The 4th European conference « EUROPE-INBO 2006 » on the implementation of the WFD

The implementation of the European Water Framework Directive (WFD) is now in an active and operational phase and the aim of INBO is to enable the Basin Organizations and District Authorities to regularly and informally meet in order to exchange their practical experiences, identify the encountered operational difficulties and make any useful proposal.

The Megeve conference will be organized around main and current topics on the Framework Directive implementation in the River Basin Districts in particular:
Compatibility between WFD and infrastructures (hydropower, protection against erosion and floods, inland waterways, etc.), Heavily Modified Water Bodies, Artificial Water Bodies,
The taking into account of quantitative problems (droughts, water sharing, water transfers and reservoirs, specificity of the Mediterranean climate, etc.),
Monitoring, monitoring networks and reporting, comparisons between water bodies and countries, inter-calibration,
Preparation of programs of measures and action plans, economic studies and financing, etc.
 
A special session will deal with the outcomes of the first public enquiry, which has just been completed.

As the conference is taking place in the Alps, special attention will be paid to the characteristics of hydrological and ecological regions and water bodies in European mountains, basin heads, and to the specific measures, that should be considered for them to achieve good ecological status in 2015.

There will be simultaneous translation into English and French.

Registration to the « EUROPE-INBO 2006 » conference is free of charge.

The meeting will also allow a report on the great success of the official session on the Framework Directive, organized by INBO during the 4th Water Forum of MEXICO CITY, which took place last March.

The meeting is open to all INBO member organizations and observers, and also to the water administrations and organizations, interested in the implementation of the Framework Directive, of the member and candidate countries of the European Union and of all the other countries of Eastern Europe, the Balkans and of the Mediterranean basin, in particular.

The meeting will be honored by the presence of Mrs. Nelly OLIN, French Minister for Ecology and Sustainable Development, who will close the debates and present the new French draft Law on water and aquatic environments, which is examined by the Parliament.

The «EUROPE-INBO 2006» conference itself will be organized simultaneously with an international scientific and technical seminar on « Water in mountains: for integrated management in upper basins » and a meeting of elected representatives of European mountainous areas, which will also take place in Megeve at the same dates.

Any useful information, programs and proposed papers will be continuously available on the website: www.inbo-news.org

Megeve is one of the most prestigious international and French ski and mountaineering resorts, located at the foot of Mont Blanc, in the Rhone - Mediterranean basin, and whose municipality is making huge efforts to protect the mountains water resources and ecosystems.

I remind you that the nationals of several countries will need an entry visa to the « European Schengen Area », and possibly an entry visa for Switzerland (if you arrive through the Geneva airport) which must be obtained before your departure from your country.

Your hotel booking at group discount price can be made for you by the Tourist Office of Megeve in the hotel where the participants of « EUROPE-INBO 2006 » are meeting.

Our French hosts will only take charge of the shuttles and local travels in the Megeve region, together with lunches and dinners, from Wednesday 20 September evening to Friday 22 September evening included.