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| Freshwater publications |
Global Freshwater Issues
Freshwater policy in Europe - the EU Water Framework Directive
Freshwater Management in the UK
Global Freshwater Issues
Allocating scarce water
WWF-UK, April 2007
Globally, many freshwater ecosystems are suffering from massive over-abstraction. Which water allocation and rights systems can best secure environmental flows while meeting social needs? A WWF guide.
Free flowing rivers - Economic luxury or ecological necessity
WWF International, March 2006
The report shows that the ever-increasing loss of free-flowing rivers is a disturbing trend, threatening the supply of water for drinking, sanitation, agriculture and fisheries.
To dam or not to dam
WWF Global Freshwater Programme, November 2005
Five years on from the world commission on dams. WWF in association with the World Resources Institute, has published this report to help informed decision making by stakeholders and policy-makers involved in dam construction plans and projects.
Freshwater poverty reduction: serving people, saving nature
WWF International, August 2005
This report analyses projects in Brazil, Colombia, China and South Africa. It demonstrates dramatic improvements in the livelihoods of poor local communities where WWF supported conservation projects are in place.
Rivers at Risk
WWF Global Freshwater Programme and World Resources Institute, June 2004
Dams and the future of freshwater ecosystems, A publication to aid informed decision making in dam construction plans and projects
Economic values of Wetlands
Global Freshwater Programme, January 2004
This publication gives a comprehensive overview of the economic importance of wetlands and the need to preserve them.
Thirsty crops
WWF Global Freshwater Programme, October 2003
The world is facing a water crisis. It is estimated that over 2 billion people are affected by water shortages in over 40 countries, and the extensive withdrawal of water for agriculture from river, lakes and aquifers results in limited supplies for other human needs, such as drinking, washing,
cooking and sanitation. This report looks at the harmful ways cotton, rice, sugar and agriculture can affect the water crisis.
Running Pure
World Bank/WWF Alliance for Forest Conservation and Sustainable use, August 2003
This report represents an early attempt to develop wider arguments for protection, focusing on one narrow but important issue - the potential role of protected areas in helping to maintain water supply to major cities.
Managing water wisely
WWF Global Freshwater Programme, 2002
WWF is calling upon governments to develop and implement a global programme of integrated River Basin Management, with priority given to transboundary. This report looks at case studies and the guiding priciples for effective integrated river basin management.
Dams and Development - a call for follow-up action
WWF, February 2001
WWF welcomes the report of the World Commission on Dams - Dams and Development: A New Framework for Decision-Making - and congratulates the Commission for having produced a sound set of recommendations given the consensus nature of the Commission's findings. With the dissolution of the Commission, the onus is now on the Consultative Forum (which acted as an advisory group to the Commission) to identify and shape the actions that must be taken by the many interest groups involved in the dams issue.
This position statement sets out the actions that WWF believed the Consultative Forum should take at its meeting in Cape Town, South Africa on 25-27 February 2001 to follow up on the Commission's recommendations.
Download Dams and Development - a call for follow-up action as a PDF file.
WWF's response to the report of the World Commission on Dams
WWF, February 2001
The construction of dams, especially large dams, raged continuously throughout the 1990s without ever reaching a conclusion or consensus between the many interest groups. The task set the World Commission on Dams (WCD), which began its work in may 1998, was to conduct a rigorous, independent review of the development effectiveness of large dams and to assess alternatives for water resources and energy development. It was also charged with developing internationally acceptable criteria, guidelines and standards, where appropriate, for the planning, design, appraisal, construction, operation, monitoring and decommissioning of dams. After two years, the final report by the World Commission on Dams - Dams and Development: A New Framework for Decision-Making - was released in November 2000.
This document provides the starting point for WWF's response to the WCD report. It summarises the process that led to the establishment of the Commission, briefly reviews the WCD report, and considers whether it measures up to WWF's expectations. The document makes a series of recommendations for follow-up action by members of the WCD Consultation Forum, which effectively addresses all the interest groups involved in dams.
Download WWF's response to the report of the World Commission on Dams as a PDF file.
Freshwater policy in Europe - the EU Water Framework Directive
Disproportionate Cost legal Assessment
Matrix Law, June 2007
Independant legal advice to WWF on the key aspects of WFD implementation; how should disporportionate costs be understood.
Download here or read WWF's summary paper.
WFD Standards and Conditions Consultation response
April 2006
Major joint Wildlife and Countryside Link response to the consultation on Standards and Conditions for the Water Framework Directive.
Water and Wetland Index
WWF's Water and Wetland Index is a pan-European initiative assessing the state, pressures and management of key freshwater ecosystems (rivers, lakes, wetlands), as well as national policy action on freshwater issues. Visit the WWF water and wetlands website to download the report.
Water Framework Directive
This Practical Resource document is the result of three open, transparent and participatory seminars - comprising the 'Water Seminar Series' - which brought together hundreds of 'water stakeholders' to discuss existing approaches and tools for implementation of the European Union Water Framework Directive (WFD). Visit the WWF implementing the water framework directive website to download the report.
