index

 

CONSULTATIONS

UK NEWS        

INTERNATIONAL NEWS     

PROJECTS        

PUBLICATIONS      

Events

 

ENVIRONMENTAL NEWS HIGHLIGHTS

 

CONSULTATIONS


Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) Consultation: UK Initial Assessment and proposals for Good Environmental Status

Joint consultation between Defra, the Northern Ireland Executive, the Scottish Government and the Welsh Government

(Posted 22 May 2012)

The Directive requires Member States to take measures to achieve or maintain Good Environmental Status (GES) for their seas by 2020.  GES involves protecting the marine environment, preventing its deterioration and restoring it where practical, while using marine resources sustainably. This consultation focuses on the initial stages of implementation and includes a draft initial assessment of the state of the UK’s seas; proposals for UK characteristics of GES; proposals for detailed UK targets and indicators of GES; and an impact assessment setting out potential implications of the proposed GES targets and indicators.  Later consultations will cover proposals for the UK monitoring programmes for GES and the UK programmes of measures for achieving GES.

The consultation started on 27 March 2012 and ends on 18 June 2012.

To view the consultation documents and for details on how to respond visit the Defra website:

(http://www.defra.gov.uk/consult/2012/03/27/marine-strategy-framework-1203/)

 

Proposals for an Integrated Framework of Environmental Regulation
Scottish Government Consultation

(Posted 22 May 2012)

This consultation builds on the direction and findings of SEPA’s Better Environmental Regulation consultation carried out last year and asks for views on:

  • Changes to the structure of environmental protection legislation in order to create a new, integrated framework for the permissions (licences, permits, rules etc), which SEPA uses to control activities, which could harm the environment.
  • Changes to the enforcement tools (sanctions such as fines or enforcement undertakings), which SEPA uses to deter non-compliance. The aim is to bring forward a more joined-up and flexible range of sanctions to reflect the more joined-up framework for permissioning and to provide a balance to the more proportionate, risk-based approach, which SEPA will take.
  • The aim of the proposals is to deliver a simpler legislative framework, which will enable SEPA to focus greatest effort on the environmental problems that matter most.
  • The consultation runs from 4 May to 4 August 2012.

    To view the consultation document and to respond visit the Scottish Government website:

    (http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2012/05/6822)

     

Updated Recommendations on Environmental Standards
River Basin Management (2015-21)

WFD UKTAG Consultation

(Posted 22 May 2012)

The UK Technical Advisory Group (UKTAG) develops and makes recommendations to the UK's government administrations on the environmental standards1 for implementing the Water Framework Directive. The UKTAG is a working group of experts drawn from environment agencies and conservation agencies2. It also includes representatives from the Republic of Ireland. Proposals for standards were first published in 2007 and 2008. These were adopted for the first cycle of the Directive’s river basin management plans. The plans were published in 2009. The standards help focus efforts to improve and protect the water environment. The present document contains proposals for new and revised standards. The proposals are seen as sufficiently developed to help with the second cycle of plans.

The review opened on the 26 April 2012 for a 6-week review period and finishes on the 8 June 2012.

To access the report and supporting documentation and for more information how to submit your views visit the UKTAG website:

(http://www.wfduk.org/stakeholders/stakeholder-review-opens-26th-april-2012)

 

The Action Programme for Nitrate Vulnerable Zones (Scotland) Regulations 2008: Proposed Amendments
Scottish Government Consultation

(Posted 22 May 2012)

The Scottish Government is consulting on proposed amendments of the Action Programme applicable in the nitrate vulnerable zones (NVZs). It follows a 4-year review, as required under the Nitrates Directive. It includes options for an extension of the “closed period” in which spreading of slurry is prohibited on land where the soil is other than “sandy or shallow”.

The consultation runs from 29 March to 25 June 2012.

To view the consultation document and to respond visit the Scottish Government website:

(http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2012/03/4576)

 

Policy Options for the Blueprint to Safeguard Europe's waters
European Commission Consultation

(Posted 22 March 2012)

This year, the European Commission will present a Blueprint to Safeguard Europe’s Water Resources. This document will assess the implementation and achievements of EU water policy as well as identify gaps and shortcomings. On the basis of this analysis, the Blueprint will identify actions to strengthen water policy and to address ongoing vulnerability of the water environment.

The European Commission is asking the public for its views on the most appropriate actions to improve water management in Europe and to safeguard our water resources for all users (consumers, agriculture, industry and nature itself).

