implementation of WFD through cooperationwith NGOs, authorities and research institutes.


• Examine what research has been undertaken in determining the status of the river and whatparameters are monitored regularly.

• Determination of representative habitats and reference condition through workshops and in astudy with scientists and authorities.

• Surveying the threats on the river through examining the recent and future landuse plans andpractices to assess whether the are consistent with the achievement of the "good" ormaintenance of "high" ecological status, or would result in deterioration of wetlands.

• Determination of the wise use of floodplains and concrete actions to promote conservation anddevelopment of the status of waters, as described in a position paper on “Integral river basinmanagement”.

Timetable:

2001-2004


Characterisation of the river basin, establishment of reference conditions and identification of impactsand pressures are requirements of the WFD. Further, work for wise use of floodplains is crucial forthe achievement of "good status". Policy work on integrated river basin management is also relevant.

Partners/Funding:

• WWF Hungary, WWF UK, Danube-Dráva National Park, Kopacki rit Nature Reserve.• Funding partially secured: 2001-2004: CHF 11,000 by WWF UK in each subsequent 4 years;

2001: CHF 38,000 unsecured

Contact details:

Eszter Lanyi, WWF Hungary ([email protected], +36 1 214 5554)



19

Activity title (3):

Green Danube Project – Floodplain Restoration


WWF Hungary has been active in the Danube-Dráva National Park since 1996, when the nationalpark was formed. This is the largest floodplain area in Hungary, with many side-arms, ox-bowsspreading on 28323 ha along the Danube without any settlements interspersed between.

The park is covered (68%) with forests on the previously vast grasslands. Unfortunately only 15% ofthe forests remain close to natural state; while huge poplar plantations dominate. Furthermore, only5% grasslands/wetlands are left without afforestation, and remaining valuable vegetation and wildlifeare endangered by weed invasion such as Amorpha fruticosa.

WWF supported and participated in the elaboration of the management plan for the park. Observertowers and study-trail have been built with the support of WWF. Ox-bow rehabilitation has beenstarted and will be continued in the floodplain.

Grassland management with grey cattle in the traditional way is promoted and financed. Theobjective is to promote and continue conservation efforts in the national park.

Objectives:

To extend the rehabilitation and management actions along Danube floodplain in order to enhancethe ecological state of the river.


Pasturing and mowing of the grasslands, cleaning of the secondary channels to supply the ox-bowswith freshwater, and a programme on invasive species reduction are the main activities, which will becontinued.

Timetable:

Ongoing


Improved river and wetland management will contribute to achieve "good status" in the Danube.

Partners/Funding:

• WWF Hungary, Danube-Dráva National Park, PANPARKS.

• Funding unsecured: CHF 37,000 (2001)

Contact details:

Eszter Lanyi, WWF Hungary ([email protected], +36 1 214 5554)



20

Activity title (4):

Tisza River Programme

Objectives:

The general project aim is to promote and implement WWF’s conservation priorities, focusing onsustainable, extensive land use in a river floodplain area. It complies well with WWF's “LargeHerbivore Initiative”, and the aims of the WWF European Freshwater Programme and the EuropeanAgriculture and Rural Development Team. The specific project aim is to improve the natureconservation conditions of the whole Tisza floodplain area in Hungary.


• Habitats restoration (water retention and elimination of alien species) by organising the provisionof appropriate management for the sites

• Policy activity to influence political decision-makers so they provide suitable conditions forfarmers to switch to extensive farming and sustainable land use.

• The recommended way of land use and management is implemented on model projects, in 6model sites. Habitat restoration and the provision of appropriate management are achieved withthe involvement of local people. The Model Projects work is experimental, will and serve ademonstration purpose. Direct output of the project is the rehabilitation of 750 ha, direct influenceon additional 700 ha, and indirect policy influence on the land use of the floodplain area of thewhole Tisza and main tributaries.

Timetable:

2001-2004


The reconciliation between sustainable water use and agriculture, through extensive farming andsustainable land use etc., as promoted in this project is needed to achieve the objectives of theWFD.

Partners/Funding:

Local governments, local citizens, national park authorities, rural development associations.

