Vesisuunnitelmamenetelmä

Vesisuunnitelmamenetelmä, often translated as the water plan method or water management plan method, is a systematic approach used in Finland for planning and managing water resources and water-related issues. It is a key component of Finnish water legislation and aims to ensure sustainable use and protection of water bodies.

The core of the vesisuunnitelmamenetelmä involves the development and implementation of comprehensive water management plans for defined river basin districts or specific areas. These plans identify current and future water use needs, environmental objectives, and potential conflicts. They are developed through a participatory process involving various stakeholders, including authorities, landowners, industries, and the general public.

The process typically includes data collection, assessment of the ecological and hydrological status of water bodies, identification of pressures and impacts, and the definition of measures to achieve water management objectives. These measures can range from regulating water abstraction and discharges to implementing nature-based solutions for water pollution control and flood management.

The vesisuunnitelmamenetelmä emphasizes a holistic and integrated approach to water management, considering the interconnectedness of different water uses and environmental factors within a river basin. Its ultimate goal is to promote the good ecological and chemical status of all water bodies and to ensure that water resources are managed in a way that benefits both human activities and the environment for present and future generations. The plans are periodically reviewed and updated to adapt to changing conditions and new knowledge.