1. Public information and consultation & the Water Framework Directive - a Commission perspective! Fontevraud, France, November 2008 Unit D.2 Water and the Marine - WFD Team DG Environment, European Commission
Mise en œuvre de la participation du public dans l’application de la Directive cadre eau - Fontevraud, 13 & 14 novembre 2008 How to implement the Water Framework Directive on public participation

2. Some issues to be addressed !
Article 14 – requirements and importance
What is public participation ?
A European level participatory approach
Why is the Commission interested ?
What is the sitaution so far on implementation?
A 2nd European Water conference Conference – focus public particpation and river basin management planning !
Notes for the Speaker:
More information on the Directive, the implementation process and also the guidance documents are available on the internet.
Mise en œuvre de la participation du public dans l’application de la Directive cadre eau - Fontevraud, 13 & 14 novembre 2008 How to implement the Water Framework Directive on public participation

3. Article 14 Public information and consultation
1. Member States shall encourage the active involvement of all interested parties in the implementation of this Directive, in particular in the production, review and updating of the River Basin Management Plans.
Member States shall ensure that, for each River Basin District, they publish and make available for comments to the public, including users:
Upon request access shall be given to background documents and information used for the development of the draft River Basin Management Plan.
2. Member States shall allow at least six months to comment in writing on those documents in order to allow active involvement and consultation.
Notes for the Speaker:
More information on the Directive, the implementation process and also the guidance documents are available on the internet.
Mise en œuvre de la participation du public dans l’application de la Directive cadre eau - Fontevraud, 13 & 14 novembre 2008 How to implement the Water Framework Directive on public participation

4. Article 14 Public information and consultation
a timetable and work programme for the production of the plan, including a statement of the consultation measures to be taken, at least three years before the beginning of the period to which the plan refers;
an interim overview of the significant water management issues identified in the river basin, at least two years before the beginning of the period to which the plan refers;
(c) draft copies of the River Basin Management Plan, at least one year before the beginning of the period to which the Plan refers.
Mise en œuvre de la participation du public dans l’application de la Directive cadre eau - Fontevraud, 13 & 14 novembre 2008 How to implement the Water Framework Directive on public participation

5. Why is this article so important ?
Article 14 is intended to confer on individuals and interested parties a right to be actively involved in the implementation of the directive…
Legal transposition is important to :
render legally binding the deadlines and obligations for the national authorities
the enabling of individuals to ascertain, well in advance, the full extent of their rights under the procedures provided for in article 14
« Judgement of the Court (Third Chamber), in case C-32/05  COM vs LUX»
Notes for the Speaker:
More information on the Directive, the implementation process and also the guidance documents are available on the internet.
Mise en œuvre de la participation du public dans l’application de la Directive cadre eau - Fontevraud, 13 & 14 novembre 2008 How to implement the Water Framework Directive on public participation

6. Legal transposition check
Mise en œuvre de la participation du public dans l’application de la Directive cadre eau - Fontevraud, 13 & 14 novembre 2008 How to implement the Water Framework Directive on public participation

7. Why are we interested ?
Assumptions : participatory approach makes decisions better !
Have interested parties been actively involved - have authorities taken this seriously ?
Important part of daily life in the COM – letters, complaints, petitions from legal or physical persons… art 14 is often the answer.
Transparency added value also in trans-bounday context !
Leads us to the compliance check of the River Basin management Plans when the time comes !
Watchdogs !
Mise en œuvre de la participation du public dans l’application de la Directive cadre eau - Fontevraud, 13 & 14 novembre 2008 How to implement the Water Framework Directive on public participation

8. What is public participation?
HARMONICOP
Mise en œuvre de la participation du public dans l’application de la Directive cadre eau - Fontevraud, 13 & 14 novembre 2008 How to implement the Water Framework Directive on public participation

9. Public participation in the WFD
supply of information
consultation
active involvement
Mise en œuvre de la participation du public dans l’application de la Directive cadre eau - Fontevraud, 13 & 14 novembre 2008 How to implement the Water Framework Directive on public participation

10. Public participation Pricing policy Pricing policy reflecting
cost recovery
Pricing policy
reflecting
cost recovery
Legal
challenges and
proceedings
Legal
challenges and
proceedings
Knowledge
base
within the
river basin
Knowledge
base
within the
river basin
Public
participation
River basin
management
plans
River basin
management
plans
First
environmental
assessment
First
environmental
assessment
Funding
opportunities
Funding
opportunities
Derogations
(environmental
objective)
Derogations
(environmental
objective)
Derogations
(time schedule)
Derogations
(time schedule)
Mise en œuvre de la participation du public dans l’application de la Directive cadre eau - Fontevraud, 13 & 14 novembre 2008 How to implement the Water Framework Directive on public participation

11. Who is the "public"? interested parties = stakeholders
group
organisation
person
with an interest in the issue (affected / influence)
choose relevant stakeholders
degree of interest
existing institutions
same rights?
Mise en œuvre de la participation du public dans l’application de la Directive cadre eau - Fontevraud, 13 & 14 novembre 2008 How to implement the Water Framework Directive on public participation

