376
M. Gor˛ aczko and K. Kubiak-Wójcicka
governmental strategy would undermine the integrity of the entire chain of protected
areas in the valleys of the largest rivers in Poland [29] and the permanent destruction
of ecological corridors of European importance.
It is anticipated that the cascading of the Vistula, Oder, and other rivers may lead
to a permanent transformation of the existing biocenoses, including extermination
of migrating fish. Generally, this problem is payed down by the shipping lobby,
since currently in the case of surface waters, not only the purity of water is assessed,
but also their ecological state, based on phytoplankton, phytobenthos, macrophytes,
zoobenthos and ichthyofauna that colonize them. Therefore, it can be anticipated that
the implementation of the waterway development program will lead straight to the
deterioration of the ecological status of surface waters and economic consequences
resulting from failure to meet obligations coming from the WFD.
In light of the above arguments, it can be questioned that inland navigation is the
most environmentally friendly mode of transport. One may agree with it only in the
case of already existing waterways.
18.6 Summary and Conclusions
One of the basic aims of European transport policy is assuring balanced development
in the area of transport. Just talking about the advantages of water transport, its
minimal influence on the environment, small costs of transport and small energy
consumption, will not contribute to change in inland waterway transport condition.
It is a fact that despite the undisputable benefits, inland waterway transport’s role
in Poland is marginal. Due to the long duration and large costs of investments,
in the near future, a significant improvement of navigational conditions on Polish
waterways and an increase in the amount of transported cargo should not be expected.
This economy sector requires not only significant expenditures from the state budget
but also public acceptance of the scope of large-scale activities and their impact on
the environment. The lack of a prospective plan for the modernization of waterways
and the construction of infrastructure developed in agreement with various social
groups only leads to the intensification of existing conflicts.
Possibilities to utilize waterways are sought in their touristic and recreational
exploitation. Due to lower transit depths required for touristic and recreational units,
there are possibilities for such units traffic, especially in dry years. There is an
increasing interest of tourists and residents in the riverside space as a place of rest
and recreation.
It seems a top priority matter that on key issues for the country, such as the state
of its water resources and their use, the decision-makers would be consensus and
cooperation of both opponents and advocates of the inland waterway development
program in Poland.
M. Gor˛ aczko and K. Kubiak-Wójcicka
governmental strategy would undermine the integrity of the entire chain of protected
areas in the valleys of the largest rivers in Poland [29] and the permanent destruction
of ecological corridors of European importance.
It is anticipated that the cascading of the Vistula, Oder, and other rivers may lead
to a permanent transformation of the existing biocenoses, including extermination
of migrating fish. Generally, this problem is payed down by the shipping lobby,
since currently in the case of surface waters, not only the purity of water is assessed,
but also their ecological state, based on phytoplankton, phytobenthos, macrophytes,
zoobenthos and ichthyofauna that colonize them. Therefore, it can be anticipated that
the implementation of the waterway development program will lead straight to the
deterioration of the ecological status of surface waters and economic consequences
resulting from failure to meet obligations coming from the WFD.
In light of the above arguments, it can be questioned that inland navigation is the
most environmentally friendly mode of transport. One may agree with it only in the
case of already existing waterways.
18.6 Summary and Conclusions
One of the basic aims of European transport policy is assuring balanced development
in the area of transport. Just talking about the advantages of water transport, its
minimal influence on the environment, small costs of transport and small energy
consumption, will not contribute to change in inland waterway transport condition.
It is a fact that despite the undisputable benefits, inland waterway transport’s role
in Poland is marginal. Due to the long duration and large costs of investments,
in the near future, a significant improvement of navigational conditions on Polish
waterways and an increase in the amount of transported cargo should not be expected.
This economy sector requires not only significant expenditures from the state budget
but also public acceptance of the scope of large-scale activities and their impact on
the environment. The lack of a prospective plan for the modernization of waterways
and the construction of infrastructure developed in agreement with various social
groups only leads to the intensification of existing conflicts.
Possibilities to utilize waterways are sought in their touristic and recreational
exploitation. Due to lower transit depths required for touristic and recreational units,
there are possibilities for such units traffic, especially in dry years. There is an
increasing interest of tourists and residents in the riverside space as a place of rest
and recreation.
It seems a top priority matter that on key issues for the country, such as the state
of its water resources and their use, the decision-makers would be consensus and
cooperation of both opponents and advocates of the inland waterway development
program in Poland.