The potential of using the Ecosystem Approach in the implementation of the EU Water Framework Directive
| Autor: | D. Coughlin, Nikolaos Voulvoulis, S. Kirk, P. Logan, D. Forrow, M. Vlachopoulou |
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| Rok vydání: | 2014 |
| Předmět: |
Conservation of Natural Resources
Environmental Engineering business.industry Environmental resource management Directive Pollution Ecosystem services Water Framework Directive Water Resources Ecosystem management Environmental Chemistry Ecosystem Systems thinking European Union Public engagement business Waste Management and Disposal Environmental planning Management by objectives Environmental Monitoring |
| Zdroj: | Science of The Total Environment. :684-694 |
| ISSN: | 0048-9697 |
| Popis: | The Ecosystem Approach provides a framework for looking at whole ecosystems in decision making to ensure that society can maintain a healthy and resilient natural environment now and for future generations. Although not explicitly mentioned in the Water Framework Directive, the Ecosystem Approach appears to be a promising concept to help its implementation, on the basis that there is a connection between the aims and objectives of the Directive (including good ecological status) and the provision of ecosystem services. In this paper, methodological linkages between the Ecosystem Approach and the Water Framework Directive have been reviewed and a framework is proposed that links its implementation to the Ecosystem Approach taking into consideration all ecosystem services and water management objectives. Individual River Basin Management Plan objectives are qualitatively assessed as to how strong their link is with individual ecosystem services. The benefits of using this approach to provide a preliminary assessment of how it could support future implementation of the Directive have been identified and discussed. Findings also demonstrate its potential to encourage more systematic and systemic thinking as it can provide a consistent framework for identifying shared aims and evaluating alternative water management scenarios and options in decision making. Allowing for a broad consideration of the benefits, costs and tradeoffs that occur in each case, this approach can further improve the economic case for certain measures, and can also help restore the shift in focus from strict legislative compliance towards a more holistic implementation that can deliver the wider aims and intentions of the Directive. |
| Databáze: | OpenAIRE |
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