The period of consultation is from 15 March 2012 to 07 June 2012

The background consultation document, the questionnaire and other relevant documents are available for download at the European Commission website:

(http://ec.europa.eu/environment/consultations/blueprint_en.htm)

 

UK NEWS   

 

Lords report on plans to create Canal and River Trust

(Posted 22 May 2012)

On 17 May 2012 The House of Lords Secondary Legislation Scrutiny Committee published a report on the Government’s plans to transfer the statutory functions of British Waterways in England and Wales to a new charity, the Canal and River Trust (CRT).

The Committee acknowledges that the Government have engaged effectively with stakeholders, and have good support for the plans, with the majority of the 350 organisations who responded to the consultation supporting the proposals to establish a charitable trust. However the Committee has made recommendations to ensure that Parliament is kept informed about the finances of the CRT, and that the Trust takes proper account of its stakeholders once it is established.

Full text of the press release is available on the Parliament’s website:

(http://www.parliament.uk/business/lords/media-centre/house-of-lords-media-notices/2012/May-2012/canal-and-river-trust/)

To download the report visit the publications website:

http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/ld201213/ldselect/ldsecleg/5/502.htm

 

Heavy rain results in review of drought-affected areas

(Posted 22 May 2012)

The wettest April on record and continuing rainfall in May have significantly increased river and reservoir levels, reducing pressure on the environment and public water supplies in some parts of England. As stated in their drought update on 11 May 2012, these indicators have led the Environment Agency to remove the drought status for certain areas. Though it stressed that groundwater supplies remain low across the country. The organisation said that South West England, the Midlands and parts of Yorkshire are no longer in drought due to the recent rainfall. It is unlikely that water companies will now impose hosepipe bans in these areas over the summer. Parts of East Anglia and South East England remain in drought, with water company restrictions in place on public water use.

Full text of the press release is available on the EA website:

(http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/news/139529.aspx?month=5&year=2012)

The Drought Prospects report and other information on current drought situation are available at the EA website:

(http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/homeandleisure/drought/31749.aspx)

 

Lords Warns of Urgent Need to Plan for an Uncertain Future for Water Resources

(Posted 22 May 2012)

Europe is not doing enough to protect itself from the threats to water resources in large parts of the continent, says the Lords Agriculture, Fisheries and Environment EU Sub-Committee in its new report, published on 2 May 2012.

The Committee’s report, ‘An Indispensable Resource: EU Freshwater Policy’, warns that urgent action is required to safeguard water quality and availability in the UK and many areas of Europe which are already suffering from the effects of a significant lack of rain. And in order for this to happen, the Committee says that governments may have to allow the cost of water to rise.

The Committee also calls for the Government to bring forward the deadline for reforming the water abstraction regime, outlined in its Water White Paper.

Full text of the press release is available from the Parliament’s website:

(http://www.parliament.uk/business/lords/media-centre/house-of-lords-media-notices/2012/May-2012/eu-freshwater-rpt/)

For further information and to download the report visit the Committee’s web page:

(http://www.parliament.uk/business/committees/committees-a-z/lords-select/eu-environment-and-agriculture-sub-committee-d/news/freshwater-policy-report-2may12/)

 

Show how much you ‘Love Your River’

(Posted 22 May 2012)

The ‘Love Your River’ campaign was launched on 28 March 2012 and backed by Defra, the National Trust, the Environment Agency, the Wildlife Trusts, Keep Britain Tidy, water companies and Waterwise, to promote the value and benefits of our rivers to our everyday life. The aim of the campaign is to raise public awareness about the link between the health of our rivers and water use. The Launch of the ‘Love Your River’ Campaign was held at the River Itchen and celebrated the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust’s restoration project for the River Itchen.

The campaign will concentrate on the issues that affect rivers and encourage people to think about:

  • How the water we use in our homes or businesses affects the water in our local river
  • How the pollutants we dump down our drains harms our local water
  • The fact that there is likely to be less water available for people and businesses in the future and the knock-on effect this will have on the natural world around the river; and
  • How we could get by with less in the event of drought measures in our areas.

