The Water Framework Directive: The challenges of implementation for river basin-coastal zone research

On the 23 Oct. 2000 the European Parliament and Council passed a Directive establishing a framework of community action in the field of water policy (Water Framework Directive- WFD came into force on 22 Dec. 2000: Official Journal of the European Communities). The implementation of this Directive will have very considerable lon-term implications on information needs and research objectives covering all European river basin and coastal zones. An effective and coherent water policy must take into account of the vulnerability of all surface and ground waters, including aquatic ecosystems located near the coast and estuaries or in gulfs or related closed seas, as their equilibrium is strongly influenced by the quality of inland waters flowing into them. There are diverse conditions and needs in the community, which require different specific solutions. This diversity should be taken into account in the planning and execution of measures to ensure protection and sustainable use of water in the framework of river basins. Decisions should be taken as close as possible to the locations where water is effected or used. Priority should be given to action within the responsibility of Member States by drawing up of programmes of measures adjusted to regional and local conditions.