Funding partially secured:

2001-2004: 352,000 CHF secured / 2001-2004: 324,000 CHF unsecured

Contact details:

Viktoria Siposs, WWF Hungary ([email protected], +36 1 214 5554)



WWF Spain

Activity title (1):

LIFE project: “Alcobendas, Ciudad del Agucentury demonstration projectMultidisciplinary action to promote respectfu

Objectives:

• To demonstrate that it is possible and through the implementation of tools to infor permanent water savings and reducin

• To demonstrate that water demand manmechanism for the control of water coinhabitants of Alcobendas as part of thequality of life nor economic losses

• To demonstrate that increases in the prpricing), are feasible if water saving desavings


• Design, drafting and issuing of a “ordenanew buildings have to be "water savers"implementation of such law in Alcobenda

• Promotion and development of a "waterof water saving devices and the recyclinWCs

• Creation (from “0”) of a effective market

• Three publicity campaigns focusing on and install

• Education and capacity building in schtechniques

• 5.000 water saving devices sold

• Achievement of a potentially permanent

• All new houses built incorporate water s

• Development of 3 scientific and technicand services use; and xerogardening identify obstacles and opportunities for w

WWF Spain Tel: +34 91 3540578

21

a para el siglo 21” (Alcobendas: Water city for the 21st

l use of the water in the city of Alcobendas, Madrid

feasible to establish water saving mechanisms in cities,fluence the different aspects of water use. This, allowingg stress on water resources and aquatic ecosystems

agement (a measure of water conservation) is a feasiblensumption. Further, that the measures adopted by the project, are possible without a decrease in comfort and

ice of water, as a consequence of cost recovery (watervices are in place, which allows for money and water

nza municipal” (municipal law) for cities requiring that all (e.g. have and use water saving devices). Adoption ands (a city of 90.000 inhabitants near Madrid

savings" project for all new buildings, including the useg of "grey" water (from sinks and showers) to be used in

for water saving devices in the city of Alcobendas

the promotion of water saving devices for people to buy

ools, neighbourhood associations etc. using innovative

water saving of 102 million litres per year in the city

aving devices

al seminars (on wise use of water; industrial, business– gardening using drought-adapted plants) in order toise use of water in cities

Gran Vía de San Francisco, 8, esc. D28005 Madrid

Fax: + 34 91 [email protected]/europe/freshwater


22

• Development of guidelines on good practice on water use and water demand management inmunicipalities

• Renovation of the municipal water network so it becomes a "water saver" (e.g. no leaks etc.)

• Development of a domestic “blue bank credit” and dissemination of environmental managementsystems for industries

• Development of a web page with all relevant information and project documentation

• Project dissemination in multiple national and international fora

Timetable:

The activities were carried out from October 1998 to March 2001. The overall project is about tofinish.


• It allows to establish mechanism for the "wise use" of water, thus lowering the stress on waterresources and aquatic ecosystems, which is vital for the achievement of "good status"

• It allows to demonstrate that water demand management (a measure of water conservation) is afeasible mechanism for the control of water consumption. Further, that water saving measures,such as those adopted in this project, are acceptable to domestic users and others because theydo not decrease the quality of the service and comfort, and do not result in economic losses

• It shows that an increase in the price of water, as a consequence of cost recovery, is feasiblebecause the promotion of water saving devices facilitates an economic saving in terms of bothwater and energy, which balances this possible increase of price

Partners/Funding:

• Sole executor WWF-Spain with some support from the Alcobendas Town Hall

• Funding: European Commission's LIFE Programme; Alcobendas Town Hall; EnvironmentServices from the Autonomous Community of Madrid; Canal de Isabel II (water supplier); Caja deAhorros del Mediterráneo (bank) and Confederación Hidrográfica del Tajo (Tajo River BasinAuthority)


• Eight publications in Spanish and Proceedings from the 3 Seminaries mailed to 3.000 addressesin Alcobendas

• Development of a specific communications programme (3 Press Conferences, 2 public events,30 press releases and activity invitations, more than 450 published articles)

• Project web page www.wwf.es/casadelagua• English Executive summary in preparation

Contact person:

Alberto Fernández Lop, WWF-Spain/Adena, ([email protected], +34 91 3540578)

http://www.wwf.es/casadelagua



23

Activity title (2):

Freshwater capacity building in WWF/Spain through the evaluation and monitoring of the Spanish"Plan Hidrológico Nacional" (National Hydrological Plan – NHP) – in the framework of EUenvironmental legislation

Objectives:

• To influence the different phases of the adoption of the NHP by the Spanish government• To ensure that the NHP is in line with EU environmental legislation• To assesses the environmental impact of the projects, activities and proposals established by the

NHP


• Development of policy papers submitted to Spanish and European authorities as well as SpanishPolitical Parties and Parliamentary Chambers

• Strategic Environmental Impact Assessment (ex – ante evaluation) of the dams and waterchannelling included in Annex II of the NHP, and their impact on both the Spanish Natura 2000Network (Habitats Directive) and the WWF/Adena proposals for this Spanish Network (Natura2000 "shadow list")

• Linking, coordinating and developing joint positions and work with WWF European Policy Office(EPO), other NGOs etc. campaigning against the NHP and water transfers in Spain (Coagret,Plataforma del Ebro, National Environmental associations etc.)

• Together with WWF EPO, awareness raising at the EU level on the contradictions between theNHP and the objectives of EU environmental legislation and financial instruments

• Assessment of the socio-economic viability/sustainability and the approach of the NHP

Timetable:

Ongoing (started in 1999)

Relevance of the activity for the WFD implementation / achieving the objectives of the WFD

The NHP will soon be the main tool for water planning in Spain. Its timetable overlaps with that of theWater Framework Directive, but it does not fit the WFD's final objectives nor its approach and amandatory process to achieve its results. Even if achieving the objectives of the WFD is compulsoryacross Europe, the NHP activities are not focused on doing so, nor to modernise the current way inwhich the existing river basin authorities operate.

Partners/Funding:

• WWF European Policy Office, Spanish NGOs (Plataformas de Ebro y Coagret).• Funding from a WWF European Freshwater Programme capacity building grant


• Communication activities in Spain and at the EU institutional level• Interviews/meetings with Spanish Institutions (Senate, Political Parties)• Articles in environmental magazines and normal press• Web page: www.wwf.es

Contact person:

Alberto Fernández Lop, WWF Spain/Adena, ([email protected], +34 91 3540578)

http://www.wwf.es/



24

Activity title (3):

Doñana Model Project


WWF Spain is developing a project for sustainable development in the Doñana sub-basin belongingto the wider Guadalquivir River Basin. Doñana is one of Europe’s most important wetlands, classifiedas World Heritage, Biosphere Reserve and included in the Ramsar List of Wetlands of internationalimportance. WWF’s project started in the 1960s and has been reinforced recently in order to supportecological recovery after the 1998 Aznalcóllar mining disaster.

Objectives:

To ensure conservation and wise use of ecosystems in Doñana.


WWF’s concrete actions towards integrated river basin management include the following activities:

• Report on Groundwater abstractions (definition, problems and action plan) carried out by T.Hollis (1988) as a reference document for the EU funded Plan for Sustainable Development

• Report on the ecological status of rivers and riverine forests, including GIS, delimitation of publicriver domain and action plan for conservation and restoration (2001)

• Assessment of the “Guadiamar Green Corridor” restoration project (Developed by thegovernment of the Andalucian Autonomous Community) being a member of the “Scientific-Technical Board”, including technical assessment, dissemination, etc. (ongoing since 1998)

• Proactive assessment for the “Doñana 2005” Restoration project (developed by the EnvironmentMinistry) specially focused on the implementation of the Ramsar guidelines for wetlandrestoration and integrated river basin management (ongoing since 1999)

• Assessment for the “Salinas de Bonanza” tidal wetland restoration project, carried out by theDoñana 21 Foundation, ensuring the implementation of Ramsar guidelines (ongoing since 1999)

• Dissemination of best restoration and management practices to other WWF Project Areas and tointernational meetings and conferences (e.g. ECRR River Restoration 2000 in The Netherlands),promoting capacity building and information exchange (ongoing since 1998)

• Establishment of a network of local NGOs in the frame of a project funded by the DoñanaNational Park. Specific tasks are: Technical, organisations and institutional capacity building,dissemination of environmental information, mediation in planning processes, such as theDoñana National Park Master Plan, volunteer activities for river and wetland restoration (ongoingsince 1999)

• Development of a joint vision for Doñana as a tool for planning and management processes.Joint project with the Doñana 21 Foundation, focused on tourism and agriculture (ongoing since1998)

• Background assessment of "no-deterioration" of current ecological status, including allegationson riverine erosion due to shipping, dredging of the Guadalquivir river, mine re-opening andclosure plans.

Timetable:

1999-2005


25

Relevance of the activity for the WFD implementation / achieving the objectives of the WFD

The Doñana project is considered as a joint model project for all the different biomes within WWF'sEuropean Programme as a whole (nature conservation, agriculture, freshwater, forests etc.). Itshould be considered as a demonstration project for integrated river basin management for SouthernEU countries.

Partners/Funding:

• Doñana 21 Foundation, Doñana National Park Authority, Government of the AndalucianAutonomous Community, Guadalquivir River Basin Authority, 11 local NGOs, UPA farmers'association, 14 local municipalities.

• Funding from WWF-Netherlands, WWF-UK, WWF European Freshwater Programme, MAVAFoundation, Doñana National Park Authority.


• Doñana Newsletter• InfoDoñana Bulletin• "Juntos por Doñana" brochure• Doñana web site (www.panda.org/europe/donana)

Contact details:

Guido Schmidt, WWF Spain/Adena ([email protected], +34-670601 893)

http://www.panda.org/europe/donana



26

WWF Sweden

Activity title (1):

Bi-annual freshwater / wetlands Conferences

Objectives:

Conference arranged to highlight the socio-ecoecosystems. Different focus at each event.


• To raise awareness on the ecological import• To strengthen understanding among differ

freshwater• To highlight freshwater issues in planning, de

Timetable:

• Ongoing since 1990

Relevance of the activity for WFD implementa

WWF initiated the Freshwater Conferences to staiming at establishing a discussion forum andplanning and management of freshwater resourparts of society have indicated their interest and

A wide range of freshwater aspects have been p

• wise use of wetlands(planning and managem• restoration of rivers and streams• wetland types• natural freshwater systems and nutrients• historical use of freshwater resources

Conclusion:The bi-annual Freshwater Conferencon freshwater-related issues and have directlyfreshwater resources.

Partners:

• Swedish Environmental Protection Agency• Local authorities• Farmers union• Ministry of Environment• Different NGOs

Funding: No specific funding (own sources).

WWF Sweden Tel: + 46 8 624 7416

nomic and environmental importance of freshwater

ance of freshwater ecosystemsent groups / stakeholders for sustainable use of

cision-making and politics

tion / achieving the objectives of the WFD

rengthen the awareness in freshwater-related topics reach a common understanding concerning the

ces. Hundreds of participants representing differentimportance of the Conferences.

resented and discussed, such as:

ent)

es have become an important forum for discussions influenced planning and management of Swedish

Ulriksdals SlottS-170 81 SolnaSweden

Fax: + 46 8 851 [email protected]/europe/freshwater


27

Dissemination:

A Report (in Swedish) is published after each Conference

Contact person:

Lennart Gladh, ([email protected] +46 21 351050)

Activity title (2):

River restoration in Southern Sweden (Höje and Klingaälvs rivers)

Objectives:

Restoration of the ecological functions in modified rivers in southern Sweden, through the restorationof:

• salmonid spawning sites• wetlands and meanders for nutrient reduction• habitats for frogs, birds


• Awareness raising• Capacity building of local stakeholders• Construction works• Follow-up and monitoring

Timetable:

Started with local meetings with different stakeholders and inventories. Timeframe 5 years.


• Activities aim at reaching "good status" in modified and eutrophicated small rivers• Work in these rivers aims at being a "good example" (model) of what can be achieved in an area

of Sweden where most water bodies / wetlands have been drained and modified.

Partners:

• Local authorities• Farmers union• County administration• Local NGOs

Funding:

• Local Environmental Investment Programmes• Different local funding• WWF own sources



28

Dissemination:

• Several leaflets, brochures• Media coverage• Different WWF outreach activities

Contact person:

Michael Löfroth, (michael.lö[email protected] + 46 8 6247400)

Activity title (3)

Protection and sustainable use of Sweden's last 4 remaining "Living rivers"

Objectives:

• Include the rivers (4 in northern Sweden) in the Natura 2000 network established by the EUHabitats Directive

• Establish broad acceptance for River Basin Management planning• Sustainable use of local resources in the river basin (e.g. forestry, agriculture, fisheries, tourism

etc.)