Full text of the press release is available on the Defra website:

(http://www.defra.gov.uk/news/2012/03/28/ムlove-your-riverメ/)

The new website for the ‘Love Your River’ campaign can be found at (http://www.defra.gov.uk/loveyourriver/)

 

INTERNATIONAL NEWS     
Environment: Commission to address water challenges via innovation partnership

(Posted 22 May 2012)

On 14 May 2012 the European Commission proposed to boost innovation to deal with water related challenges by creating a European Innovation Partnership (EIP) on Water. The partnership will bring together all relevant actors across borders and sectors, such as the water sector, small and medium sized enterprises, the research community, local governments, water-using industries, and the financial sector to accelerate the development and uptake of innovative solutions to water challenges. A Strategic Implementation Plan will be developed with key stakeholders to define the priority areas for action. The EIP on Water will seek to align the activities and outcomes of existing European, national and regional activities.

The EIP on water is expected be fully operational in early 2013 and to start delivering first results within one year.

Full text of the press release is available on the Europa website:

(http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=IP/12/470&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en)

For further information visit the DG Environment website:

(http://ec.europa.eu/environment/water/innovationpartnership/index_en.htm)

 

National Public Consultation Procedures on the Marine Directive

(Updated 22 May 2012)

Article 19 of the Marine Directive requires that each Member State organise a public consultation procedure related to the implementation of this Directive. Member States have to ensure that all interested parties are given early and effective opportunities to participate, involving where possible, existing management bodies or structures. In 2012, the Member States will carry out:

  • An initial assessment of the current environmental status of their national marine waters
  • A determination of what Good Environmental Status mean for their marine waters
  • The establishment of environmental targets and associated indicators to achieve GES by 2020

The public consultation process in the UK runs until 18 June (see above in Consultations)

For further information visit the Europa website:

(http://ec.europa.eu/environment/marine/public-consultation/index_en.htm)

 

Europeans call for stronger EU action on Water

(Updated 22 May 2012)

Close to three quarters of Europeans think that the EU should propose additional measures to address water problems in Europe, according to a Eurobarometer survey published on 22 March 2012. A sizeable majority – 68 % – think that water-related problems are serious. Droughts, floods and chemical pollution are seen as significant challenges. 62 % of citizens also feel they are not sufficiently well informed, while 67 % think the most effective means of reducing water-related problems would be awareness-raising about water-related problems. Heavier fines for polluters, a fairer pricing policy or financial incentives (tax breaks or subsidies) also gained support. Against that backdrop, 73 % of Europeans call for more measures at EU-level to reduce water problems.

Full text of the press release is available on the Europa website:

(http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=IP/12/289&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=fr)

For further information visit the DG Environment website:

(http://ec.europa.eu/environment/water/eurobarometer.htm)

 

Major new website to assist with climate change adaptation in Europe

(Posted 22 May 2012)

To help respond to the challenges of climate change, the Climate-ADAPT website was developed by the European Commission and will be managed by the Commission and the European Environment Agency (EEA). It is aimed at policy makers and 'practitioners' – engineers, planners and administrators – who can learn from the experience of others facing similar challenges and already carrying out adaptation actions elsewhere. The website was launched on 23 March 2012.

For full text of the press release visit the EEA website:

http://www.eea.europa.eu/highlights/major-new-website-to-assist

For more information visit the new Climate-ADAPT website:
(http://climate-adapt.eea.europa.eu/)

 

PROJECTS     

  

WSKEP (The Water Security Knowledge Exchange Programme) new website

(Posted 22 May 2012)

WSKEP is a long-term initiative funded by the Natural Environment Research Council.

The aim is to accelerate the uptake of research and help inform the direction of future science to ensure sustainable use of our water in the future. Increasing water demand due to population growth, food production and the effects of a changing climate is now recognised as one of the greatest challenges facing mankind. To meet this challenge, the water security sector needs to:

  • Better understand how to manage water resources and quality to meet the needs of different water users
  • Improve prediction of and preparation for floods and droughts
  • Develop partnerships between government, industry and the public to effectively apply best practice in water management
  • Integrate more reliable climate science into management of the water cycle and its related ecosystems
  • The programme aims to help prioritise research needs in these areas, and strengthen knowledge exchange between the UK research base, industry, civil society and government.

For further information visit the new website:

(http://www.wskep.net/)

 

Big Waterways Clean Up 2012 – BWCU2012

(Updated 22 May 2012)

BWCU2012 is a partnership campaign to improve the East London’s rivers and canals ahead of the London 2012 Games by July 2012. It is led by environmental charity Thames21, with the support from London Waterways Commission, Environment Agency, British Waterways, London 2012 Changing Places programme, Mayor of London, Team London, Olympic Park Legacy Company, Port of London Authority, London Councils, City of London Corporation, and the Inland Waterways Association.

