Managed Realignment Moving Towards Water Framework Objectives

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

BACKGROUND

Managed realignment in estuaries is driven by the need to manage flood risk. This project planned to work with managers of realignments in estuaries to implement the requirements of the Water Frame Directive, while meeting the obligations of the Birds Directive and the Habitats Directive. The project would produce guidelines for those creating managed realignment in estuaries, so the realignments would help to achieve, and not hinder, the objectives of the WFD.

OBJECTIVES

The project aimed to address the important aspects of the incorporation of the WFD objectives into management and planning of managed realignment sites (MRSs) within the wider scope of the WFD implementation plan. It aimed to:

Review monitoring arrangements at existing MRSs in Europe and inform demonstration sites;

Establish a programme for monitoring appropriate indicators for demonstration that address the WFD objectives;

Provide guidelines for measurement methods appropriate for existing MRSs and guidelines for creating MRSs, which will achieve WFD objectives.

RESULTS

The project did not achieve its objectives. Due to management issues the Commission decided to terminate the project.The project did not achieve its objectives. Due to management issues the Commission decided to terminate the project.