relatively established sector has been recently reinforced by the implementation of
the Water Framework Directive (WFD), which imposes a multilevel water policy
through the formulation of a district management plan.
More precisely, if we consider the coherence criteria for all the dimensions in
each region, we can assess a supportive governance context as regards this quality.
Most of the cells have been assessed supportive (green) or neutral (yellow).
However, this is essentially true for both of the dimensions, ‘levels and scales’ and
‘actors and networks’. When addressing issues that are more closely related to
drought as regards responsibilities or strategies, the coherence appears to be much
less evident in each of the regions studied (Table 13.4). This evaluation reflects the
fact that the drought issue is not truly at stake for several water actors.
Moreover, it stems from the more detailed regional case study reports that where
it exists, the governance consistency is mainly due to strong interrelationships
between actors based on mutual trust.
More generally, water governance implemented within each of the regions
produced interactive knowledge between actors: most of them met often and know
well each other’s perspectives and have developed a common knowledge around
water issues. Even if their position can be conflictual, they share a mutual interest in
water management, which can help the future formulation and implementation of
drought policy.
13.2.3 Although Variable According to the Region, There Is
a Low Level of Flexibility of the Governance Context
Considering the flexibility criteria for all the dimensions in each region, the analysis
highlights a more neutral context (Table 13.5). Although different actors are
mobilized at different decision-making levels, the system of interactions between
the players apparently does not allow sufficient flexibility to enable the
decision-making system to easily incorporate new issues, such as drought or water
scarcity. The governance context is not truly prepared to address the water scarcity
and drought issue and to integrate it as an important issue.
Table 13.4 Coherence assessment for all of the dimensions in all of the regions
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the Water Framework Directive (WFD), which imposes a multilevel water policy
through the formulation of a district management plan.
More precisely, if we consider the coherence criteria for all the dimensions in
each region, we can assess a supportive governance context as regards this quality.
Most of the cells have been assessed supportive (green) or neutral (yellow).
However, this is essentially true for both of the dimensions, ‘levels and scales’ and
‘actors and networks’. When addressing issues that are more closely related to
drought as regards responsibilities or strategies, the coherence appears to be much
less evident in each of the regions studied (Table 13.4). This evaluation reflects the
fact that the drought issue is not truly at stake for several water actors.
Moreover, it stems from the more detailed regional case study reports that where
it exists, the governance consistency is mainly due to strong interrelationships
between actors based on mutual trust.
More generally, water governance implemented within each of the regions
produced interactive knowledge between actors: most of them met often and know
well each other’s perspectives and have developed a common knowledge around
water issues. Even if their position can be conflictual, they share a mutual interest in
water management, which can help the future formulation and implementation of
drought policy.
13.2.3 Although Variable According to the Region, There Is
a Low Level of Flexibility of the Governance Context
Considering the flexibility criteria for all the dimensions in each region, the analysis
highlights a more neutral context (Table 13.5). Although different actors are
mobilized at different decision-making levels, the system of interactions between
the players apparently does not allow sufficient flexibility to enable the
decision-making system to easily incorporate new issues, such as drought or water
scarcity. The governance context is not truly prepared to address the water scarcity
and drought issue and to integrate it as an important issue.
Table 13.4 Coherence assessment for all of the dimensions in all of the regions
13 Towards a Drought Policy in North-West European Regions?
249