12. When public participation?
preferably from the beginning
during different stages in the process
every stage requires review of the "why" and the "who"
Mise en œuvre de la participation du public dans l’application de la Directive cadre eau - Fontevraud, 13 & 14 novembre 2008 How to implement the Water Framework Directive on public participation

13. Why public participation ?
Better informed decision-making, public participation helps to:
obtain essential information, experience, creativity
get a policy better adapted to all day society, more legitimacy
get commitment and acceptation in implementation
build a network, culture of co-operation
general improvement of the outcome
Socially and politically better accepted decision
Less legal challenges and proceeding
Mise en œuvre de la participation du public dans l’application de la Directive cadre eau - Fontevraud, 13 & 14 novembre 2008 How to implement the Water Framework Directive on public participation

14. Public participation is NOT about:
everybody joining
everybody deciding
always public participation
losing control
achieving consensus at all expenses
BUT about:
Management of expectations
Two way communication
Feedback to participants
No predetermined outcome
Consultation having an impact
Mise en œuvre de la participation du public dans l’application de la Directive cadre eau - Fontevraud, 13 & 14 novembre 2008 How to implement the Water Framework Directive on public participation

15. An unprecedented cooperation… the “Common Implementation Strategy”
27 Member States, European Commission, and EFTA countries cooperating, actively involving about 1000 people
NGOs and stakeholders: WWF, BirdLife, EEB, EWA, Eureau, CEFIC, COPA, ECPA, Eurelectric, ESPO (harbour operators), EPRO (regional offices), etc.
Guidance documents delivered in high quality and within set time schedule; joint ownership ensured
Pilot river basin testing: PRB network, workshops, reports
CIRCA system, CD ROM, WISE Newsletter
Already now serving as an example of Good Governance for Europeans and by Europeans
Mise en œuvre de la participation du public dans l’application de la Directive cadre eau - Fontevraud, 13 & 14 novembre 2008 How to implement the Water Framework Directive on public participation

16. A Guidance document on Public participation
Mise en œuvre de la participation du public dans l’application de la Directive cadre eau - Fontevraud, 13 & 14 novembre 2008 How to implement the Water Framework Directive on public participation

17. What do we expect from the process?
HARMONICOP
Mise en œuvre de la participation du public dans l’application de la Directive cadre eau - Fontevraud, 13 & 14 novembre 2008 How to implement the Water Framework Directive on public participation

18. Water bodies not at risk
Mise en œuvre de la participation du public dans l’application de la Directive cadre eau - Fontevraud, 13 & 14 novembre 2008 How to implement the Water Framework Directive on public participation

19. Human impacts on surface water: data provided in Art. 5 reports
Mise en œuvre de la participation du public dans l’application de la Directive cadre eau - Fontevraud, 13 & 14 novembre 2008 How to implement the Water Framework Directive on public participation

20. Article 5 : Driving forces
In more than 50% of Member states :
Urban development
Flood defences
Power generation (incl. hydropower)
Navigation
Agriculture
Restoration
Water and waste water
Other industrial uses
Mise en œuvre de la participation du public dans l’application de la Directive cadre eau - Fontevraud, 13 & 14 novembre 2008 How to implement the Water Framework Directive on public participation

21. Significant water management issues
Do they reflect the article 5 analysis of driving forces, pressures, impacts ?
Do they address the objectives of water management
Do they address measures already ?
Are different interests balanced ?
Are key Commission concerns addressed ?
Mise en œuvre de la participation du public dans l’application de la Directive cadre eau - Fontevraud, 13 & 14 novembre 2008 How to implement the Water Framework Directive on public participation

22. What do we expect of draft RBMP
Detailed – same format as real RBMP
Complete the information gaps…
Commission will look at these to check some key aspects such as objectives, use of exemptions, types of measures, including for art 9…
Mise en œuvre de la participation du public dans l’application de la Directive cadre eau - Fontevraud, 13 & 14 novembre 2008 How to implement the Water Framework Directive on public participation

23. A European “campaign” Help spreading the word
Improve information flows at European level
Keep an eye on the process – watchdog !
Mise en œuvre de la participation du public dans l’application de la Directive cadre eau - Fontevraud, 13 & 14 novembre 2008 How to implement the Water Framework Directive on public participation

24. European Water Conference
2-3 April 2009,
Charlemagne building, COM, Brussels
European stakeholders feedback on draft RBMPs
Discussion on European strategic water management issues
However NOT a first COM opinion or comment on the draft RBMP
Target : Invitation to European stakeholders and their members, to Member States and competent auhtorities, MEPs…
Exhibition
Distance participation via webstreaming
Notes for the Speaker:
More information on the Directive, the implementation process and also the guidance documents are available on the internet.
Mise en œuvre de la participation du public dans l’application de la Directive cadre eau - Fontevraud, 13 & 14 novembre 2008 How to implement the Water Framework Directive on public participation