Freshwater Management in the UK
Blueprint for Water 2008:a year of opportunity
November 2007
Published by the Blueprint for Water coalition.
In November 2006, a coalition of leading environmental organisations, launched the Blueprint for Water, setting out 10 steps to sustainable water by 2015. The Blueprint called on the Government to act immediately to give our water a future. Progress in 2007 has been mixed, but 2008 offers a unique opportunity – and test – for us all to deliver this agenda.
Waste Not, Want Not: Water Tariffs for Sustainability
September 2007
Report to WWF-UK by Paul Herrington
There is a pressing need in the UK for tariff structures that encourage sustainability in the water sector and thus for the environment, while simultaneously addressing affordability.
Waste Not, Want Not: Water Tariffs for Sustainability
September 2007
Report summary.
The UK Natural Rivers Programme
WWF-UK, July 2007
Protecting and Restoring Freshwater in the UK
Download the report The UK Natural Rivers Programme as a PDF file.
Blueprint for water
An action plan to secure England's freshwater resources and environment, supported by an unprecedented coalition representing over 6 million people. Visit: www.blueprintforwater.org.uk
Dry Rot: Is England's countryside dying of thirst?
July 2006
A report looking at the impacts of droughts and water shortages on England's wildlife.
Policy briefing: Drought and water shortages
June 2006.
WWF position on how to reduce the risk of flooding through the use of sustainable flood management.
Soil Erosion in England Wales
June 2006
Discussion paper prepared for WWF on the ecological consequences of soil erosion and the policy options for dealing with the problem.
OFWAT Sustainability Duty Consultation response
May 2006
Joint response from WWF-UK, RSPB and Green Alliance to the Water Regulators consultation on their new sustainability duty.
DEFRA Consultation on River Basin Planning response
March 2006.
WWF-UK response to DEFRA's consultation on Water Framework Directive River Basin Planning.
Flooding and coastal defence
WWF and The Wildlife Trusts, 2002
WWF and The Wildlife Trusts believe that the impact of floods and storm events in the UK can be reduced if action is taken to protect and restore floodplains and coastal wetlands.
WWF and The Wildlife Trusts recommend that funding for flood management and coastal defence should focus on the following priorities for action:
- the overall framework for managing our river basins and coastal landscapes should be improved;
- planning guidance should protect floodplains from development;
- all new developments should incorporate Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS);
- wetland restoration should be given priority as a means of flood management in river basins;
- farmers and landowners should play a key role in flood management.
Download Flooding and coastal defence as a PDF file.
Response to the First Consultation Paper on the Implementation on the EC Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC) in England
Wildlife and Countryside Link, 2001
The Water Framework Directive is a critical piece of legislation for the management of our water. It provides a statutory framework that considers the entire water cycle on an ecological basis and enables an integrated approach to the sustainable management of water across the entire catchment.
The Directive provides major strategic opportunities to assist in the delivery of wetland habitats and species objectives (such as UK Biodiversity Action Plan targets), to protect our most important wetland sites (Ramsar sites, SPAs, SACs, SSSIs/ASSIs) and to enable the creation of new freshwater and coastal wetland sites.
The Directive will also benefit people. Implementation should lead to more rational water use and protection, reduced water treatment costs, increased amenity value of surface waters, and improved administrative coordination, all contributing to sustainable water use for the long term.
Although the implementation of the Directive will be a long and complex business, Wildlife and Countryside Link (a coalition of environmental voluntary organisations in the UK united by their common interest in the conservation and enjoyment of the natural and historic environment)
see the following key issues as of overriding importance throughout this process:
- transposition and implementation;
- participation and consultation; and,
- integration
Download Response to the First Consultation Paper on the Implementation on the EC Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC) in England as a PDF file.
Can we afford not to? The costs and the benefits of a partnership approach to the Water Framework Directive
WWF-UK, August 2005
A report examining the economic advantages of establishing catchment forums for implementing the Water Framework Directive.
River Devon project - slowing the flow
WWF Scotland, May 2005
The River Devon Project is a pioneering study to demonstrate best practices in sustainable flood management.
Consultation response: 'Water for Life and Livelihoods - A Strategy for River Basin Planning
WWF-UK, 28 April 2005
Letter responding to the Environment Agency's consultation document 'Water for life and livelihoods - a strategy for River Basin Planning'.
Flood risks in the former Grampain Region since Devolution
WWF March 2004
Insurance and climate expert compares the flooding strategies of councils in the North-east of Scotland and concludes that Moray Council's proposals for Elgin are out of line with current thinking on sustainable flood management.
Four Point Plan
Feb 2003
Guidance to livestock farmers and their advisors on low and no cost ways to improve nutrient use and reduce pollution.
Turning the tide on flooding
WWF Nov 2002
A report on the state of flood management in Scotland, using the River Clyde as a case study. |
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WWF-UK > Research > Issues > Freshwater > Reports