• Awareness raising• Capacity building of local stakeholders• Inventories• Model projects• Catchment area-based planning and management

Timetable:

Started with one of the rivers (Pite river) with a concert and public day last summer (2000) with morethan 10.000 visitors. Declaration by the Minister of Environment that the river will be included inNatura 2000 network. Discussions with the County on a Structural Funds project ongoing. Timeframe 5 years.


• Aiming at reaching and keeping "good status" in a major river catchment areas• Involvement of national and local authorities and stakeholders

Partners:

• Local authorities• County administration• Private sector• Local NGOs

Funding:

• EU Structural Funds• Different local funding• WWF's own sources

mailto:michael.l�[email protected]


29

Dissemination:

• Public events• Media coverage• Different WWF outreach activities

Contact person:

Michael Löfroth, (michael.lö[email protected] +46 8 6247400)

mailto:michael.l�[email protected]


30

WWF United Kingdom

Activity title (1):

Dissemination of Water Framework Directive Information

Objectives:

To inform relevant audiences of the content and potential implications of the Directive.


Attending and giving presentations at conferences including:

• CIWEM/EA/BHS conference on the Water Framework Directive (January 2001)• BHS Meeting on the Hydroecology of Managed Rivers (May 2001)• CIWEM National Conference on Planning Water Resources (June 2001)• UK Rivers Network Conference (September 2001)

Timetable:

Ongoing


Currently, knowledge of the content and potential implications of the Directive is low, even amongwater resource management professionals. In order to achieve both required levels of technical inputand public participation in decision making it is necessary to inform scientists, water resourcemanagers, farmers, engineers, community groups etc. of the importance of the Directive.

Partners/Funding:

• Conferences are being organised by several bodies in the UK. However, this element of WWF-UK’s work on implementation does not have partners in the conventional sense.

• Attendance at conferences and giving presentations is considered part of Freshwater Officer job.Therefore no additional finance is needed in most cases. Some conference organisers offer topay expenses for the events.


Not applicable here

Contact details:

David Tickner, WWF-UK ([email protected] ; tel +44 (0)1483 412554)

WWF UK

Panda House, Weyside ParkGodalmingSurrey GU7 1XR

Tel: + 44 1483 426 444Fax: + 44 1483 426 [email protected]/europe/freshwater



31

Activity title (2):

Wise Use of Floodplains (WUF – an EC LIFE Environment) Project

Objectives:

• To demonstrate how floodplain wetlands can contribute to the sustainable management of waterresources within river basins, which will help European countries with the implementation of theWater Framework Directive. More specifically, the project has three objectives:

- To demonstrate methods to appraise the economic, social and environmental effects of floodand coastal plain wetland restoration and management options.

- To determine how European and national policy would need to change to facilitaterestoration of these wetlands

- To facilitate planning and implementation of floodplain restoration across Europe throughdissemination of guidelines and results


Membership of the WUF Central Steering Group and Policy Task Force.

Timetable:

WUF is a three-year project that started in 1999 and will finish in summer 2002.


The WFD encourages Members States to ensure that wetlands are in "“good” ecological state by2015 and there is growing consensus that wetland restoration is needed for flood management,water pollution mitigation and wildlife habitat. However, at present there are many barriers preventingwetland restoration being carried out in the field. Identification of these barriers and of ways in whichthey can be overcome is therefore necessary if the aims of the WFD are to be achieved.

Partners/Funding:

• The WUF project is led by the RSPB. Other partners include Agence de l’Eau Garonne, ConseilRégional de Poitou Charente, English Nature, Environment and Heritage Service, EnvironmentAgency, Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, Institution Interdepartementale pour l’Aménagementdu Fleuve Charente, Irish Wildbird Conservancy, La Ligue pour la Protection des Oiseaux,Ministère de l’Aménagement du Territoire et de l’Environnement, Rivers Agency, Scotland andNorthern Ireland Forum for Environmental Research, Scottish Environmental Protection Agency,Thames Water Utilities and WWF (UK and European Freshwater Programme).

• Funding primarily through the EU LIFE Environment fund with matching funding from otherpartners.


• A wide range of dissemination activity is being carried out include talks to audiences in the UK,France, Poland and Hungary.

• Presentation of results at the WWF/EC "water seminar series" to assist the implementation of theWater Framework Directive

• Publication of Reports on "A review of 12 WWF river restoration projects across Europe" and“Policy and Economic Analysis of Floodplain Restoration in Europe”

• Website: www.floodplains.org.

