2.3.1.2 Structure, Components and Implementation
A key feature of the water scarcity and drought policy is its use of a common
framework. As a result, it lacks adequate differentiation of policy options and
coping mechanisms for long-term or permanent discrepancies between water supply
and demand (water scarcity) and temporary but sustained decrease in water availability as a result of natural forces (Kampragou et al. 2011).
Member states were encouraged to develop and implement Drought
Management Plans (DMPs) as part of the Communication, considered to be an
annex to the RBMP according to Article 13.5 of the WFD (Rossi 2009). RBMPs
have to include a summary of the programmes of measures in order to achieve the
environmental objectives (article 4 of WFD) and may be supplemented by the
production of more detailed programmes and management plans (e.g. DMPs) for
issues dealing with particular aspects of water management. The DMPs extend the
criteria set forth by the WFD and aim to minimize impacts on the economy, social
life and the environment, before the onset of drought using a multi-level approach
(Rossi 2009).
Follow-up reports to the original Communication, which recalibrated priorities
in 2008 and in 2010, revealed strides in water management efficiency. The
follow-up reports also noted the limited response of member states in engaging in
drought risk assessment, management, and development of DMPs (Kampragou
et al. 2011).
The review of the Strategy for water scarcity and drought was integrated into the
‘Blueprint to Safeguard European waters’, in parallel with an analysis of the
Implementation of the Water Framework Directive.
2.3.1.3 Relevance to Drought Policy Implementation
The 2007 Communication calls for a paradigm change from crisis-oriented to a
planned drought risk management approach and expresses the need to explore all
possibilities to improve water efficiency before exploring increase in supply (Estrela
and Vargas 2012). The Communication also highlights the untapped potential for
water efficiency measures in water user sectors, including agriculture, industry,
distribution networks, buildings and energy production.
The Communication also states that clear, water use hierarchy established
through participative approaches should inform policy-making (Estrela and Vargas
2012). More specifically, the Communication offers voluntary measures to cope
with water scarcity and droughts, recommends development of DMPs and the
establishment of a comprehensive European drought strategy, and discusses consideration of a European drought observatory (Estrela and Vargas 2012).
2 European Drought and Water Scarcity Policies
27
A key feature of the water scarcity and drought policy is its use of a common
framework. As a result, it lacks adequate differentiation of policy options and
coping mechanisms for long-term or permanent discrepancies between water supply
and demand (water scarcity) and temporary but sustained decrease in water availability as a result of natural forces (Kampragou et al. 2011).
Member states were encouraged to develop and implement Drought
Management Plans (DMPs) as part of the Communication, considered to be an
annex to the RBMP according to Article 13.5 of the WFD (Rossi 2009). RBMPs
have to include a summary of the programmes of measures in order to achieve the
environmental objectives (article 4 of WFD) and may be supplemented by the
production of more detailed programmes and management plans (e.g. DMPs) for
issues dealing with particular aspects of water management. The DMPs extend the
criteria set forth by the WFD and aim to minimize impacts on the economy, social
life and the environment, before the onset of drought using a multi-level approach
(Rossi 2009).
Follow-up reports to the original Communication, which recalibrated priorities
in 2008 and in 2010, revealed strides in water management efficiency. The
follow-up reports also noted the limited response of member states in engaging in
drought risk assessment, management, and development of DMPs (Kampragou
et al. 2011).
The review of the Strategy for water scarcity and drought was integrated into the
‘Blueprint to Safeguard European waters’, in parallel with an analysis of the
Implementation of the Water Framework Directive.
2.3.1.3 Relevance to Drought Policy Implementation
The 2007 Communication calls for a paradigm change from crisis-oriented to a
planned drought risk management approach and expresses the need to explore all
possibilities to improve water efficiency before exploring increase in supply (Estrela
and Vargas 2012). The Communication also highlights the untapped potential for
water efficiency measures in water user sectors, including agriculture, industry,
distribution networks, buildings and energy production.
The Communication also states that clear, water use hierarchy established
through participative approaches should inform policy-making (Estrela and Vargas
2012). More specifically, the Communication offers voluntary measures to cope
with water scarcity and droughts, recommends development of DMPs and the
establishment of a comprehensive European drought strategy, and discusses consideration of a European drought observatory (Estrela and Vargas 2012).
2 European Drought and Water Scarcity Policies
27