Evaluation of the Water Framework Directive in the Netherlands; costs and benefits
Just as all other European Member States, the Netherlands also has the obligation to implement the European Water Framework Directive (WFD). This requires a number of policy choices at the edge of economics and ecology: What are the costs and benefits of the Water Framework Directive in the Netherlands?
Costs and benefits
The proposed measures, taken by the water authorities in the context of the WFD proposals, will lead to a significant improvement of the ecological quality of Dutch surface waters. The expected improvement in ecological water quality would mainly be the result of the widespread implementation of design measures and improving the hydro-morphological conditions of water bodies. These measures seem to be cost effective. The benefits of the WFD primary consist of the improvement in the ecological water quality. Although the ecological water quality is improving, it seems improbable that the proposed targets for regional water will be achieved by 2027. Also, the Natura 2000 sites will hardly profit from the proposed measures.
Authors
Specifications
- Publication title
- Evaluation of the Water Framework Directive in the Netherlands; costs and benefits
- Publication date
- 6 November 2008
- Publication type
- Publication
- Publication language
- English
- Product number
- 73