The new campaign, launched on 8 February 2012, aims to involve at least 4000 Londoners in more than 80 events, transforming over 50 waterway locations along 30km of rivers and canals by July 2012 when the eyes of the world turn to the capital. Events will include walking waterway litter-picks, wildflower meadow planting and non-native invasive weed removal.

For information on how to get involved and to see the programme visit the Thames21 website:

 (http://www.thames21.org.uk/project/bwcu2012/)

Latest news on the progress of the programme are available on the Thames21 website:

(http://www.thames21.org.uk/media-releases/)

 

SHARE - Sustainable Hydropower in Alpine Rivers Ecosystems
Final Conference: Aosta, Italy on the 24 and 25 of May 2012

(Posted 22 May 2012)

SHARE_logo
The purpose of this European project, which involves Italy, Austria, Slovenia, Germany and France, is to develop, test and promote a decision support system to merge both river ecosystems and hydropower (HP) requirements. Administrators of mountain areas daily face water use issues and have to take decisions in relation to them. But they lack reliable management tools tailored to mountain rivers, to rigorously evaluate the effects of water abstraction on environment and on society. The main objective of SHARE is to bring them practical solutions, so that their decision-making process is based on more consistent and transparent criteria. SHARE solution is facilitated by a Multicriteria Approach (MCA) methodology, and supported by software, both currently under testing.  The MCA will notably include scientific knowledge related to HP and river management. A guidance document will cover the functioning of the MCA and of the software that will implement it.  The MCA methodology is implemented through 11 pilot case studies. Then the MCA procedures will be adjusted, depending on issues put forward by the feedback.

For further details visit the project’s website:

(http://www.share-alpinerivers.eu/)

 

Demonstration Test Catchment (DTC) Project
First DTC Knowledge Exchange policy and practice note

(Posted 22 May 2012)

DTC is a UK government-funded project designed to provide robust evidence regarding how diffuse pollution can be cost-effectively controlled to improve and maintain water quality in rural river catchment areas. DTC project is currently working in three river catchments across England, the Eden in Cumbria, the Wensum in Norfolk and the Avon in Hampshire. In December 2011 the new national DTC website was launched to provide a key focal point to allow knowledge to be exchanged among all those who have an interest in diffuse pollution management within the national DTC community itself, in addition to encouraging wider international sharing of best practice.

Practical experience and scientific research come together in the DTC project’s first policy and practice note ‘Creating and applying robust information resources for catchment management’.  Aimed at policy makers and stakeholders concerned with catchment management, it examines how different kinds of knowledge can contribute to addressing the problems of diffuse pollution. It also suggests ways in which the DTC teams can feed their research results into the everyday practices of Catchment Sensitive Farming officers.

The policy and practice note is available on the project’s website:

(http://www.demonstratingcatchmentmanagement.net/)

 

PUBLICATIONS       

 

Environmental indicator report 2012
Published by EEA (European Environment Agency), 16 May 2012
ISBN: 978-92-9213-315-3

(Posted 22 May 2012)

No2
This new EEA report presents established indicators that illustrate progress towards improving resource efficiency, and indicators that depict the risk of passing environmental thresholds. Jointly, they enable policymakers and the public to reflect on where Europe stands vis-à-vis some aspects of a green economy.

Several of the indicators presented in this report show encouraging trends, while others point to issues that require urgent attention. In respect of stress on water resources the report concluded that managing water use and demand has helped reduce water use in all sectors, but high levels of water stress still endanger ecosystems in European water bodies. This problem is exacerbated by climate change and inefficient water use in some areas.


 

Full text of the press release is available on the EEA website:

(http://www.eea.europa.eu/highlights/do-we-live-in-a)

To download or order the report visit the EEA website:

(http://www.eea.europa.eu/publications/environmental-indicator-report-2012)

 

Urban adaptation to climate change in Europe
Challenges and opportunities for cities together with supportive national and European policies

EEA report No 2/2012
Published by EEA (European Environment Agency), 14 May 2012
ISBN: 978-92-9213-308-5

(Posted 22 May 2012)

No3
From a European perspective, this extensive report informs about the key challenges that climate change poses to cities and the need for urban adaptation. It positions the urban challenges in the larger policy frameworks provided by regional, national and European institutions and it gives a summary overview of opportunities for solutions.

