Factoring natural water needs for ecosystems into policies – Summary of discussions

1. Factoring natural water needs for ecosystems into policies – Summary of discussions Prof. George Zalidis (Chair) Thessaloniki University Eduard Interwies (Rapporteur) InterSus – Sustainability Services

2. Summary of discussions - I • [Results of the Fiuggi Forum (2002): ecosystems not mentioned] • Integrated approach to water management of great value for integrating ecosystem needs; not only “water as a resource” (quantity/quality), but importance of water for complex ecological systems • Need to balance different user needs - including the environment – based on clear allocation principles • Basic principle: provide adequate water quantity/quality or sustaining their functions based on their natural dynamics; can imply varying minimum flow discharges and water levels in space and time; scientifically sound & accepted by stakeholders!

3. Summary of discussions - II • Scientific, interdisciplinary tools and methods are needed for a better understanding and assessment of ecosystem functioning, services & sustainability needs; progress, but more work needed • Purely scientific knowledge is not sufficient for better management; integrating/”translating” scientific knowledge into policy documents/policy decision making is crucial • Taking into account specificities of the Med region (hydrological, socio-economic, geopolitical), different legal obligations regarding Eu Directives • Integrating economic value of ecosystems into decision making way forward; but: use with caution, esp. estimating absolute values

4. Summary of discussions - III • Economic approaches and tools of importance for ecosystem management; see WFD (e.g. Cost-Benefit-Analysis); create inventory on goods and services of Med wetlands • Local solutions needed, based on overall policy framework/ global & regional agreements/ conventions (EU-WFD & other EU-Directives, Ramsar, WSSD, MSSD) • Number of EU-Directives (Habitat, Natura 2000 etc.) good basis for systematic integration of ecosystem approach; WFD is central. Guidance & experiences on implementation helpful (also for non-EU-countries) • But: not only WFD-water bodies (with env. objectives etc.) to be integrated in an ecosystem approach, but also small, temporary and groundwater-feed wetlands

5. Summary of discussions - IV • Consider & coordinate different relevant policies beyond water management (Rural Dev, ICZM etc.); integrate significant developments foreseeable (climate change; demography etc); policy integration needs institutional integration (difficulties in Med); • Stakeholder participation from early stages (integrate needs & expectations/ reduce conflicts/ make more transparent), different institutional arrangements possible; “common culture for river”; support “win-win”-situations • Regional cooperation: support enabling environment & decision making capacities; e.g. North-South, Regional. Colloquia/ capacity building on methods & tools for ecosystem management, integrating ecosystems into policy making; create wetland inventories (current and historic)