WuhanUniversityofTechnologyDepartmentofSpatial InformationandPlanningSchoolofResourcesandEnvironmentEngineeringRiverBasinManagementinEurope&DanubeRiverBasinGabrielaAdinaMOROSANU-MITOSERIUInstituteofGeographyoftheRomanianAcademy,Romaniagabriela.adina.m@gmail.com
River Basin Management in Europe & Danube River Basin Gabriela Adina MOROȘANU-MITOȘERIU Institute of Geography of the Romanian Academy, Romania gabriela.adina.m@gmail.com Wuhan University of Technology Department of Spatial Information and Planning School of Resources and Environment Engineering
Regulatoryframework inthe European Unionwww.polgeonow.comEUROPEANUNIONCurrently,27members,7candidatesAlsopartoftheEU(notshown)CurrentmemberCanary Islands (Spain)countries&2potentialcandidate--Madeira (Portugal)-Azores (Portugal)ICELANDOfficial candidatecountriesMany (but not all) FrenchoverseasterritorieRecognizedasaBinding element of EUthecountries:apotentialcandidatesetoflawsthatallmembersarerequiredFaroe IslandsFormermembers(Denmark)toshare(Asof April2023)NORWAYRUSSIATheEuropeanCommission(EC)isresponsibleformakinglawsto"defendKAZAKHSTANtheinterestsoftheUnionand its citizenslan(UK)BELARUSasawhole."TheECgenerallyproposestwotypes of rules:regulationsandPOUAHELKRAINEdirectives.Borders depictedGuernsey (UKthevarereconizedby theEuMostlythesearelawsabouteconomy,GEORGIAAZERtrade,natural resources,andARMimmigration.SomecountriesandspecialIRANSERBareashaveexemptionsfromcertainlawsMONACOTORKIYEbutoverall,beinganEUmembermeans(TURKENVATICAagreeingtofollowawholesetofrulesSYRIAIRAQsetoutbythecollaborativeunionDheketia (UK)GREECECYPRUSLERGibraltarqukgovernment.Ceuta (5p)Akrotir (UK)JORDANMelilla(Sp)ALGERIASAUDIARABIATUNMORMALTA
Regulatory framework in the European Union • Currently, 27 members, 7 candidates countries & 2 potential candidate countries • Binding element of EU the countries : a set of laws that all members are required to share • The European Commission (EC) is responsible for making laws to “defend the interests of the Union and its citizens as a whole.” The EC generally proposes two types of rules: regulations and directives. • Mostly these are laws about economy, trade, natural resources, and immigration. Some countries and special areas have exemptions from certain laws, but overall, being an EU member means agreeing to follow a whole set of rules set out by the collaborative union government
Regulatoryframeworkinthe EuropeanUnionTypesoflawswithintheEU1.Regulations:.Applies to Member States directly and in its entirety.Designed to achieve consistency across the EU, which can be particularly important when trying to harmonise certainaspectsofmarketstructure.increasebiodiversityExample:The EU Nature Restoration Law,aiming at restoringat least 20%of theEU'slandandseaareasby2030andallecosystemsinneedofrestorationby2050securethethingsnaturedoesforfree,likecleaningourwaterandair,Restoringrivers,lakes,wetlands,grasslands,forests,marineecosystemswill:pollinatingcrops,andprotectingusfromfioods2.Directives:limitglobalwarmingto1.5cbuild up Europe's resilience and strategic autonomy,preventing naturalRequiresMemberStatestotransposeEUrules intonational lawasdisasters and reducing risks to food securitythey see fit, as long as the overarching objectives are met.EffectivelygivesMemberStatesleewayinhowtointerpretandEuropean Floods Directive (2007opearimplementEUlaws.nawWate3WaterFrameworkExamples:DirectiveFlood RiskloodaframeworkforMaommunityactionin》WaterFrameworkDirective(WFD)2000/60/ECTfieldofwato>WaterDrinkingDirective(2020/2184)>Flo0dsDirective(2007/60/EC)
Regulatory framework in the European Union Types of laws within the EU 1. Regulations: • Applies to Member States directly and in its entirety. • Designed to achieve consistency across the EU, which can be particularly important when trying to harmonise certain aspects of market structure. 2. Directives: • Requires Member States to transpose EU rules into national law as they see fit, as long as the overarching objectives are met. • Effectively gives Member States leeway in how to interpret and implement EU laws. Examples: Water Framework Directive (WFD) 2000/60/EC Water Drinking Directive (2020/2184) Floods Directive (2007/60/EC) Example: The EU Nature Restoration Law, aiming at restoring at least 20% of the EU's land and sea areas by 2030 and all ecosystems in need of restoration by 2050. Restoring rivers, lakes, wetlands, grasslands, forests, marine ecosystems will:
EUFlo0dsDirective(2007/60/EC）TheWaterFrameworkDirective(wFD)stipulatesthatEUMemberStatesshouldaimtoachievegood statusforallsurface water and groundwater bodies.Ecological status and potential are criteria used to assess the quality of thestructureand functioning of surfacewaterecosystems.Ecological status isinfluenced bywaterquality (e.g.pollution)and habitat degradation,and is used as aproxyforthe overall status of water bodies.Toimproveandrestoretheapproximately6o%ofsurfacewatersintheEUthatstillhavelessthangoodecologicalstatus,and meet WFD objectives,full implementationofmanagement and mitigation measures underthe WFD,incombinationwithfullimplementationofmeasuresunderotherrelevantdirectives,isneededBut,accordingtoBracketal.,2017,themanagementEffect-basedPassiveIntegratedof water pollution,more specifically the practicaltoolssamplingprioritizationL1implementationonchemicalpollution,hasfacedsomechallenges.InsupportoftheupcomingWFDreviewin2019theresearchproject SOLUTIONS and theMonitoringandprioritizationEuropeanmonitoringnetworkNORMANhasanalyzedthesechallenges, evaluatedthe state-of-the-art oftheAdvancedchemicalstatusInvestigativemonitoringscience and suggested possible solutions:tieredapproachEffect-basedtriggervalueslmprove monitoring and strengthen comprehensiveConsistent legislativeSedimentcontaminationframeworksprioritizationoftoxicpollutantsReviewofWFDModelstofilldatagapsRisk reduction scenarios·Fosterconsistentassessmentof waterpollution人Support solution-oriented management of chemicalsSolution-orientedConsistentassessmentmanagementinthewater cycle
EU Floods Directive (2007/60/EC) But, according to Brack et al., 2017, the management of water pollution, more specifically the practical implementation on chemical pollution, has faced some challenges. In support of the upcoming WFD review in 2019 the research project SOLUTIONS and the European monitoring network NORMAN has analyzed these challenges, evaluated the state-of-the-art of the science and suggested possible solutions: •Improve monitoring and strengthen comprehensive prioritization of toxic pollutants •Foster consistent assessment of water pollution •Support solution-oriented management of chemicals in the water cycle • The Water Framework Directive (WFD) stipulates that EU Member States should aim to achieve good status for all surface water and groundwater bodies. Ecological status and potential are criteria used to assess the quality of the structure and functioning of surface water ecosystems. Ecological status is influenced by water quality (e.g. pollution) and habitat degradation, and is used as a proxy for the overall status of water bodies. • To improve and restore the approximately 60% of surface waters in the EU that still have less than good ecological status, and meet WFD objectives, full implementation of management and mitigation measures under the WFD, in combination with full implementation of measures under other relevant directives, is needed
Canary Jslands (ES)Percentage ofwaterbodies,notingood ecologicalstatusorEUFloodsDirectivepotential, per riverbasin districtPercentage（2007/60/EC）≤10Azores.islands (PT)10-20Thepercentage of water bodies20-3030-40withlessthangood(i.e.moderate40-50poor or bad)ecological statusMadeira Island (PT)50-60variesbetween riverbasin districts60-7070-80(RBDs)acrossEurope,withsurface80-90Guadeloupeandwaterbodiesinnorth-westernMartinique Istands (FR)>90Europehavingtheloweststatus.Nodata reportedEEAcountriesnotReferencesimplementingWFDOutside coverageEC,2011, Communication from the Commission to the EuropeanFrench Gulana (FR)Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and SocialNote:Second riverbasinCommittee and the Committee of the Regions'Our life insurancemanagementplansour natural capital: an EU biodiversity strategy to 2020' (COM(2011)244 final).EEA,2018b,Europeanwatersassessmentofstatusandpressures2018,EEA Report No 7/2018, European Environment AgencyMayotte Island (FR)(https://www.eea.europa.eu/publications/state-of-water) accessed6December 2018.EEA, 2019,The European environment state and outlook 2020:knowledgefortransitiontoa sustainable Europe,EuropeanEnvironment Agency (https://www.eea.europa.eu/soer-2020)Reunion.island (FR)accessed 9 December 2019.EEA, 2020, 'WISE Water Framework Directive database', European50010005D0kmEnvironment Agency (https://www.eea.europa.eu/data-and-maps/data/wise-wfd-4) accessed 21 April 2021.Referencedata:@ESRILEurnGarraphics
EU Floods Directive (2007/60/EC) The percentage of water bodies with less than good (i.e. moderate, poor or bad) ecological status varies between river basin districts (RBDs) across Europe, with surface water bodies in north-western Europe having the lowest status. References EC, 2011, Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions ‘Our life insurance, our natural capital: an EU biodiversity strategy to 2020’ (COM(2011) 244 final). EEA, 2018b,European waters — assessment of status and pressures 2018, EEA Report No 7/2018, European Environment Agency (https://www.eea.europa.eu/publications/state-of-water) accessed 6 December 2018. EEA, 2019,The European environment — state and outlook 2020: knowledge for transition to a sustainable Europe, European Environment Agency (https://www.eea.europa.eu/soer-2020) accessed 9 December 2019. EEA, 2020, ‘WISE Water Framework Directive database’, European Environment Agency (https://www.eea.europa.eu/data-andmaps/data/wise-wfd-4) accessed 21 April 2021
LegendThe EUWaterFrameworkDirective(2000/60/EC)isDARKGREEN-thirdRBuPfulyreportedtoCDFu-thidRMpreontthe cornerstone of water management in the EuropeanreportedyeUnionandsignificantlyinfluencesriverbasinaatiananopinREDpublieconsutationnotyetstartedmanagementin theDanubecountries that areEUlceland and Morwray state otplay ef second REMpmembers.TheWFDrequiresmember statestoestablishRiver Basin Management Plans (RBMPs)that set outhoweachbasin'swaterresourceswillbeprotected,usedandimprovedThe directive mandates that river basins be managedbased on their natural boundaries,rather than nationalborders,and advocatesforIntegratedWaterResourcesManagement (IWRM),which includes ecological,chemical,and quantitative aspects of water management.The WFD also emphasizes public participation, cross-border cooperation, and the achievement of "GoodEcological Status" for all water bodies within a settimeframe(by2027,withpossibleextensions)Stateofplayof3rdRBMPadoptioninEU27lastupdate:20December2023environment.ec.europa.e
State of play of 3rd RBMP adoption in EU 27 last update: 20 December 2023 environment.ec.europa.e The EU Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC) is the cornerstone of water management in the European Union and significantly influences river basin management in the Danube countries that are EU members. The WFD requires member states to establish River Basin Management Plans (RBMPs) that set out how each basin's water resources will be protected, used, and improved. The directive mandates that river basins be managed based on their natural boundaries, rather than national borders, and advocates for Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM), which includes ecological, chemical, and quantitative aspects of water management. The WFD also emphasizes public participation, crossborder cooperation, and the achievement of "Good Ecological Status" for all water bodies within a set timeframe (by 2027, with possible extensions)
LevelsofcoordinationinWFDRiverBasinManagementPlanningPartADetailsRoof LevelPartBSub-Basin/National LevelPartChttps://waterquality.danube-region.euSub-Unit LevelPartA:International, basin-wide level-the roof level (e.g.Danube)Part B:National and/orthe internationally coordinated sub-basin level for selected sub-basins(e.g.Sava &Tisza rivers)Part C:Sub-unit level, defined as management units in the national territoryAccordingtoICDPR,thereare4keypressuresoftheRBMPsstrategicactions:NutrientHazardousOrganicHydromorphologicalPollutionPollutionSubstancesPollutionAlterations
Levels of coordination in WFD River Basin Management Planning https://waterquality.danube-region.eu Part A : International, basin-wide level - the roof level (e.g. Danube) Part B : National and/or the internationally coordinated sub-basin level for selected sub-basins (e.g. Sava & Tisza rivers) Part C : Sub-unit level, defined as management units in the national territory. According to ICDPR, there are 4 key pressures of the RBMPs strategic actions :