As such, the report addresses stakeholders involved in urban development at local and city level as well as at regional, national and European level. It aims to support policy development and decision-making across all these levels. This report takes key policy questions for specific climate-related problems, which are common for groups of cities, as the starting point of the assessment.

Because of its question-guided approach, the report does not provide a comprehensive scientific assessment of all possible potential climate change impacts and associated adaptation options across all European urban areas. It synthesises existing data and research results around selected key climate challenges for cities and focuses at providing the information needed by European and national and to some extent by regional and local decision-makers to decrease the vulnerability of cities across Europe in a multi-level policy framework.

The report is available for download at the EEA website:

(http://www.eea.europa.eu/publications/urban-adaptation-to-climate-change)

 

The impacts of endocrine disrupters on wildlife, people and their environments
The Weybridge+15 (1996–2011) report

Technical report No 2/2012
Published by EEA (European Environment Agency), 10 May 2012

(Posted 22 May 2012)

No4
Chemicals which disrupt the hormone system – also known as 'endocrine disrupting chemicals' (EDCs) – may be a contributing factor behind the significant increases in cancers, diabetes and obesity, falling fertility, and an increased number of neurological development problems in both humans and animals, according to a review of recent scientific literature commissioned by the European Environment Agency. Based on the human and wildlife evidence, many scientists are concerned about chemical pollutants being able to interfere with the normal functioning of hormones, so-called endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), that could play a causative role in these diseases and disorders. If this holds true, then these 'early warnings' signal a failure in environmental protection that should be addressed.

The report is available for download at the EEA website:

(http://www.eea.europa.eu/publications/the-impacts-of-endocrine-disrupters)

 

Natural Water Retention Measures
Science for Environment Policy Thematic Issue

10 May 2012, Issue 32

(Posted 22 May 2012)

The Editorial   ‘Promoting Natural Water Retention - An Ecosystem Approach’ written by Professor Edward Maltby introduces the articles covered by this special issue, ‘which illustrate the importance of establishing the evidence base to underpin policy innovation and associated management actions’. The issue covers the following topics:

  • Wetland management needs a 'human-centric' approach
  • Strategy for wetland restoration/creation in agricultural landscapes
  • Blocking drainage ditches aids peatland restoration
  • What factors affect runoff from agricultural land?
  • Forests: A positive force for global water availability
  • Soil properties are key factor in flood prevention
  • Decentralised Flood Protection: key step to natural flood management
  • Overcoming the challenges of SUDS design

To download the special issue visit the European Commission website:

(http://ec.europa.eu/environment/integration/research/newsalert/index_en.htm)

 

Urban Water Conflicts
Urban Water series – UNESCO-IHP

Edited by Bernard Barraqué
UNESCO Publishing / Taylor & Francis, 2012, ISBN 978-92-3-104121-1

(Posted 22 May 2012)

No.5
Urban Water Conflicts – the output of a project by UNESCO’s International Hydrological Programme on “Socioeconomic and Institutional Aspects in Urban Water Management” – presents a collection of essays on socioeconomic and institutional aspects of urban water management, focusing on water and sanitation services. The book examines interdisciplinary approaches to understanding and analyzing conflicts that arise from inadequate urban water management. Conflict analysis is addressed in some essays by taking into account economic, environmental and social dimensions of sustainability. The issue of institutional conflicts between different levels of government is also discussed in some case studies.

The book is available from UNESCO Publishing:

(http://publishing.unesco.org/details.aspx?Code_Livre=4889#)

 

 

UNEP (2012) Measuring water use in a green economy
A Report of the Working Group on Water Efficiency to the International Resource Panel

Lead author: Jacqueline McGlade,
ISBN: 978-92-807-3220-7

(Posted 22 May 2012)

Measuring Water Use in a Green Economy was launched in Copenhagen at the 10th Meeting of the International Resource Panel on 10 May 2012, where holistic approaches to the management of global resources were key issues. But, according to the report, many of the water problems the world faces are economic, social and political in nature, rather than bio-physical and thus can be addressed by optimizing and balancing water use and needs between different sectors and ecosystems. In short, we could have enough water, but we need to make better use of it.

