RBMP

RBMP stands for River Basin Management Plan. It is a strategic planning instrument established under the European Union Water Framework Directive to manage water resources within a river basin district. The aim is to protect, enhance, and restore the quality of all waters so that they achieve good ecological and chemical status, and to promote sustainable use of water resources across sectors and governance levels.

RBMPs are prepared for each river basin district and cover both surface waters (rivers, lakes, coastal waters) and groundwater where relevant. They describe the characteristics of the water bodies, identify pressures and impacts from human activities, and assess the status of the waters. They set environmental objectives and outline measures intended to prevent deterioration and to achieve good status by target dates.

A RBMP typically includes several core elements: a detailed description of the river basin, an inventory of water bodies, monitoring and assessment arrangements, and a programme of measures to address identified pressures. The programme of measures may include pollution control, improvements in water efficiency, ecological restoration, and cross-border cooperation where basins cross national borders. Plans also contain a financial plan, governance arrangements, and provisions for public participation and reporting.

Execution and revision occur in cycles, with plans updated at defined intervals in line with the directive. RBMPs are implemented alongside other policy instruments and reporting requirements, and are intended to harmonize water management with related environmental and sectoral policies across member states.