vesienhoitosdirektiivi

The Water Framework Directive, officially Directive 2000/60/EC, is a landmark piece of European Union legislation. It establishes a framework for the protection of inland surface waters, transitional waters, coastal waters, and groundwater. The primary objective of the directive is to prevent further deterioration and protect and enhance the status of aquatic ecosystems. It also aims to promote sustainable water use based on the protection of water resources for present and future generations.

Key to the Water Framework Directive is the concept of achieving "good status" for all water bodies by a set deadline, initially 2015, with provision for extensions. Good status is defined in terms of both ecological status and chemical status. Ecological status assesses the quality of the structure and function of aquatic ecosystems, considering factors like water flow, sediment transport, and the biological communities present. Chemical status evaluates the concentration of specific pollutants.

The directive mandates a river basin management approach, meaning that management plans are developed for entire river basins, which often cross administrative boundaries. This integrated approach encourages cooperation between different authorities and stakeholders within a river basin. Member states are required to monitor their water bodies, identify pressures and impacts, and develop programs of measures to achieve the directive's objectives. The Water Framework Directive has significantly influenced water management policies across Europe, promoting a more holistic and environmentally focused approach to water resource protection.