Specific factors exerting influence on the adoption and implementation of the policies addressing water quality

Transcription

1 Specific factors exerting influence on the adoption and implementation of the policies addressing water quality OECD Workshop 21th February 2018 Bror Christensen

2 Voluntary and regulatory approaches Implementation of water-related legislation imposes major changes in land use or restrictions in farming practices which can result in significant loss of income. Member States hence tend to favour a voluntary approach. The dividing line between the stick and the carrot is set by the Polluter Pays-Principle by the introduction of reference levels: Reference level: 2 / Ministry of Environment and Food of Denmark / Titel på præsentation Appropriate to pay farmers Farmers bear compliance costs OECD: Measurable levels of environmental quality that should be achieved at the farmer s own expense. Reference levels can be expressed as environmental outcomes, farming practices, or emission levels. Additional measures under the WFD Good agricultural practices (Measures under the Nitrates Directive) According to EU s Rural Development Policy

3 Voluntary, subsidised initiatives and ND-regulation in Denmark RDPsupport Reference level: Nitrates Directive NO support Establishment of wetlands Establishment of mini-wetlands Afforestation (new forests) Set-aside of farmland on organogenic soils in river valleys (Organic farming) Appropriate to pay farmers Additional measures under the WFD Farmers bear compliance costs Measures under the Nitrates Directive Land use management through the fertilizer accounting system. Obligation to prepare fertilizer accounts in the fertilizer accounting system. Farms may not apply more nitrogen for fertilizer purposes than the Fertilizer quota calculated for the farm (the economic optimal rate). 240,000 ha mandatory catch crops Individual additional catch crops requirement for certain holdings A maximum of 170 kg N per hectare per planning period of manure. Application of liquid manure may only be carried out by means of trailing hoses, trailing foot/shoe applicators or by injection. Application of fertilizers must be carried out using a technique that ensures uniformity of spreading. Period when liquid livestock manure shall not be applied. Ban on applying fertilizers to sloping areas within a certain distance to surface waters. Ban on applying fertilizers to soil that is water-saturated, flooded, frozen or snow-covered. Ban on applying fertilizers in a way that could risk surface loss to water courses. Requirements for the design of stables, stalls and other facilities for animals to insure that groundwater and surface water is not polluted. Requirements to the capacity of storage facilities for livestock manure. Requirements for storage of fertilizers. Requirements for the material used for construction of storage containers. Requirements to the frequency of emptying and maintaining of the facilities for storage of livestock manure. Farmers need permission for water intake for irrigation. Permissions are issued for a limited period. 3 / Ministry of Environment and Food of Denmark / Titel på præsentation

4 Can we combine the punitive measure of the Nitrates Directive with the voluntary approach under the CAP? Would call for a new approach to the steep division between the two measures. Neither tightening regulation nor adding funding to existing CAPschemes is likely to get the job done. A more combined approach? 4 / Ministry of Environment and Food of Denmark / Titel på præsentation

5 A more catchment based approach? Can talking together Lead to results? 5 / Ministry of Environment and Food of Denmark / Titel på præsentation

6 A more catchment based approach - Challenge Challenges Getting people to the table o Local ownership (peer pressure) o Strong leadership (by the state?) o Purpose ( What's in it for me ) o Trust ( believing the prerequisites ) o Knowledge and planning tools o Funding (+incentive payment?) Ensuring effect o Ensuring uptake of measures o Ensuring effect of measures o Fall back mechanism? 6 / Ministry of Environment and Food of Denmark / Titel på præsentation

7 Thank you! OECD Workshop 21th February 2018 Bror Christensen