New Alternative and Complementary Environmental Policy Instruments and the Implementation of the Water Framework Directive
Based on a study conducted for the Environment Agency for England and Wales,
we discuss the contribution that new alternative and complementary environmental
policy instruments might make to the realisation of the objectives of the EU’s Water
Framework Directive. Following a survey that identified nearly 100 examples where
alternative and complementary instruments are currently being applied in the UK, we
categorise such instruments as information-based approaches, private and voluntary
regulation or support and capacity building measures. Examples are given of each
category of instrument before further findings on the preconditions for the successful
application of such measures are presented. These preconditions relate to levels
of commitment from key groups, levels of stakeholder understanding, the role of the
lead actor, the importance of timing, the need to deliver a clear message, the importance
of enforcement, the role of the media and the importance of social capital in
key networks. We conclude that alternative and complementary measures have significant
potential to contribute to the realisation of the Water Framework Directive’s
objectives, but only where these preconditions are met.
Gouldson A, Lopez-Gunn E, Van Alstine J, Rees Y, Davies M, Krishnarayan V(2008), European Environment, 18, pp.359-370.