Contact details:

• David Tickner, WWF-UK ([email protected] ; tel +44 (0)1483 412554)• Project Manager: Russell Cryer, RSPB ([email protected] ; +44 (0) 1767 680551)

http://www.floodplains.org/




32

Activity title (3):

Best Practice in Stakeholder Involvement in River Basin Management – a study and seminar.

Objectives:

• To gather and share best practice in participatory river catchment management applicable toScotland

• To provide the Scottish Executive funded River Basin Management Research Project withguidance on how to incorporate wider stakeholder perspectives into the project and methods toachieve public participation into their recommendations on how to implement the WFD inScotland

• To explore and illustrate the potential of the WFD for integrated and participatory landmanagement

• To gain wide support for a progressive (integrative and participatory) implementation of the WFDin Scotland.


• A study of current experience of participatory, partnership and consensus building approaches toriver catchment management in Scotland, UK and Europe (for instance experience of communitybased river management in France) and wider afield if possible (Australia, New Zealand andelsewhere);

• A seminar to share this experience between river catchment projects, the Scottish ExecutiveRural Affairs Department (SERAD), the River Basin Management Research project team andother interest groups such as agencies, water and river users and industry – including local andnational politicians – and rest of UK (Defra, Environment Agency, English Nature, WaterCompanies) and European stakeholders;

• A final report of the study and seminar findings.• A plan of action to disseminate the findings of the study and seminar to a wider audience of river

stakeholders.

Project Outputs:

• A study report outlining existing experience of stakeholder involvement in river catchmentmanagement

• A proposal for a participatory seminar to discuss and verify the study• Facilitation of the seminar• A final report bringing together study and seminar findings• A document making recommendations to the River Basin Management Research Project on how

to ensure participation of stakeholders in their research project and in the implementation of theWFD

• A document making recommendations to SERAD on how best to achieve support for aprogressive implementation of the WFD

Timetable:

Completed by September/October 2001Relevance of the activity for WFD implementation / achieving the objectives of the WFD

Scotland Specific Outcomes of the Work

For SERAD and other stakeholders in the Water Framework Directive in Scotland to have:

• An increased understanding of the role and benefits of participative approaches to rivercatchment management


33

• A strengthened understanding of the need for the Water Framework Directive to take full accountof the relationship between land-use and rivers in basins and the range of participatorytechniques needed to manage them and create a catchment management plan.

• The project is aimed directly at developing best practice guidelines on how to best achieve soundpublic participation in the implementation of the WFD (to fulfil Article 14 of WFD and complementthe work of CIS Working Group 2.9 Guidance on best practices in river basin planning)

Partners/Funding:

WWF Scotland and SERAD.


• Study report• Seminar report• Strategy for dissemination and promotion of best practice is one of the outputs of the

study/seminar

Contact person:

Adam Harrison, Rural Development Policy Officer, WWF Scotland, 8 The Square, Aberfeldy,Perthshire PH15 2DD, UK ([email protected], +44 (0)1887 820449)

[Contact person for WWF EFP's WFD implementation activities in general: Eva Royo Gelabert,WWF European Water Policy Officer ( [email protected], + 32 2 743 88 14)]



© 1986, WWF – World Wide Fund for Nature (Formerly World Wildlife Fund) ® WWF Registered Trademark Owner

The WWF European Freshwater Programme’soverall goal is to conserve and restore thefunctions and integrity of freshwater ecosystemsfor the benefit of all life.

WWF’s mission is to stop the degradation of theplanet’s natural environment and to build afuture in which humans live in harmony withnature, by:! conserving the world’s biological diversity! ensuring that the use of renewable natural

resources is sustainable! promoting the reduction of pollution and

wasteful consumption.

June 2001

WWF European Freshwater Programme

Ryesgade 3FDK-2200 Copenhagen NDenmark

Tel: + 45 3536 3635Fax: + 45 3524 7869

[email protected]/europe/freshwater

Any reproduction in full or in part of this publication must mention the title and creditthe above-mentioned publisher as the copyright owner.') © text 2001 WWF

Documents

WWF's activities across Europe to assist the implementation ...d2ouvy59p0dg6k.cloudfront.net/downloads/WFD-WWFact.pdf- Implementing the EU Water Framework Directive.....2 WWF activities