Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
does not change what Member States must achieve for the BHD, but it provides a
joint framework for the implementation of measures needed by both WFD and
BHD in water dependent Natura 2000 sites
…”
(ibid, p. 9). According to this aim it
is summarized that the
WFD in itself does not allow derogating from the
requirements set under the BHD, and vice versa
“…
…”
. Everything planned and
decided under the WFD
must take account of the possible impact on the
objectives of the BHD, and vice versa.
“…
”
(ibid, p. 25).
In addition it is explained that
“
the objectives in the WFD and the BHD are not
de
ned in the same way. In the BHD the overall objectives refer to species and
habitat types at the level of the biogeographical region, but also objectives are set
on site level to achieve those, whereas the objectives of the WFD refer to water
bodies. The objectives for a given water body resulting from the WFD and the
Habitats and birds directives have to be aligned in order to assess which measures
must be taken
(ibid, p. 11). Generally, the restoration towards good ecological
status according to WFD prevails. But there can be exceptions to this general rule
“
”
when it would become impossible to maintain a species or habitat type of com-
munity interest at a favourable conservation status or, where necessary, to restore
such a status
”
. It is important to note that each case has to be decided individually
“
and that it is
advisable to have a clear track record of how judgements are made
and what were the considerations made that led to this judgement
”
(ibid, p. 11). The
favourable conservation status of species and habitats is assessed referring to bio-
geographical regions and not to the site-level. In the workshop report it is recom-
mended to use the water body type and its characteristics as a basis for joint
objectives for overlapping water bodies and Natura 2000 sites (ibid, p. 11).
Finally this guidance document highlights the importance of coordination and
consultation between the different stakeholders affected by the implementation of
BHD and WFD (EC DG-Env
2011
, p. 22) and it recommends joint monitoring
activities in order to save resources also in a trans boundary context (ibid, p. 26).
All in all this paper about frequently asked questions is indeed a very useful
guidance document which is practice-oriented and illustrated by several particular
cases and practical experiences.
2.4 Experiences in the Implementation of WFD in Natura
2000 Sites and Recommendations
2.4.1 River Basin Management Planning in Austria
Member States of the EU are required to develop river basin management plans
(RMBP) and programmes of measures. The
first RMBP had to be delivered in
2009, whereas the programmes of measures developed thereafter need to cover the
elements described in detail in Annex VII of WFD.
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