Preliminary conference announcement

On 31st January 2007, in Brussels Belgium, PIANC together with its partners in the Navigation Task Group on the Water Framework Directive will host a conference on the EU Water Framework Directive and the issues it raises for ports, navigation and dredging.  The conference will present an update on progress with WFD implementation, covering hydromorphology, priority substances, the setting of ecological targets (good ecological potential), legal aspects including the implications of the Directive for new development proposals, river basin planning, and sediment management. 
Invited speakers include representatives from relevant EC Directorates; an EU Water Director; and representatives of the competent authorities responsible for WFD implementation; as well as port and harbour operators and navigation Associations. 

As part of the conference, a trio of workshops will provide an opportunity to exchange experiences and explore in greater detail:

• the relationship between the WFD and the EU maritime strategy;
• river basin management planning and sediment management; and
  
• restoration and mitigation measures for hydromorphological impacts.