25. Conference document Consultation (14.1)
How do Member States try encourage active involvement – media, meetings, questionnaires?
How have views been taken on board in the consultation?
Significant water management issues (14.2)
Driving forces, pressures, impacts – and measures ?
Key trends and conclusions drawn on strategic water management issues at European level
Draft RBMP (14.3)
plans and or experiences so far
Key issues like use of exemptions, types of measures.
Media reports
Case studies – good or bad practices ?
Notes for the Speaker:
More information on the Directive, the implementation process and also the guidance documents are available on the internet.
Mise en œuvre de la participation du public dans l’application de la Directive cadre eau - Fontevraud, 13 & 14 novembre 2008 How to implement the Water Framework Directive on public participation

26. Preparing the conference
Survey to identify key documents (Workprogrammes, SWMIs, draft RBMP)
level of accessibility of information on the internet
Survey on consultation mechanisms:
Interviews with contact person
Analysis of SWMIs
Identify significant water management issues as raised by MS
First overview of draft RBMP
Consultants to check key issues in the draft RBMP – exemptions, types of measures, etc
Call for good/bad practice & speakers…
Notes for the Speaker:
More information on the Directive, the implementation process and also the guidance documents are available on the internet.
Mise en œuvre de la participation du public dans l’application de la Directive cadre eau - Fontevraud, 13 & 14 novembre 2008 How to implement the Water Framework Directive on public participation

27. Timing of the draft RBMP consultation ?
No information on: EL, LT, MT
Survey pending: IT EE
LU ?
FR-Metropolitan
CZ ?
ES ?
Pais Vasco: Jul 08-Dec 08
Baleares: Oct 08-Apr 09 ES FI
DE, HU, CY, UK, RO, PL, NL, SI, IE, LV, BE,
FR-Islands
Notes for the Speaker:
FR Corsica Jun 08-Dec 08,
DE Lower Saxony no information available
BE Wallonia awaiting reply, Bruxelles no information
EE supposedly June 09 - Nov 09
LU unclear, supposedly June 09 beginning
PT, SK, BG
AT, DK, SE
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sept
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
2008
2009
Consultation Periods of MS
Mise en œuvre de la participation du public dans l’application de la Directive cadre eau - Fontevraud, 13 & 14 novembre 2008 How to implement the Water Framework Directive on public participation
Mise en œuvre de la participation du public dans l’application de la Directive cadre eau - Fontevraud, 13 & 14 novembre 2008 How to implement the Water Framework Directive on public participation 27 27

28. Flash Eurobarometer on Water
To ask questions to the general public of their awareness of the process and on the perceived problems linked to water
To check if MS requirement to “actively involve” interested parties and the public has worked
To ask about the perceived impact of climate change on water
To raise the awareness in media and public on the ongoing consultation process, with a view to increase participation
Mise en œuvre de la participation du public dans l’application de la Directive cadre eau - Fontevraud, 13 & 14 novembre 2008 How to implement the Water Framework Directive on public participation

29. water.europa.eu/participate/
Webpages
water.europa.eu/participate/
DG ENV Europa pages > downloadable posters/postcards and other campaign resources
CIRCA>WFD>public library>National implementation documents > Article 14 :
Links, workprogrammes, SWMIs and draft RBMP
WISE updated
Notes for the Speaker:
More information on the Directive, the implementation process and also the guidance documents are available on the internet.
Mise en œuvre de la participation du public dans l’application de la Directive cadre eau - Fontevraud, 13 & 14 novembre 2008 How to implement the Water Framework Directive on public participation

30. water.europa.eu/participate
Notes for the Speaker:
More information on the Directive, the implementation process and also the guidance documents are available on the internet.
E-posters & postcards
Other campaign material
Mise en œuvre de la participation du public dans l’application de la Directive cadre eau - Fontevraud, 13 & 14 novembre 2008 How to implement the Water Framework Directive on public participation

31. CIRCA Library of national consultation documents and links
Notes for the Speaker:
More information on the Directive, the implementation process and also the guidance documents are available on the internet.
Library of national consultation documents and links
Mise en œuvre de la participation du public dans l’application de la Directive cadre eau - Fontevraud, 13 & 14 novembre 2008 How to implement the Water Framework Directive on public participation

32. WISE Notes for the Speaker:
More information on the Directive, the implementation process and also the guidance documents are available on the internet.
Mise en œuvre de la participation du public dans l’application de la Directive cadre eau - Fontevraud, 13 & 14 novembre 2008 How to implement the Water Framework Directive on public participation

33. Mise en œuvre de la participation du public dans l’application de la Directive cadre eau - Fontevraud, 13 & 14 novembre 2008 How to implement the Water Framework Directive on public participation

34. Thank you for your attention !
Mise en œuvre de la participation du public dans l’application de la Directive cadre eau - Fontevraud, 13 & 14 novembre 2008 How to implement the Water Framework Directive on public participation