The WFD is being implemented in a series of stages. Whilst Member States are ultimately responsible for implementing the WFD and ensuring that water bodies achieve good status, it is a ‘framework’ Directive. As such, there has necessarily been a great deal of work to be completed to ensure consistent interpretation of some of its provisions and to help address the sometimes significant technical challenges it raises in a coordinated way. This work is being led by the European Commission through the WFD‘Common Implementation Strategy’ (CIS) process.
The WFD Navigation Task Group has coordinated the sector’s participation in the CIS process, including preparing discussion documents and responses to various consultations. Navigation representation on the Strategic Coordination Group and various CIS Working or Drafting Groups is summarised on the following table:
WFD Common Implementation Strategy: Group or Activity |
| Navigation sector representative(s). To contact a particular representative, please enquire at wfd@pianc.org |
Strategic Coordination Group
|
| Jan Brooke as Task Group Chair – active participation Central Dredging Association (CEDA) and European Boating Industry CCNR is also represented |
Ecological Status (ECOSTAT) Working Group 2013-2015 Work Programme |
| Jan Brooke for PIANC and the WFD Navigation Task Group – participation in relevant activities |
Chemicals Working Group 2013-2015 Work Programme |
| Erik Mink/Albert Willemsen for ICOMIA and the WFD Task Group – active participation |
Programmes of Measures Working Group 2013-2015 Work Programme |
| Jan Brooke for PIANC and the WFD Task Group – active participation |
E-flows Working Group 2013-2015 Work Programme |
| Jan Brooke for PIANC and the WFD Task Group – Corresponding Member |
Environmental Objectives Drafting Group, including the following: - Guidance document on exemptions to the environmental objectives WORK NOW COMPLETE |
| Jan Brooke for PIANC and the WFD Navigation Task Group |
Chemical Aspects Working Group E and sub-groups, see for example: - Chemical monitoring of sediment and biota - Technical guidance for deriving environmental quality standards Ongoing work now under 2013-2015 Work Programme: see above. |
| Erik Mink/Albert Willemsen for ICOMIA – active participation SedNet is involved but with a wider remit than only navigation |
CIS Climate Change Expert Group, see, for example: - River Basin Management in a changing climate WORK NOW COMPLETE |
| Jan Brooke for PIANC and the WFD Navigation Task Group Karin de Schepper for INE Mirna Cieniewicz for European Boating Industry Maja Fickert for PIANC Resi Hacksteiner for EBU |
Hydromorphology Strategic Steering Group (see publications)
WORK NOW COMPLETE |
| Jan Brooke for PIANC and the WFD Navigation Task Group Jörg Rusche/Resi Hacksteiner for EBU CCNR is also represented (by Gernot Pauli) |
A similar process to the Common Implementation Strategy operates for the implementation of the 2008 EU Marine Strategy Directive (MSFD). As there are important overlaps between this Marine Directive and the WFD in coastal water bodies, Jan Brooke participates on behalf of PIANC and the WFD Navigation Task Group in the MSFD Strategic Coordination Group and in the CEDA-led Marine Strategy Navigation Group.
