1. EC GUIDANCE ON IWT AND NATURA 2000 CHAPTER 4 Kerstin Sundseth, Ecosystems LTD

2. Chapter 4: Overall purpose Outlines the issues to watch out for when designing - or carrying out an AA of - a new IWT development Stresses the importance of havign detailed understanding how a natural river system functions. Essential for designing IWT projects in a way that takes natural processes into account and avoids, minimises or mitigates potentially negative effects 2 Ecosystems LTD 3rd EC Rivers WG – Nov 2010

3. Chapter 4 Also makes clear that: not all IWT activities have negative impacts – can also have positive effects through restoration of degraded rivers – Full page box on IWT river restoration project egs IWT is not the only issue on rivers, they are affected by whole range of activities Ecosystems LTD 3rd EC Rivers WG – Nov 2010 3

4. Potential effects on river functions 4 Outlines complexity, dynamics and functionality of river systems – hence the need to have a thorough understanding of how river ecosystems work Key river functions (PIANC): Morphological processes Maintenance of hydrological balance Maintenance of sediment balance Provision of habitat Maintenance of biological and chemical processes Ecosystems LTD 3rd EC Rivers WG – Nov 2010

5. Linking river functions & biodiversity Explains link between river’s functional complexity and dynamics and their high biodiversity value Highlights that the influence of river system extends well beyond river itself – many dependent habitats/species in wider catchment. Also vital ecological corridors (river & riparian zones) → Hence importance of studying effects over wider area than just project site 5 Ecosystems LTD 3rd EC Rivers WG – Nov 2010

6. Potential effects on biodiversity Habitat loss, degradation and fragmentation Species disturbance and displacement Barriers to migration and dispersal Introduction of invasive alien species Pollution 6 Ecosystems LTD 3rd EC Rivers WG – Nov 2010

7. Good practice examples? Would be useful to include some good practice examples of how IWT project was designed so as to minimise impact on river functionality thanks to careful pre-design studies and field work? 7 Ecosystems LTD 3rd EC Rivers WG – Nov 2010