6th EWA annual Brussels conference implementing the river basin management plans: State of reporting and expectations

Background

The deadline for submitting River Basin Management Plans (RBMP) in March 2010 to the European Commission looks certain of being missed by most of the Member States. The European Commission and the Member States have organized a reporting and compliance check procedure which outcomes will be presented in 2012. At the same time, the next phase of Climate Change adaptation policy review and the review of strategy on Water Scarcity and Droughts will be released. These three documents are an important milestone already named in the EU blueprint for water policy.

In the meantime, basin authorities should have started to implement the RBMP. All the measures included in the plans should be fully operational by 2012 (article 11 § 7 of the WFD). The WFD strategy has reached a stage at which it should deliver tangible improvements and benefits for the water ecosystems.

Aim

The conference will present initial expectations of the RBMP achievements in practice. A first
discussion will evolve around the effectiveness of key factors on how to implement the elaborated plans.

The Conference will be divided in 3 sessions:

Session 1 will review the content of the plans that are now being implemented. A distinction will be made between the basic and supplementary measures. Special attention will be given to reflect the diversity of situations across the EU.

Session 2 will review how the plans can integrate cross-cutting policies that have a significant impact on RBMP (agriculture, inland navigation, hydropower, etc.)

Session 3 will review how horizontal measures can improve the plans’ effectiveness. The conference will provide a thorough expertise point of view and feedback on the expected effectiveness of the RBMP across the EU. The participants will have the chance during the final discussion of the conference to exchange their views on the implementation strategy and in this
way to contribute to the CIS activities on an informal basis.