Vesistöhoitosuunnitelmat

Vesistöhoitosuunnitelmat are management plans for water bodies in Finland, aiming to improve and maintain their ecological status. These plans are crucial for achieving the objectives set by the EU Water Framework Directive. They identify pressures on water bodies, assess their current condition, and outline necessary measures to reach good ecological or chemical status. The process involves detailed investigations, including water quality monitoring, ecological surveys, and socio-economic analyses.

The development of vesistöhoitosuunnitelmat is a collaborative effort involving various stakeholders, such as environmental authorities, municipalities, landowners, and water user groups. This participatory approach ensures that the planned measures are practical, effective, and socially acceptable. The plans typically cover a river basin district or a specific water body and are updated periodically to reflect new information and changing conditions.

Key measures included in these plans can range from pollution reduction strategies, such as improving wastewater treatment and reducing agricultural runoff, to physical restoration actions, like restoring river morphology and removing barriers to fish migration. Habitat improvement and the control of invasive species are also common components. The implementation of these plans is essential for preserving biodiversity, ensuring sustainable water use, and protecting human health. Monitoring the effectiveness of implemented measures is a continuous process to ensure that the water bodies are moving towards the desired status.