WFD - modification of the approach to WQ management in Europe Flashcards
What did 3 things countries aim to embrace in 1990s?
A worldwide, holistic approach to environmental management, integrated pollution control & embracing an ecosystem based approach.
Where was the ecosystem based approach embodied? Which World Summits?
Earth’s Summit - Rio in 1992, Johannesburg - 2002 and Convention of Biological Diversity - 1992.
What did countries decide at the Earth’s Summit in Rio in 1992, Johannesburg - 2002 and Convention of Biological Diversity?
Achieve environmental sustainability
What did Europe propose to achieve environmental sustainability?
An EU Directive on the Ecological Quality of Surface Water
What has the WFD done?
Impacted various levels of environmental management of aquatic resources and triggered the re-organisation of water management by hydrological catchments, rather than administrative or political borders.
Caused a radical, innovative shift to measure surface water quality using a range of biological communities rather than the more limited aspects of chemical quality.
What is the WFD’s ultimate goal?
Improving the quality of surface water bodies.
What is now at the focus of assessing the state of lakes, rivers and ecosystems using the WFD?
Biotic communities
What are the key WFD objectives?
General protection of aquatic ecology, specific protection of unique and valuable habitats, protection of drinking water resources and protection of bathing water.
Why is public participation integral to WFD?
1) Balance various groups’ interests to achieve the most appropriate measures
2) Enforceability - biannual conference to provide regular view exchanges via complaint measures and the court.
What is CIRCABC
Communication and information resource centre for administrations, business and citizens. It is an internet based platform to improve information exchange between countries, European Institutions, verious stakeholders and the public.
