Annexes to COM(2007)414 - Addressing the challenge of water scarcity and droughts in the EU - Main contents
Please note
This page contains a limited version of this dossier in the EU Monitor.
| dossier | COM(2007)414 - Addressing the challenge of water scarcity and droughts in the EU. |
|---|---|
| document | COM(2007)414  |
| date | July 18, 2007 |
Good practices:
In Spain, proactive water-saving programmes have been launched in several towns and have produced significant results. In 1997, Zaragoza launched a comprehensive programme based on updated water devices and equipment, introduction of metering and raising public awareness. Its implementation resulted in the saving of 1.2 billion litres of water per year and the lowest water consumption per inhabitant and per day in Spain (96 l/person/day).
2.6. Fostering the emergence of a water-saving culture in Europe
The issue:
Developing a responsible water-saving and efficiency culture requires an active awareness-raising policy in which all actors in the water sector need to be involved. Information, education and training are priority areas for action.
Consumers increasingly demand more information on the way water is used at all stages of the industrial or agri-food process. Labelling is an effective way to provide targeted information to the public on water performance and on sustainable water management practices. The marketing of ever more efficient devices or "water-friendly" products should be encouraged.
In line with Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), economic operators involved in quality or certification schemes should be encouraged to promote their products on the basis of the demonstrated efficient use of water.
Way forward:
At EU level:
· Explore, together with the European Business Alliance on CSR, the possibility of launching an Alliance initiative on the efficient use of water.
· Encourage the inclusion of rules on water management in existing and future quality and certification schemes.
· Explore the possibility of expanding existing EU labelling schemes whenever appropriate in order to promote water efficient devices and water-friendly products.
At national level:
· Further encourage the development of educational programmes, advisory services, exchanges of best practices and large targeted campaigns of communication focused on water quantity issues.
Good practice:
In summer 2006, France launched a national campaign entitled "Will everyone get enough water?" This campaign based on television and radio spots encouraged individual efforts at water saving. The public considered the messages were convincing. 88% said that they make efforts to save water.
2.7. Improve knowledge and data collection
2.7.1. A water scarcity and drought information system throughout Europe
The issue:
Reliable information on the extent and impacts of water scarcity and droughts is indispensable for decision-making at all levels. Shared definitions are necessary to ensure data consistency at EU level. The recently published Water Information System for Europe (WISE) [11] provides the ideal platform to integrate and disseminate such information.
Way forward:
· Present an annual European assessment, based on agreed indicators and data provided by Member States and stakeholders to the Commission or the European Environment Agency on a yearly basis.
· Fully exploit the Global Monitoring for Environment and Security (GMES) services for the delivery of space-based data and monitoring tools in support to water policies, land use planning and improved irrigation practices.
2.7.2. Research and technological development opportunities
The issue:
Support, coordination and dissemination of research efforts between the EU and national levels will ensure the best match between research needs and what is on offer to society including practitioners and policy makers. LIFE+ and transboundary programmes under the European Neighbourhood and Partnership Instrument (ENPI) on water scarcity and drought management should be coordinated. Synergies have to be sought between policy and research in this respect.
Way forward:
· Disseminate and facilitate the use and exploitation of the results of research on water scarcity and drought issues.
· Explore, enhance and encourage research and technological activities in this area, including networking, under the opportunities that the Seventh Community Research Framework Programme may bring. These research results may start to be operational and integrated to policy by 2009.
3. Conclusions
The challenge of water scarcity and droughts needs to be addressed both as an essential environmental issue and also as a precondition for sustainable economic growth in Europe. As the EU seeks to revitalise and reinvigorate its economy and to continue to lead on tackling climate change, the devising of an effective strategy towards water efficiency can make a substantial contribution.
This Communication identifies a first set of policy options with a view to opening up a wide-ranging debate on how to adapt to water scarcity and droughts, two phenomena that could potentially increase in a context of climate change. The options proposed in the Communication could already start to bear fruit in the short term. The Commission therefore believes that more has to be done to introduce these measures swiftly at EU level. In this sense it is important to consider the role of the state of the art research results can play for policy making. The Commission will review progress towards the set orientations and will report on them to the Council and the European Parliament. The report will be presented in the context of a Stakeholder Forum to be held in 2008.
In the light of the discussions on this Communication in the Council of Ministers - starting with the Informal Environment Council on 1 September 2007- and the European Parliament and of the results of the above-mentioned report, the Commission will consider follow-up initiatives and action within the coming few years.
[1] http://ec.europa.eu/environment/water/pdf/1st_report.pdf
[2] 2 IPPC WGII Fourth Assessment Report, 6 April 2007.
[3] Directive 2000/60/EC establishing a framework for Community action in the field of water policy.
[4] Ecologic, Report on EU water saving potential, June 2007.
[5] Green Paper on market-based instruments for environment and related policy purposes - COM(2007) 140.
[6] Directive 2001/42/EC (OJ L 197, 21.7.2001, p. 30).
[7] MEDINA: Membrane based desalination: an integrated approach.
[8] MEDESOL: Seawater desalination by innovative solar-powered membrane distillation system.
[9] Ecologic, June 2007.
[10] Directive 2002/91/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 December 2002 on the energy performance of buildings.
[11] http://water.europa.eu
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