Managing water for flood risk and the Water Framework Directive
The Water Framework Directive (WFD) is a European directive which aims to protect and improve the water environment. Flood & Coastal Erosion Risk Management (FCERM) can have a big impact both positive and negative on the water environment.
The WFD is implemented through River Basin Management Plans (RBMPs). These plans identify a series of mitigation measures (referred to here as environmental improvements) which need to be implemented to improve the ecology of water bodies by a specific deadline. This section of the RESTORE webpage explains what the WFD means to FCERM managers and provides case study examples of how to include the WFD in your day to day work.
The case studies will show you that implementing the WFD need not be complicated. Instead, we can deliver exciting integrated solutions to improve the environment for people and wildlife.

These case studies are aimed at FCERM managers and land drainage authorities, but will be of relevance to a wider audience interested in the sustainable management of rivers, estuaries and coasts. These case studies are mainly based in England & Wales, but will be relevant to most EU countries.