Full text of the press release and the report can be accessed from the UNEP website:

(http://www.unep.org/resourcepanel/Publications/MeasuringWater/tabid/102126/Default.aspx)

 

Planning for watercourses in the urban environment
A guideline developed by the Shannon Regional Fisheries Board

Fran Igoe, Shannon Regional Fisheries Board

(Posted 22 May 2012)

A guide to the protection of watercourses through the use of buffer zones,

Sustainable Drainage Systems, in stream rehabilitation and recreational planning. Implementation of this strategy should, not only protect watercourses and their associated riparian zone in urban areas, but also provide other benefits important for the well being of people living nearby.

To download the guideline visit the RESTORE Partnership website:

(http://www.restorerivers.eu/Publications/tabid/2624/mod/11083/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/3276/Default.aspx )

 

Setting the Baseline for Measuring the Baltic Marine Environment
‘Development of a set of core indicators: Interim report of the HELCOM CORESET project’

(Posted 22 March 2012)

The Baltic Marine Environment Protection Commission (HELCOM) published a report describing how to assess the state of the Baltic Sea most coherently. The HELCOM core indicators for biodiversity, hazardous substances and eutrophication will form a concentrated set of indicators which will be monitored by all the Baltic Sea countries and address the key elements of the environment and main pressures on it. HELCOM will use the core indicators to follow up the effectiveness of the implementation of the Baltic Sea Action Plan (2007–2021). In the Action Plan, several management measures have been agreed for a healthier marine environment. As the EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) requires also environmental assessments of European marine regions, the EU Member States in the Baltic Sea region can use the HELCOM set of core indicators for a coordinated assessment of the state of the marine environment.

The interim report, published in two parts (Part A describing the indicator selection and development process and Part B giving more technical documentation of the indicators) is available to download at the HELCOM website:

(http://www.helcom.fi/press_office/news_helcom/2012/en_GB/CORESET_Interim/)

 

Demand management bulletin –
Issue 2 of the revived quarterly magazine available on-line

(Posted 22 May 2012)

After one year break the Environment Agency has resumed the publication of the bulletin.  It will continue to provide news and analysis on UK and international water demand management and water conservation issues. It also promotes good practice. The April 2012 edition includes:

  • Developments since the last issue in January 2012
  • Drought update
  • Water Efficiency Awards 2012 update
  • Government, water company and other initiatives

The bulletin is available to download at the Environment Agency website:

(http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/business/news/103450.aspx

 

Events

 

Caroline Spelman’s speech at NFU Scotland on CAP “greening”
1 May 2012

(Posted 22 May 2012)

Environment Secretary Caroline Spelman presented UK’s view on how can the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) be reformed to ensure agriculture delivers the public goods and environmental benefits we know we need. The UK’s view is that Pillar 2 is the best way to deliver meaningful environmental outcomes. The Government is not persuaded that the Commission’s current proposals to green Pillar 1 will deliver significant environmental benefits. “One size does NOT fit all”.  This is where the Secretary takes issue with the Commission and why we need flexibility. If, however, there is to be greening of Pillar 1, the Secretary then listed six principles on which it should be based.

Full text of the speech is available on the Defra website:

(http://www.defra.gov.uk/news/2012/05/01/spelman-speech-nfus-greenin/)

 

wfd uktag stakeholder workshop
2 May 2012, Birmingham

(Posted 22 May 2012)

UKTAG is a partnership of the UK environment and conservation agencies, which was set up by the UK Administrations. It was created to provide coordinated advice on the science and technical aspects of the European Union's Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC).

This workshop presented the standards going out to stakeholder review, explained the science used to develop them and the implications of the standards. The presentation covered the following:

  • Groundwater
  • Wetlands
  • Hydrological standards
  • Specific pollutants
  • Acid neutralising capacity
  • Intermittent standards
  • Invasive Non-native species

The presentations are available for download at the UKTAG website:

(http://www.wfduk.org/news-events)

 

Development in the Coastal & Marine Environment
Issues & Lessons for Environmental Management
A CMS Conference

9 May 2012, SOAS London

(Posted 22 May 2012)

The objectives of the conference were:

  1. To consider a range of sectoral coastal and marine developments as case studies to explore major lessons both good and bad, that have emerged not least in relation to barriers to development
  2. To identify common themes emerging including cutting red tape, the need for innovation, working within environmental limits and processes. Are systems as efficient, streamlined and proportionate as they should be? New legislation promised a great deal but the jury is out on whether it has delivered any significant change for the better.
  3. To consider the challenges to environmental management in relation to the outcomes of the Habitats Directive Review, the lack of effective environmental controls on fishing, the developing roles of EIA, SEA etc and other issues.
  4. Through discussion and interactive debate with the delegates to highlight solutions that will help us moving forward.

