Planning and Management of Lakes and Reservoirs: An Integrated Approach to Eutrophication


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<Planning and Management of Lakes and Reservoirs:
An Integrated Approach to Eutrophication>

CHAPTER 3. POLICY, INSTITUTIONAL, AND REGULATORY FRAMEWORK

3.4. Policies for Eutrophication Control

3.4.1. International Background

Again, the lessons learned from the most recent decades expressed through the recommendations and initiatives from recognized international meetings, constitute a convenient source of information and guidance. Thus, it is convenient to summarize at this point the main objectives, recommendations, and initiatives issued by various relevant international meetings devoted to environment and Water Resources Management in order to provide the reader with a good approach to the contents of a thorough policy framework for sound water management and eutrophication prevention, control, and remediation.

The main objective of water resources administration is to achieve a sustainable and rational full utilization, protection and conservation of freshwater based upon a dynamic, iterative, and multi-sector approach that integrates technological, socio-economic, environmental, and human health considerations.

Consequently, specific measures to prevent, control, and remediate eutrophication need to be properly planned or implemented within such a policy framework. If said framework is not explicitly stated by the existing legislative structure, then the planning should widen its scope to take into consideration possible interrelations with potential issues and actions that may take place when the lacking policies would come into effect.

Eutrophication management is closely related to objectives and policies dealing with prevention and control of environmental degradation caused by pollution and unsustainable use of natural resources. Reduction of pollution to maintain ecosystem integrity by means of effective prevention and control programs becomes, therefore, a major goal. Its achievement should be based on an appropriate mixture of strategies comprising pollution reduction-at-source, environmental impact assessments, and enforceable standards for major point-source discharges and high-risk non-point sources. Closely related to this objective is that of public health protection reducing illnesses attributable to contaminated water supplies by controlling disease vectors in aquatic environments.

To ensure the effectiveness of pollution prevention and control programs, they need to be supported by a proper institutional and legal framework and there must be adequate access to reliable information, trained human resources, and appropriate technologies. The proposed measures should be shared and consulted with environmentally aware stakeholders and the involved community and stimulated with adequate economic mechanisms. All these issues are addressed by the objectives and recommendations produced in almost all international water meetings dealing with water issues.

Thus, the development of adequate national and regional policies and plans for water resources protection and conservation is of paramount importance to frame actions towards eutrophication control. Worldwide recommended strategies comprise the development of integrated water management plans at watershed level, the use of appropriate incentives and regulatory measures for the prevention and control of environmental degradation, community involvement in management and conservation, comprehensive water and natural resources assessment and monitoring, and capacity building, among others. A brief review of main issues is given below.

Pollution Prevention and Reduction Programmes

Internationally recommended actions and initiatives strongly address the need to implement pollution prevention and reduction programs for the prevention and control of environmental degradation caused by pollution as well as for the protection of water resources, water quality, and aquatic ecosystems. Most of the policies, strategies, and initiatives included under this general heading are relevant to eutrophication management since point and non-point sources of contaminants are the main cause for excessive nutrient loading that trigger uncontrolled enrichment of aquatic ecosystems.

Thus pollution prevention and source reduction programs for agriculture, aquaculture, and industrial and urban activities need to be launched or improved, within the scope of national strategies. These should include actions to reduce risks to human health and the environment posed by pollution from chemicals and toxic substances that persist in the environment (Box 3.3).

Box 3.3 Plan of Action for the Sustainable Development of the Americas Santa Cruz de la Sierra, December 8, 1996 Water Resources and Coastal Areas

Initiatives for Action

Initiative 47 - Seek to establish, strengthen, and implement, where appropriate, specific programs, laws, and policies to protect public health by ensuring that drinking water is free from microorganisms, heavy metals, and chemical contaminants harmful to human health.

Initiative 48 - Implement in accordance with national laws and practice, integrated Water Resources Management actions using watersheds and river basins as planning units whenever possible. These actions should include surface water and groundwater assessments and the preparation of strategic plans for water resource management, as well as the use of water utility revenues under local control, where appropriate, to fund watershed protection and the work of river basin authorities.

Initiative 49 - Develop, strengthen, implement, and coordinate at the national or local level, as appropriate, water resources policies, laws, and regulations to ensure the protection and conservation of water resources.

Initiative 50 - Promote hemispheric cooperation at all levels, including through the use of existing transboundary agreements and initiatives, in the conservation, management, and sustainable use of water resources and biological diversity. This would include the exchange of information and experiences on issues related to inland watersheds, river basins, and sub-basins.

Initiative 51 - Improve access to appropriate and environmentally sound technologies, including through public-private cooperation and market mechanisms, and promote the transfer of information on policies and management strategies to accommodate the growing water resource demands resulting from rural, urban, agricultural, and industrial activities.

Initiative 52 - Cooperate, in accordance with national legislation and relevant international instruments, in the development and improvement of pollution prevention and source reduction programs for agriculture, aquaculture, and industrial and urban activities, and integrate these efforts into national strategies. These should include actions to reduce risks to human health and the environment posed by pollution from chemicals and toxic substances that persist in the environment.

Initiative 53 - Promote public participation in the planning and decision-making process related to water resources. Public participation could be enhanced through education and awareness programs in schools and local communities. Where appropriate, establish public-private partnerships to promote programs that encourage compliance with laws and the adoption of mitigation measures to address water resources issues.

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