Implementing the EU Water Framework Directive – prospects for sustainable water planning in Sweden

Abstract

AbstractImplementation of the EU Water Framework Directive will significantly affect the way in which water issues in Europe are managed. Here, a set of criteria for processes for sustainable river basin planning is used as a basis for analysing how the responsible planners in one EU member state – Sweden – carry out the work prescribed by the WFD. The paper is based on 13 interviews with water planners and directors. The current processes represent progress in relation to the situation pertaining before implementation; e.g., participation and collaboration are increasingly becoming pivotal, knowledge of the natural water state is increasing and the economy of water is emerging as a new and important issue. The interviews do however show that knowledge of how to work with values and how to create forms and methods of participation and collaboration remain clearly underdeveloped. In consequence, the main objectives behind participation – the provision of knowledge and perspectives for the process and the creation of legitimacy, acceptance or engagement – are actually at risk. Recommendations include complementing the existing knowledge base with insights from the social sciences and the humanities, to create well informed learning systems within the new water administration and to make use of alternative methods for the handling of values. The Swedish case may provide useful insights for other member states. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.