Water&RiverBasinManagementinEuropeKeyfactsWaterquality classificationby EU Water Framework Directivereference conditionsmacrophytesmacroinvertebratesecologicalandchemicalstatuschemical qualitystatushydromorphologyHighassessmentGoodecological statusGoodoverallgoalWaterFramework DirectiveModerateFailing toPoorachievegoodwaterqualitymonitoringBadriveAccordingtothepriorresearchinsupportoftheEU81%Every1One inthreeNatureRestorationLAW,intermsofriverconnectivity-bee and butterflyofhabitats are inpooreurooneofthemeasureswouldconsistinidentifyingandstatusspeciesare indeclineremovingbarriersthat prevent theconnectivityof surfaceinvested into naturewaters,sothatat least25o00kmof riversarerestoredtoarestorationaddsE4toenvironment.ec.europa.euE38inbenefitsfree-flowingstateby2030
Water & River Basin Management in Europe Key facts According to the prior research in support of the EU Nature Restoration LAW, in terms of river connectivity – one of the measures would consist in identifying and removing barriers that prevent the connectivity of surface waters, so that at least 25 000 km of rivers are restored to a free-flowing state by 2030 environment.ec.europa.eu Water quality classification by EU Water Framework Directive
Water&RiverBasinManagementinEuropeKeyfactsWaterflowSedimentHydromorphologicalqualityelementsintheEUWaterFrameworkDirectiveHabitatTheecological classificationsystem required undertheWFD describeshydromorphologicalelements as'supportingthebiological elements'(Figure2.1).Thismeansassessingpressures and impacts on:.1oHydromorphologicalalterationsandpressuresinEuropeanrivers,lakes,transitional and coastal watershydrological regime(quantityanddynamicsofflow,connectiontogroundwater);MorphologyConnectioncontinuity(abilityofsedimentandmigratoryspeciestopassfreelyBourdinetal.,2011upanddownriversandlaterallywiththefloodplain);morphology(i.e.physicalhabitat-compositionsofsubstratewidth/depthvariation,structure of bed, banks and riparianzone)
Water & River Basin Management in Europe Key facts Hydromorphological quality elements in the EU Water Framework Directive The ecological classification system required under the WFD describes hydromorphological elements as 'supporting the biological elements' (Figure 2.1). This means assessing pressures and impacts on: • 10 Hydromorphological alterations and pressures in European rivers, lakes, transitional and coastal waters hydrological regime (quantity and dynamics of flow, connection to groundwater); • continuity (ability of sediment and migratory species to pass freely up and down rivers and laterally with the floodplain); • morphology (i.e. physical habitat – compositions of substrate, width/depth variation, structure of bed, banks and riparian zone). Bourdin et al., 2011
Water&RiverBasinManagementinEuropeEstonia (645)KeyfactsSlovakia (1760)Romania (3256)HydromorphologicalqualityelementstobeusedfortheassessmentofSpain (3474)Latvia (204)ecologicalstatusorpotential basedonthelistinWFDAnnexV.1.1.Portugal (1507)Finland (949)Sweden (15475)Morphological conditionsIreland (4508)RiversTransitional watersItaly (3991)river depth and width variationdepth variation.Denmarkstructureand substrateoftheriverbedquantity,structureand substrateofthebedGreece (649).Bulgaria (688)structure of the intertidal zone.structure of the riparian zoneEU (75405/53841)LakesCoastal watersFrance (10781)lakedepth variationdepth variationCyprus (163)structureand substrateofthe coastal bedquantity,structure and substrate ofthe lakebedAustria (7322)structure of the lake shorestructureof theintertidal zoneLithuania (832)River continuityUnited Kingdom (9080)availabilityof sedimentandmigratory speciestopassfreelyupanddownrivers and laterallywiththeCzech Republic (1062)Hungary (584)floodplainPoland (987)Hydrological regimeGermany (8817)RiversTransitional watersLuxembourgquantify and dynamics ofwater flowfreshwaterflowNetherlands (254)connection toground waterbodieswaveexposureBelgium (177)LakesCoastal waters020408080100quantify and dynamics ofwaterflowdirectionofdominant currentsPercentage of water bodiesresidencetimewaveexposureHydromorphologyAltered habitatsconnection to thegroundwater bodyPercentage of classified surface waterbodiesaffectedBourdin etal.,2011byhydromorphologicalpressuresandhavingalteredhabitats indifferentMemberStates (rivers)Source (ICDPR)
Water & River Basin Management in Europe Key facts Bourdin et al., 2011 Hydromorphological quality elements to be used for the assessment of ecological status or potential based on the list in WFD Annex V. 1.1. Percentage of classified surface water bodies affected by hydromorphological pressures and having altered habitats in different Member States (rivers) Source (ICDPR)