The conference programme, presentations and other supporting documents are available to download at the organiser’s website:

http://www.coastms.co.uk/conferences/458/show

 

The Catchment Based Approach
First Steps in Integrated Working, Delivery for Water and Land use: Realising Multiple Benefits

25 April 2012, SOAS London

(Posted 22 May 2012)

A conference organised by CMS (Communications and Management for Sustainability) in partnership with Defra and CIWEM. The main objectives of the conference were:

  1. To provide an update on the WFD Catchment Based Approach programme, including the direction of Government thinking and the pilot phase
  2. To highlight how this links with the key priorities of the WFD agenda for the year in particular how catchment plans will be coordinated with River Basin Plans in 2015.
  3. To look at a range of issues that arises from both these programmes.
  4. To help promote the programme to future partners and help them to prepare to participate in across all catchments in England
  5. To test and scope ideas that will assist the rollout of the Catchment based approach and WFD

The conference programme, presentations and other supporting documents are available to download at the organiser’s website:

(http://www.coastms.co.uk/conferences/457/show)

 

Water & Environment 2012 – CIWEM Annual Conference
'Green Revolution: Are we there yet?'

20 - 21 March 2012, Olympia Conference Centre, London

(Posted 22 May 2012)

This two-day CIWEM Annual Conference addressed multidisciplinary issues across all areas of the global water and environment sector, having the key theme  “Green Revolution”.

The aim of the conference was to challenge and inspire the water and environment community by sharing knowledge and best practice, which is at the heart of meeting key global challenges for a low-carbon future. There was a mix of keynote speakers, offered papers, exhibitions and networking opportunities.

The conference programme, presentations and other supporting documents are available to download at CMS website:

http://www.coastms.co.uk/conferences/448/show

 

A River Restoration Network Conference
19-20 April 2012, Nottingham

(Posted 22 May 2012)

Organised in association with the EU LIFE+ RESTORE project. This year the main sessions focus on the nuts and bolts of restoration and enhancement techniques, managing partnerships and projects, and money matters. The event     included a keynote presentation from Bart Fokkens (Chairman of the European Centre for River Restoration). On the second day, morning and afternoon workshop sessions    launched RRC’s ‘PRAGMO’ monitoring guidance and RESTORE’s knowledge management wiki tool to share best practice EU river restoration, with contributions from speakers across Europe including Philip Weller (Executive Secretary of the International Commission for the Protection of the Danube River).

For further details visit the RRC website:

(http://www.therrc.co.uk/rrc_conferences.php)

 

RESTORE Workshop: Sharing River Restoration Knowledge And Experience In Europe
9 – 1 May 2012, Iasi, Romania

(Posted 22 May 2012)

This first event for the project RESTORE East Region was organised by the Romanian National Institute for Hydrology and Water Management (NIHWM). The event, held in Iasi, Romania, covered three days, and features a diverse set of presentations representing various countries

The presentations are available to download at the project’s website:

(http://www.restorerivers.eu/NewsEvents/Pastevents/tabid/2763/ModuleID/11778/ItemID/1620/mctl/EventDetails/Default.aspx)

 

Obstacles to Adapting to Climate Change
Discussion with Practitioners

4 April 2012, Beaufort, North Carolina

(Posted 22 May 2012)

In an ongoing effort to better understand the challenges associated with adapting to climate change in North Carolina, the Nicholas School of the Environment at Duke University and the Ecologic Institute, Berlin were hosting a workshop investigating how the public’s view of climate change can influence the ability for local governments to adapt to climate change.  This workshop was part of a larger international project coordinated by the Ecologic Institute in Berlin and the Nicholas School of the Environment. The primary objective of this workshop was for all participants to gain a better understanding of how differences in climate change perceptions and the feasibility of adaptation scenarios in the United States and in Baltic Sea States (especially Germany) have been culturally and historically developed. 

For further information and to view the workshop report and presentations visit the Ecologic website:

(http://www.ecologic-events.eu/climate-science-in-dialogue-North-Carolina/)