THE (HUMAN) NATURE OF THE PROBLEM

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Water Frame Directive

The Water Frame Directive (WFD) from the year 2000 is a legislative instrument adopted by the EU to restore ground and surface waters (rivers, lakes and coastal waters) in Europe to "Good Status" by 2015.

The WFD has set out a number of objectives, measures to be developed and a deadline by which all member states must achieve implementation based on local actions, international co-operation, the integration of all policies related to this regulation and an in-depth assessment of the pressures supported by the hydrological resources in each basin.

This instrument intends to protect water quality, restore degraded areas, reduce spills and existing sources of pollution, until they are totally eliminated, and adopt risk prevention measures.

All activities that affect water availability or quality - agriculture, industry, tourism, fishing, human consumption - must adapt to the WFD.

This places the European Union at the forefront of environmental competency in the world, the first great world region that has established the conservation of water resources for the future as a priority transnational objective.

The key idea: to achieve an integral and sustainable management model, prepared with the co-operation of all social sectors involved, and aimed at balancing environmental considerations with the interests of those who are dependent on the environment.

Key dates

2003

The WFD must be incorporated to national and regional laws concerning water issues.

Co-operation between river basins will become operational.

2004

Complete the study on pressures and impacts affecting water resources, including an economic study.

2006

Monitoring programmes operational.

2008

Introduction to the public of River Basin Management Plans.

2009

Publication of River Basin Management Plans.

2015

Waters should have "good ecological status”.

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