vannrammedirektiver

Vannrammedirektivet is the Norwegian term for the EU Water Framework Directive. This directive, adopted in 2000, is the cornerstone of EU water policy. Its primary objective is to protect and improve the quality of all water bodies within the European Union, including rivers, lakes, transitional waters, and coastal waters. The directive aims to achieve "good status" for all these waters by 2015, with provisions for extensions in certain circumstances.

The Vannrammedirektivet establishes a comprehensive framework for managing water resources. It requires member states to conduct detailed analyses of their river basin districts, identify pressures and impacts on water bodies, and establish environmental objectives. A key element is the implementation of programs of measures to achieve these objectives. The directive also promotes public participation in water management and emphasizes the need for integrated management across different sectors that affect water quality, such as agriculture, industry, and urban development. Furthermore, it introduces the concept of the "polluter pays principle" and stresses the importance of economic analysis of water uses. Norway, as an EEA country, is obligated to implement the Vannrammedirektivet into its national legislation, adapting its water management strategies to align with the EU's objectives.