1. Framework for Water Management – challenges at national/local and trans-boundary scale Water Framework Directive implementation Gordana Kozhuharova, REC, Regional director for SEE, Shkodra, Albania, 9 th March, 2015

2. WFD and Municipalities Local knowledge of the municipality should be coupled with specialized knowledge of experts Municipalities should be supported throughout the implementation of the WFD so that: They are actively and earnestly involved Their ecological, economic and social interest are all considered Links with other technical departments and interdisciplinary planning processes are established Win-win situations are established considering the development processes of municipalities and for the implementation of the WFD JOVANKA IGNJATOVIĆ, REC HO

3. Implementation at local level Sewage treatment and discharges in rivers Water supply Water body maintenance and water development for small watercourses Urban land use planning with considerations of spatial planning, nature conservation and flood protection Tourism and local recreation Information dissemination and pollution prevention (Agenda 21) Public Participation JOVANKA IGNJATOVIĆ, REC HO

4. Sewage treatment and discharges Appropriate areas of concern: Limitation of emissions or the discharge of rain water Implementation of measures to avoid, reduce or slow down storm water Building storm water treatment plants, in order to reduce loads concerning quality and quantity Using natural retentions for pollution reduction Designation and planning of new building zones taking into account the objectives of river basin management JOVANKA IGNJATOVIĆ, REC HO

5. Water supply Appropriate areas of concern: Planning and permission for water abstraction, taking into account long-term protection of existing resources. Designation and security of specific - distinct zones where more strict requirements are needed for particular users Innovative solutions for adequate water pricing, including environmental and resource costs and incentives concerning payment Protection of ground water resources from diffuse pollution (in particular from agriculture) JOVANKA IGNJATOVIĆ, REC HO

6. Water body maintenance Appropriate areas of concern: Maintenance and reconstruction of watercourse to develop naturally Ensuring a proper flow to discharge excess water For navigable waters, maintaining their navigability Constructive measures to improve the hydro-morphology of rivers, riverbanks and individual structures It will always be necessary to clarify who should take responsibility for the financing of such measures!!! JOVANKA IGNJATOVIĆ, REC HO

7. Urban land use planning Appropriate areas of concern: Consider water bodies, ports and areas planned for water management, areas to be reserved for floodplains, waste water disposal from housing areas, construction of riparian zones, etc. Suitable bank structure relevant not only for rivers themselves but for entire floodplains - allow more space for rivers Environmental protection and nature conservation JOVANKA IGNJATOVIĆ, REC HO

8. Tourism and local recreation Opportunities may arise by: developing natural looking water bodies in the process of implementing the WFD For example: creating alluvial landscapes can make it possible to walk or cycle once again along a river creation of a water didactic exhibition or the reproduction of historical bridges over a river JOVANKA IGNJATOVIĆ, REC HO

9. Agenda 21 Establish comprehensive action strategy for environmental protection by integration of planning Appropriate areas of concern: full community participation assessment of current conditions target setting monitoring and reporting. JOVANKA IGNJATOVIĆ, REC HO

10. Public Participation Reasons for public participation: To balance interests of various groups To strengthen enforcement of agreed measures Appropriate areas of concern: Communication with water users concerned and information dissemination Identification with their water body Acceptance and support of measures JOVANKA IGNJATOVIĆ, REC HO

11. Conclusions For successful implementation of the Water Framework Directive: Municipalities can contribute significantly Close collaboration between land use planners and water planners, and between officials working at a local and a regional level, is vitally Local planners need specific targets, guidance on interpretation, and adequate resources to support and monitor progress JOVANKA IGNJATOVIĆ, REC HO

12. Conclusions For successful implementation of the Water Framework Directive: There are still differences in views held by environmental planners and physical planners which requires further effort in capacity building, cooperation and coordination of actions Finally, the ambitious aims of the WFD requires more action at a local level to improve and protect water quality JOVANKA IGNJATOVIĆ, REC HO

13. THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION!